Importance of Equine Health Certificates
Export documents are required for any horse crossing an international border, and for any horse being exported to another state or country. Your horse's health must be documented.
A Certificate of Veterinarian Inspections is required to help reduce disease spread from one area 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.
Requirements for health certificates depend on the state, and our Sturgis veterinary practice regularly reviews shipping requirements for equids.
Acquiring a Health Certificate for Your Horse
To obtain a horse health certificate from Sturgis Veterinary Hospital & Equine Center, your horse will need a current, negative Coggins test. We can perform this test during your appointment, or we can accept a Coggins test from your previous veterinarian.
For international health certificates, please provide the port of crossing, as this information is required for completion of the documents.
Health Certificates Validity Period
Coggins test requirements vary by state. Many states accept a negative Coggins test performed within the past 12 months, while others require a test completed within the past 6 months. Be sure to check the requirements for your destination.
Health certificates, however, are typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Because these timelines can vary depending on where you’re traveling, planning ahead is important. Contact our veterinarians to discuss your travel plans so we can help you determine the correct timing for your horse’s travel documentation.