Louisiana Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale Overview
Louisiana regulates livestock transactions through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The state has active livestock health regulations with strict Coggins testing enforcement. Louisiana law requires a current negative Coggins test for all equine sales, and the state's warm, humid climate makes EIA prevention a priority. Louisiana has a notable bill of sale tradition rooted in its unique civil law legal system (derived from French/Spanish law rather than English common law).
4.45%
Sales tax
No
Brand inspection
Required
Health certificate
Required
Coggins test
Louisiana Livestock Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know for a smooth horse or livestock transaction in Louisiana:
Important: Louisiana Health Documentation
Louisiana requires a current negative Coggins test for all equine change of ownership. Ensure your Coggins test is within the required timeframe before completing the sale. For interstate transport, both a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and negative Coggins are required.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Bill of Sale: Complete bill of sale with animal description, sale price, and both parties' information
- Current Negative Coggins: EIA test within 12 months performed by an accredited veterinarian
- Registration Papers: Signed transfer section on breed registration certificate (if registered)
- Health Records: Vaccination history, deworming schedule, and veterinary records
- Disclosure of Known Issues: Any known health problems, lameness, vices, or behavioral issues
What the Buyer Should Obtain
- Signed Bill of Sale: Original copy with both signatures
- Coggins Test Certificate: Copy of the current negative Coggins report
- Registration Certificate: With signed transfer (if registered animal)
- Health Certificate: If transporting across state lines, CVI within 30 days
How to Fill Out a Louisiana Horse Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Louisiana horse or livestock bill of sale.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, farm or ranch name (if applicable), Louisiana mailing address, phone number, and email. If the seller is a licensed dealer or breeder, include the license or business registration number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, farm or ranch name, Louisiana address, phone number, and email. The buyer's location determines which local tax rates apply to the transaction.
Describe the Animal
Provide a detailed description: species (horse, cattle, goat, etc.), breed, registered name and number (if applicable), sex, age or date of birth, color, height (in hands for horses), weight, and all identifying markings, brands, tattoos, or microchip numbers.
Document Health Status
Record the Coggins test date and result (for equines), health certificate number and date, vaccination history, and deworming schedule. Attach copies of all health documentation to the bill of sale.
State Sale Price and Terms
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method and any installment terms. State whether the sale is as-is or includes warranties (soundness, breeding, vice-free, etc.). Disclose any known health issues or behavioral concerns.
Sign and Complete Documentation
Both buyer and seller sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Transfer breed registration papers by signing the transfer section. Ensure Coggins and health certificates are current. Complete any required brand inspections before transport.
Louisiana Brand Inspection Requirements
Louisiana does not require brand inspections and does not maintain a state brand board. Livestock ownership is documented through bills of sale, registration papers, and other written records. Louisiana's unique civil law legal system places particular importance on written documentation of ownership transfers, making a comprehensive bill of sale especially important in this state.
Louisiana Health & Veterinary Requirements
Louisiana has strict Coggins testing requirements due to the state's warm climate and heavy mosquito population, which increases EIA transmission risk. A negative Coggins within 12 months is required for all equine change of ownership, shows, and events. Many Louisiana facilities require 6-month testing. Interstate imports require a CVI within 30 days and negative Coggins. Louisiana requires entry permits for livestock and has specific requirements for cattle including brucellosis and tuberculosis testing.
Louisiana Livestock Fees & Taxes
Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a horse or livestock transaction in Louisiana:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coggins Test | $20 - $45 |
| Health Certificate (CVI) | $25 - $65 |
| State Sales Tax | 4.45% (plus local parish taxes) |
| Entry Permit | No fee |
| Brand Inspection | Not required |
Sample Louisiana Horse Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Louisiana-specific horse bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required for Louisiana livestock transactions.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
HORSE / LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE
Equine & Livestock Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION
Species: [Species] Breed: [Breed]
Registered Name: [Name]
Reg. #: [Number] Sex: [Sex]
Coggins Date: [Date] Result: [Negative]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Louisiana Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Louisiana horse and livestock bills of sale, health requirements, and transfer regulations.
Official Louisiana Resources
Use these official state resources to verify requirements, check import regulations, and access government information for your Louisiana livestock transaction.
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Livestock regulations and agricultural services
Louisiana State Veterinarian
Animal health, Coggins testing, and import requirements
USDA APHIS — Veterinary Services
Federal animal health regulations and accredited veterinarians
USDA — Interstate Livestock Movement
Federal requirements for transporting livestock across state lines
Other Louisiana Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Louisiana? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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Louisiana ATV Bill of Sale
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Create Your Louisiana Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Louisiana-compliant document in minutes. Includes Coggins test and health certificate fields.
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