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Livestock (Animal) Bill of Sale Form

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The livestock (animal) bill of sale form is a valuable contract that can be implemented during the sale of farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, etc. The seller and buyer will come together and list the specific facts pertaining to the sale within the document, creating an account of what transpired. Once both parties come to an agreement on the terms of the sale, they will then complete and sign the form validating that a transfer of goods has occurred.

How to Sell Livestock in a Private Sale

Livestock is considered personal property and his handled much like the sale of any other asset. The seller advertises the livestock for sale and hopefully is approached by an interested party looking to purchase the animals. The advantage of selling in a private sale is the fact that you do not have to pay a percentage of the profit to a third party. Listed below are the measures that should be taken when looking to sell your livestock.

Step 1 – Calculating Price

How much is/are the animal(s) worth? This is a vital question to answer before you market your livestock to the community. Get a feel for the regional market by perusing local ads of similar animals and inquiring with other livestock owners. Once you have a general idea of the price range, think about starting high if you don’t mind holding onto the animal(s) until you get a substantial bidder. If you are in a rush, you may want to price the animal(s) on the low end of the average selling range. Some factors that affect the price include:

  • Type of Animal
  • Age
  • Breed
  • Weight
  • Class
  • Sex
  • Health Status
  • Overall Purpose

Step 2 – Advertising your Livestock for Sale

In order to reach potential buyers, you must somehow notify the public that you have animals for sale. Advertising online seems to be the best option when it comes to selling your property, and livestock is no exception. Luckily, there are several reputable websites that are specifically designed for the sale/purchase of livestock. The top ones being:

Here, you may create a post containing a description, listing price, and photos of the animal(s) that can be seen by all local visitors surfing the website. Be sure to respond to any messages received through the website pertaining to the livestock for sale.

Step 3 – Preparing the Animal(s) for Sale

In anticipation of meeting with a prospective customer, you should prepare the animal(s) for sale. Depending on the type of livestock, certain animals should be groomed and prepped before showing. Also, gather any paperwork related to the animal(s) being sold, such as registration papers, medical records, and 2 copies of the bill of sale. If applicable, collect any equipment that you would like to include within the sale of the livestock.

Step 4 – Executing the Transaction

Hopefully, if your livestock is advertised well and priced accordingly, you will receive a request from a possible buyer wanting to see the animal(s) in person. Designate a safe time and place to show your livestock to the interested party. When they arrive, indicate which animal(s) is/are for sale and clarify any questions or concerns they might have. If they are content with the condition of the animal(s), they will probably present you with an offer. A lot of times a buyer will try to get a reduction on the listed price, it is your decision whether or not you accept or decline the bid. Once both parties have settled on a price, they will have to discuss how the exchange will occur. As a seller, the best payment options would include:

  • Cash
  • Certified or Cashier’s Check (meeting the purchaser at his or her bank to cash the check is considered a good measure to ensure its authenticity)
  • A reputable online payment service, such as PayPal.

Once the payment has been made, each party should receive a copy of the bill of sale and the seller shall release their rights of ownership to the buyer (it is considered common courtesy to help the buyer prepare the animal(s) for transport).

How to Write a Livestock Bill of Sale

Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word (.docx).

Step 2 – Identifying the Buyer & Seller – Both sides taking part in the exchange must provide the following personal details within their designated section:

  • Printed Name
  • Address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip

Step 3 – Sale Information – Below the first section is a brief paragraph that requires users to insert specific data regarding the sale within the indicated spaces. Enter the data listed below in the following order:

  • Date of Sale/Purchase (day, month, year)
  • Purchase Price (numerically, in U.S. Dollars)

Step 4 – Livestock Inventory – Create a full list of the livestock being sold by entering the specifications of each animal included within the sale. These specifications would include:

  • No. Head (number of animals being sold within an individual class)
  • Class
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Weight
  • Brands, Marks, & Description (identify any brands or marks that may be present on the animal(s) and include an additional description if necessary)

Step 5 – Signing the Agreement – The individuals involved in the exchange should carry out the following actions in order to conclude the document:

  • The seller must provide their signature and date on the proper lines.
  • The buyer must provide their signature and date on the proper lines.