Highland Cattle Market

· Highland Cattle Market Staff

Buying Highland Cattle Out of State: Transport and Paperwork

What you need to move Highland cattle across state lines: health certificates, testing, registration transfers and transport tips.

Highland cattle registration certificate and pedigree held in front of the animal

The right Highland isn't always in your state. Buying from farther away is common, but moving cattle across state lines comes with paperwork that needs to be sorted before the trailer leaves. Here's what to expect.

Health certificate (CVI)

Cattle crossing state lines generally need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, often called a CVI or health certificate. It's issued by an accredited veterinarian who examines the animal shortly before travel. CVIs are only valid for a limited time, so schedule the vet visit close to your pickup date.

Check the destination state's rules

Every state sets its own import requirements, and they change from time to time. Depending on the state, the animal's age and its sex, you may need specific tests, official identification such as an ear tag, or a permit number on the CVI. Bulls may need a negative trichomoniasis test in some states. Some western states also require a brand inspection.

The fastest way to get the current rules is to call the state veterinarian's office in the state where the animal is going, or ask the vet who is writing the CVI.

Registration transfer

If the animal is registered, confirm before you pay that the seller will transfer the papers into your name, and ask which registry they're with. Get a copy of the registration certificate and pedigree up front. Our registries explained guide covers AHCA, HHCA and the Highland Cattle Society.

Bill of sale

Always get a signed bill of sale that lists the animal's identification, the price, and the terms you agreed, including any deposit and when ownership transfers.

Transport options

  • Haul it yourself if you have a stock trailer with enough room for horns.
  • Hire a livestock hauler. Look for one with experience moving horned cattle, and ask how often the animals are checked and watered on long trips.
  • Ask the seller. Many breeders offer delivery for an extra fee or know reliable haulers.

When the animal arrives

Give a new Highland a quiet pen, water, hay and time to settle before turning it out with your other cattle. Many owners keep new arrivals separate for a few weeks to watch for any signs of illness.

Our buying guide has a full pre-purchase checklist. When you're ready, browse Highland cattle for sale. Every listing shows where the animal is located.

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Related reading

Buying with confidence

Every listing on Highland Cattle Market follows the same standards before it goes live.

Registry papers checked

We confirm registration and pedigree documentation before any animal goes live on the site.

Health & genetics disclosed

Known health records and genetic considerations, including frame-size testing status, are stated up front.

Independent vet check encouraged

We recommend every buyer arrange their own pre-purchase veterinary check before finalizing a sale.

Signed bill of sale

Every transaction includes a signed bill of sale documenting the animal, price, and terms.

Documentation you should expect

Depending on the animal and where it's going, a Highland cattle sale typically involves some combination of the following. Ask your seller which ones apply to your purchase.

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also called a health certificate, issued by an accredited veterinarian for animals crossing state lines.
  • Registry transfer paperwork for the animal's registry (AHCA, HHCA, or Highland Cattle Society), where applicable.
  • A signed bill of sale documenting the animal, agreed price, and terms.
  • State brand inspection certificate, where the animal's home state requires one before sale or transport.
  • For international imports only: an import permit and entry health certificate. Most domestic sales do not require this.