What Is a Horse Health Certificate?

When it comes to enrolling in a new school or traveling abroad, many of us are required to present vaccination certificates or other health documents. Most recently we experienced this when we were required to present a proof of vaccine or negative test to enter a public venue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similar protocols may be required for horses when they travel, and this is when a horse health certificate may be needed.

What Is a Health Certificate for Horses?

An equine health certificate, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), is a legal document stating that your horse has been examined by a veterinarian within the last 30 days and has no obvious signs of clinical disease.

Certificates help prevent the spread of diseases and other highly contagious conditions between horses. When your veterinarian performs a physical exam and checks your horse’s temperature and gums, they are evaluating for any outward clinical signs of infectious or contagious diseases.

If there are any concerning symptoms or your horse has a fever, your horse may not be healthy enough to travel or could be considered a risk for spreading disease.

Information shown on a horse health certificate includes:

• Current status of the horse’s residence

• Inspection date and veterinarian signature

• Accreditation of the veterinarian performing the exam

• Description of the horse’s physical appearance

• Results of the exam, including any remarks from the veterinarian

Situations where you may need a horse health certificate include:

• Interstate travel

• International travel

• Some shows, competitions, and boarding facilities also require a health certificate, proof of vaccinations, and a negative Coggins test

Why Are Horse Health Certificates Important?

Horse health certificates help minimize the spread of disease by stopping a horse from traveling before they intend to do so. If a horse has a fever or any symptoms of an illness, your horse may not be healthy enough to travel, especially to an area where many horses will be near each other.  

Shows, competitions, and barns have a higher risk of contagious spread due to a large number of horses confined to a small area. These horses may experience stress due to competition or travel, which can weaken their immune systems.

A simple physical exam from an equine vet can check for any clinical signs of illness, and it helps avoid the spread of many important diseases such as:

• Equine infectious anemia

• Strangles

• Vesicular stomatitis

• Herpesvirus

• Equine influenza

How Do You Get a Health Certificate for Horses?

A health certificate must be written and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Before a health certificate can be written, a negative Coggins test must be on file that determines  your horse is not a carrier for equine infectious anemia. Any horse that is a carrier for EIA cannot be issued a health certificate.

Your veterinarian will then perform a physical examination, focusing on your horse’s:

• Gums and teeth

• Temperature

• Mental status: if your horse is lethargic, it could be a sign of illness

• Heart

• Lungs

These tests may be performed on the same day, but the certificate of veterinary inspection cannot be written until the Coggins test comes back negative.

The horse health certificate must generally be signed within 10 days of the physical exam, although there can be exceptions to this depending on your veterinarian’s accreditation status and state legislation.

If your horse shows any symptoms of being ill, your veterinarian may recommend a further workup or will not verify your horse is fit to travel.

If you know your horse is going to be traveling soon, it’s always best to schedule their Coggins testing as soon as possible if their records are not up to date, to avoid any lab delays or other incidents.

Once the negative Coggins test results have been received and your horse passes the physical examination, your veterinarian can write and sign the health certificate.

If you are traveling with multiple horses, they can be put on a “batch” CVI, but each horse must have an individual examination.

Prepping for a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection

To help expedite the process and make it as smooth as possible, it’s helpful to have all your travel information gathered for your veterinarian before the appointment.

The following information will be required for your veterinarian to fill out a horse health certificate:

• Owner information

• Address of origin, if not owner’s property

• Address and phone number for final destination

• Negative Coggins test information—This is required both for identification of your horse (pictures or written description) and for proof that your horse is not a carrier of equine infectious anemia

• Date of travel, if known

• If you, the owner, are not transporting your horse, hauler information (including name, phone number, and address)

• Method of travel, such as truck or trailer

Some states may require a negative test for piroplasmosis, a blood-borne disease caused by parasites, or have other requirements to allow horses into a specific state.

If your horse's health certificate requires a brand inspection (verification linking the horse to the owner), make sure your horse's brand is clearly visible. You can use a stiff brush to remove any mud from the area or wash the brand with a horse shampoo if necessary.

It’s important to coordinate with your veterinarian in advance to avoid any delays, as some tests must be completed within a certain time frame.

If you’re planning on traveling far and have to stop overnight, you may need an additional stop added to the health certificate based on the state, or you may just need the final destination listed. It’s best to double-check with your veterinarian so they can investigate each state’s requirements.

How Long Is a Horse Health Certificate Good For?

Most horse health certificates are valid for 30 days after your veterinarian has signed the paperwork, so planning ahead is key. If you travel with your horse frequently, you may need multiple health certificates throughout the season.

Depending on the states you’re visiting, a longer six-month health certificate may be issued which only requires the single veterinary exam.

If your horse is coming from or traveling to an area that has experienced a recent contagious disease outbreak, a shorter travel window may be required.

How Much Does a Horse Health Certificate Cost?

You can expect to spend anywhere between $15–$45 on average for a horse health certificate. Costs vary based on location and fees.

Your veterinarian must complete continuing education to stay accredited, and it takes time to research requirements for different states and to fill out your paperwork.

There is also a fee by a USDA-approved entity (for example, GlobalVetLink), to review and approve health certificates before your veterinarian can send you the official CVI for your horse.  

Cost can vary by the certificate format (written or digital), state requirements, and the time it takes your veterinarian to complete these legal forms.

In general, you may expect a fee ranging from $15–$45 for a standard 30-day health certificate, in addition to Coggins or any other required testing.