In order to travel out of state with your horse there are a couple things you must do. This can all seem overwhelming, and we get a lot of questions regarding this topic.

Here is what you need to know!

You must have a current negative Coggins test (EIA) and a Health Certificate (CVI) to the destination state.

BUT in order to get this paperwork and lab work done and submitted there are still a few things that need to be done.

1.You need an ownership confirmation for your horse for Mt. Baker Vet to complete the Coggins test (EIA). This MUST be done and completed BEFORE your appointment is scheduled.

This can be done in one of the TWO ways. A Brand Inspection or a Microchip.

  • You can get a Brand Inspection done on your horse by the brand inspector at the Everson Auction Barn on Mondays or Wednesdays. Call them to see when the Brand Inspector is available at (360)966-3271. Tell them you need a Brand Inspection on your horse and ask them what documents you will need. The inspector might be able to travel to you for a fee if you are not able to take your horse to the auction barn on Monday or Wednesday. Ask these questions when you call the Everson Auction Sale Barn (your horse does not need a “brand” to have this done.) They offer two kinds of inspections one is good for a year, and one is good for a lifetime. We personally got lifetime brand inspections on our horses, so this headache will be out of our way next time we travel for years to come.

  • If you choose to get a Brand Inspection, we recommend the lifetime brand.

  • You can also have your horse Micro Chipped. We provide this service. Our veterinarian injects a small microchip into your horse. Your horse is registered to you as the owner. You will need a copy of your horse’s registration papers in your name, bill of sale, etc. and a driver’s license to show us that you are the legal owner of your horse.

2. Call our office and schedule an appointment for a Coggins and Health Certificate. (360)354-5699

When you schedule this appointment, you will need a couple more things! We will need you to provide the full contact information on the following:

Owners: name, address, phone number

Haulers: name, address, phone number

Horse’s Destination: name of barn/facility, address, phone number

NO P.O. Boxes are accepted.

We also need a copy of your horse’s ownership confirmation that you had done (Brand Inspection paperwork or Microchip information). You can also scan this and email it to us at mtbakervet@gmail.com (at the time your appointment is made.)

3. At your appointment your horse will have a blood draw for the Coggins test. The Veterinarian will also collect photos and information to create the Health Certificate paperwork. You have two choices for a Health Certificate (CVI). One option is to get one that is only valid for a month (CVI) and the other option is to get one that is valid for 6 months (EECVI). The blood sample will be sent off to the lab, as soon as we have a negative Coggins test, then the Veterinarian can finish the Health Certificate and get it to you by email.

In Summary - there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be done for your horse to travel and it all takes time. The lab requires for 4-5 days to get the results back to us.

The best way we can help you travel is for you to prepare a head of time. Get your paperwork into us at the time you schedule your appointment. Schedule your appointment 2 weeks before you travel. This means you need to call us 1 month before you travel. We are easily booked out 2 solid weeks or more. We can no longer accommodate last minute appointments for travel.

This information is for Interstate travel only, not international travel.

Please call the office for international travel pricing and for addition information that is required.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us. (360)354-5699