You’ve spent months training, prepping your tack, checking the trailer, and making sure every last detail is ready for show day. But before you load up and hit the road, there’s one thing that can halt your travel plans fast: missing or incorrect health paperwork.
Whether you’re headed to a local schooling show or traveling across state lines for a national competition, a current health certificate is just as important as clean boots and a polished saddle. It’s not just about meeting requirements. It’s about keeping your horse, and every horse they encounter, safe and healthy.
Let’s walk through exactly what you need to know to stay organized and stress-free before your next equine adventure.
What Is a Health Certificate for Horses?
A health certificate, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), is a document that a licensed veterinarian completes for a horse. It verifies that your horse has been examined and appears healthy, with no signs of contagious diseases.
This certificate is typically required for:
- Interstate horse travel
- Horse shows and events
- Sales or change of ownership
- Entering boarding facilities or training barns
It’s easy to confuse this document with a Coggins test, but they serve different purposes. While a health certificate confirms your horse appears clinically healthy, the Coggins test screens for equine infectious anemia (EIA), a serious, contagious disease with no cure.
When and Why You Need a Health Certificate
Every state has its own horse travel requirements, but most require a CVI issued within 30 days (sometimes less) of your planned travel date. Many show organizers also require a current certificate even if you’re not crossing state lines. The same goes for sales, auctions, and trail rides with large groups of horses.
Why is this so important? Because horses can carry infectious diseases that may not show obvious symptoms right away. Health certificates help ensure that traveling horses are healthy and not spreading illness to others.
You should always check the event’s entry requirements and the destination state’s rules well in advance. Our veterinary team can help confirm what documentation is needed based on your travel plans.
What to Expect During the Vet Exam
When you schedule your horse’s veterinarian health exam for travel, the visit will include:
- A full physical exam (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate)
- Checking for signs of respiratory illness, skin conditions, or lameness
- Reviewing your horse’s vaccination records
- Confirming a current negative Coggins test
- Recording identifying information: age, breed, color, markings, microchip (if applicable)
Once the exam is complete and everything checks out, your vet will issue the equine health certificate often electronically (called an eCVI), which is convenient if you’re traveling frequently.
Tip: Health certificates are usually only valid for 30 days, so time your appointment carefully based on your travel date.
Additional Paperwork You May Need
While the CVI is the star of the show, it’s rarely the only document you’ll need. Keep these other forms handy:
1. Coggins Test (EIA Test)
This is a blood test required for interstate travel and nearly all organized equine events. Most facilities require proof of a negative Coggins within 12 months, although some high-level competitions may want it within 6 months. Always keep a copy with your travel gear.
2. Vaccination Records
Many shows, especially those sanctioned by USEF or AQHA require documentation for equine influenza and equine herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4). The vaccine window is often within 6 months but must be administered at least 7 days before arrival.
3. Proof of Ownership or Travel Info
While not always required, it’s helpful to have a bill of sale or proof of ownership along with your travel plans (address of the destination, date of arrival, etc.), as some CVIs require this information.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Appointment
A little prep goes a long way when it comes to your horse health documentation. Here are a few ways to make your appointment go smoothly:
- Schedule early. Don’t wait until the week of travel. Your vet’s calendar can book up fast, especially during show season.
- Bring current records. Include vaccination history, microchip information, and a copy of your most recent Coggins test.
- Know your destination’s requirements. Some states have stricter rules or require additional testing.
- Keep digital and printed copies. You never know when you’ll need a backup especially if you’re traveling through poor signal areas.
If you’re preparing for a long trip, consider browsing your veterinary clinic’s online store for helpful travel items like:
- Electrolytes
- Joint supplements
- Calming chews or pastes
- Fly sprays and insect control
- Hoof conditioners
These extras can make a big difference in your horse’s comfort on the road and at the showgrounds.
Stay Prepared for the Road Ahead
Your horse is more than a competition partner. They’re a trusted teammate. Making sure they’re healthy and properly documented protects them, your fellow competitors, and the broader equine community.
Before your next event, make time to schedule a veterinary health exam for your horse. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent delays and ensure peace of mind.
Need travel papers for an upcoming show? Contact Art & Science Veterinary Services at (940) 287-3004 to schedule your horse’s health certificate and Coggins test. The earlier you plan, the smoother your ride will be.
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