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The global trade of live animals plays a significant role in agriculture, food production, and breeding industries. Understanding live export from the US helps businesses make better decisions that benefit their operations and the economy. This article explores general recommendations on how to ship live animals to other countries, regulations, and statistics on livestock exports from the US.
Atlantic Project Cargo will help you with live exporting and importing. We provide reliable and safe livestock delivery following all regulations and laws.
Live animal transport is a complex process that requires careful planning to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals throughout their journey. Let’s explore livestock logistics, covering transport methods, associated costs, and the differences between domestic and international animal shipping.
The mode of transportation for live animals — by land, sea, or air — dictates the specific requirements for their safe delivery.
The expenses associated with shipping live animals vary based on several factors:
Moving animals domestically differs from international exportation in several key aspects:
The documents you need for live exporting depend on the destination, animal species, purpose of export, and mode of transport (air, sea, or land).
To check specific requirements, visit the International Regulations (IRegs) for Animal Exports website, select your destination from the drop-down menu, and find the necessary health certificates for your animal.
A licensed veterinarian in your state must complete and sign all required health documents. In most cases, they must also be accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unless stated otherwise on the APHIS website. Inform your veterinarian early about your plans, as their role is essential in meeting the live export requirements.
Additionally, you should contact your transport carrier to find out if they have any extra documentation requirements.
At Atlantic Project Cargo you do not need to worry about paperwork. We provide comprehensive services, including consultations, collection of all necessary documents, and constant support throughout the transportation process.
Contact your local APHIS endorsement office if you can not complete the required testing, treatment, or paperwork. They may suggest alternative solutions. However, if the destination country has strict rules, they might not allow your animal to be exported.
The export timeline varies by country and can take a few weeks to several months. Some countries require quarantine or isolation periods before entry, adding weeks or even months to the process.
If your animals meet the destination country’s requirements, your veterinarian will issue a health certificate, which APHIS must then endorse.
Contact your veterinarian to ensure you get the correct, properly completed export health certificate. If they are unsure about which certificate to use, they should contact the local APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office.
Important Reminder: Providing false information on a health certificate is a serious offense. Anyone who submits or knowingly uses a fraudulent document may face fines up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both (18 U.S.C. 1001).
Remember that each country has its entry requirements for animals from the US. Some countries require a specific health certificate they have developed. You can find the rules on the International Regulations (IRegs) website. Since health requirements can change at any time, always check the latest regulations on IRegs before exporting your animal.
The final step is a federal endorsement, where APHIS Veterinary Services officials verify that your animal meets the destination country’s requirements. Many countries require this endorsement before departure.
Steps to get your health certificate endorsed:
Fees vary depending on the number of animals and required tests. This table lists user fees for endorsing export certificates.
Let’s look at the statistics of the US livestock exports and the top countries and animals they export.
This data provides export value and countries where the US transported livestock to.
The following countries made the largest exports of horses in the world:
The top 5 exporters of sheep in the world were:
The top 5 exporters of live bovine animals were:
According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Panama’s exports of livestock to Colombia were $6 thousand in 2021.
Live animal export is a crucial component of international trade, with the US and several other nations actively participating in this growing sector. As global demand for livestock fluctuates, exporters must stay informed about trade policies, health regulations, and market trends.
