Pennsylvania Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale Overview
Pennsylvania regulates livestock through the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services. Pennsylvania has a large equine population including Thoroughbred racing, competitive equestrian sports, and significant Amish and Mennonite farming communities that rely heavily on horses for transportation and farm work. The state requires Coggins testing for equine transactions. A written bill of sale is standard practice for all livestock sales.
6%
Sales tax
No
Brand inspection
Required
Health certificate
Required
Coggins test
Pennsylvania Livestock Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know for a smooth horse or livestock transaction in Pennsylvania:
Important: Pennsylvania Health Documentation
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Horse Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Pennsylvania horse or livestock bill of sale.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, farm or ranch name (if applicable), Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Brand Inspection Requirements
Pennsylvania does not have a brand inspection program or state brand board. Livestock identification relies on breed registration papers, Coggins certificates, and standard documentation methods. Pennsylvania's Amish and Mennonite communities, which are major participants in the horse market, rely heavily on bills of sale and veterinary documentation for horse ownership records.
Pennsylvania Health & Veterinary Requirements
Pennsylvania requires a negative Coggins test within 12 months for equine change of ownership, shows, sales, and events. Interstate imports require a CVI issued within 30 days and negative Coggins. Pennsylvania requires import permits for livestock entering the state. The state has specific cattle requirements including tuberculosis testing and monitors for avian influenza in its large poultry industry. Pennsylvania veterinary diagnostic labs provide comprehensive testing services.
Pennsylvania Livestock Fees & Taxes
Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a horse or livestock transaction in Pennsylvania:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coggins Test | $25 - $50 |
| Health Certificate (CVI) | $30 - $70 |
| State Sales Tax | 6% (horse feed and supplies may be exempt) |
| Import Permit | No fee |
| Brand Inspection | Not required |
Sample Pennsylvania Horse Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Pennsylvania-specific horse bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required for Pennsylvania livestock transactions.
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
HORSE / LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE
Equine & Livestock Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Pennsylvania Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Pennsylvania Address]
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION
Species: [Species] Breed: [Breed]
Registered Name: [Name]
Reg. #: [Number] Sex: [Sex]
Coggins Date: [Date] Result: [Negative]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Pennsylvania Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Pennsylvania horse and livestock bills of sale, health requirements, and transfer regulations.
Official Pennsylvania Resources
Use these official state resources to verify requirements, check import regulations, and access government information for your Pennsylvania livestock transaction.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Livestock regulations and agricultural services
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Pennsylvania? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Pennsylvania Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, and SUVs
Pennsylvania Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Pennsylvania Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Pennsylvania Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Pennsylvania General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Pennsylvania ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Pennsylvania Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Pennsylvania Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Pennsylvania-compliant document in minutes. Includes Coggins test and health certificate fields.
No account required. Free to create and preview.