Health Certificates For Horses
Export documents are required for any horse crossing an international border, and for any horse being exported to another state.
A Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection is required to help reduce disease spread between areas and from one horse to another. An inspection for illness by your veterinarian may identify obvious or even subtle signs of disease that may not have otherwise been known.
The requirements for health certificates vary by state, and our veterinary practice reviews shipping requirements for all species regularly. There are interstate and international health certificates, passports, and brand inspections available.
Acquiring Your Horses Health Certificates
A current, negative Coggins test and a brand inspection are required to obtain a health certificate from Sound Equine Veterinary Hospital. We can perform this at your horse's appointment, or we can accept a Coggins from your previous veterinarian.
Our vets are certified brand inspectors. We can do one-way, annual, or lifetime brands. You must have proof of ownership at the time of the appointment for any brand inspections.
Valid proof of ownership includes a bill of sale or registration with both the owner’s and the horse’s names on it.
The port of crossing is required information for international health certificates.
How Long Are Health Certificates Valid?
Unlike the Coggins test, which must be completed within 12 months of travel (six months for international), most horse's health certificates are only valid for 30 days.
This is why, when you are planning to travel with or ship your horse, organization and preparation are very important.