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Requirements for Traveling Out of State with Your Horse

If you’re planning on traveling out of state or out of the country with your horse, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed the necessary documents required to cross borders with an equine. Traveling without this paperwork could cause delays so it’s best to be prepared in case you’re asked to produce them. 

For interstate travel, you’ll need to have a current, negative Coggins test. A Coggins confirms whether your horse has been exposed to Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). A horse that tests positive for this virus may be infected or be an active carrier. A positive-testing horse must be quarantined for life or euthanized. These measures are in place to rid the disease from the horse population. Therefore, every state has specific regulations concerning Coggins tests which govern the traffic of horses crossing borders. 

Since it’s up to each state to regulate the transport of livestock, some states require that you have a Coggins test dated within the previous twelve months. Others require one dated within the past six months. So, if you’re heading out of state and you’re not sure what the destination state requires, check with your veterinarian beforehand. He or she can most likely advise you of what the requirements are or point you in the right direction to find out. 

Another document you’ll need for interstate travel is a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Prior to your trip, you’ll need to have your horse examined by a vet. The vet then completes this health certificate, which basically states that the horse is free of contagious disease. The timeline for CVIs varies from state to state. Some require a thirty day timeline while others require it within ten days. Once again, check with your vet to be sure.  

If your travel plans include hauling your horse to Canada, you’ll need to bring along a specialized international health certificate. This certificate needs to be completed by your veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Canadian provinces, just like the states here in the US, have their own transportation department with their own set of regulations. 

Interstate travel requires specific documentation regarding the health of your horse. Take time to have this paperwork in order before you head out on your trip.