Long-distance animal transportation can be quite stressful for you and your livestock, but there are a few things you can do to make your animals feel more comfortable and secure.

1. Only Transport When Necessary: You should only transport cattle when necessary. Otherwise, avoid moving them. If it's necessary, though, you have to make sure you understand all the specific needs of the many kinds of animals you work with. Remember that moving hurt animals can be very difficult, if not impossible. Never turn your back against injured or scared animals. Instead, love and care for them, especially while loading. Stay away from sneaking up on your animals, and be mindful of their quarters.
2. Take Care of Loading: You should load your animals as gently and silently as possible. This will also reduce the likelihood of stress and injury. Additionally, when they perceive a threat, even calm creatures can turn hostile. Hence, there is a better time to rush or push your animals. Rather, ensure that you treat them with love and kindness. It may take an animal that is anxious 30 minutes or longer to calm down, so if you are in a hurry, it is best to take your time and prevent needless delays. Keep in mind that if you frighten an animal, the others will probably follow.
3. Invest in the Right Haulier: If you have decided to go for a forklift hire for transportation, make sure it's a reputable company who have enough expertise in the same process. Find out from the haulier what knowledge they have regarding the requirements for travelling with your animals. Before you load your animals, make sure the trailer has been power-washed and sanitised to guarantee biosecurity. Stressful trailer transportation can quickly result in illness.
4. Pack Snacks: Make sure you have enough hay for all the animals on your checklist for travel, as well as enough for a few days at the destination. Additionally, provide hay for all animals to munch on while travelling. While travelling, this will support intestinal movement and aid in reducing stress. Unless feeding grain has been a regular component of the animal's daily ration, most animals don't need grain or concentrate feed when travelling. In that case, try not to deviate from the regular practice.
5. Think About Climatic Conditions: The influence of weather is one of the major factors in animal transportation. Attempting to relocate animals during bad weather will not yield positive outcomes. If you're unsure, check the Livestock Weather Safety Index and keep a watch on the water. If you have to transport your animals during the hot weather, relocate them in the morning or the evening when it's the coolest. Before you go, ensure sure you have enough ventilation and have given the animals food and drink. It's also beneficial to sprinkle water right before loading on animals such as pigs.
6. Arrange Your Documents: Before you get the transport truck going, make sure you have all your documents with you. All animals need an interstate health certificate to traverse state lines, and horses require a current negative Coggins test. Additionally, goats and sheep require a permanent identification system, like a Scrapie tag or ear tattoo. Within 30 days before departure, numerous health paperwork must be filled out, and certain animals must have all of their immunisations, including rabies, up to date. Talk through the paperwork with your veterinarian in advance, as state regulations may vary. To find out the most recent travel restrictions and to find out about any health concerns or outbreaks in your new location, it's also a good idea to contact the veterinary clinic in the state you plan to relocate to.