Horse Transport & Import
Purchasing a horse abroad or even in your own country can be a daunting process. We can arrange all of the transportation and/or importing of your new equine partner.
Having been in the business for many years and having sold horses across the world from the United States to the Middle East and of course across Europe, we know the best transportation companies and have built strong relationships with them.
Horse Import Information
Importing a horse to another country can be a complex process, as the requirements vary by country and can change over time. While the specifics depend on the departure and destination countries, some general guidelines and requirements can be expected when importing a horse internationally:
Import Permit:
Most countries will require an import permit issued by the country’s agriculture or animal health department. This permit may dictate the pre-export testing and quarantine requirements.
Health Certificate:
A veterinarian-approved health certificate is almost universally required. It will often need to be issued by an accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by the official veterinarian services of the exporting country.
Quarantine:
Some countries require horses to undergo a quarantine period before and/or after arrival to ensure they are free of contagious diseases.
Testing:
Depending on the destination country, specific tests may be required to show the horse is free of diseases. Common tests include those for equine infectious anemia, glanders, piroplasmosis, equine viral arteritis, and strangles.
Vaccinations:
Ensure the horse's vaccinations are up-to-date. Some countries may require proof of specific vaccinations, such as for equine influenza or West Nile Virus.
Deworming and External Parasite Treatment:
Many countries will require evidence that a horse has been dewormed and treated for external parasites shortly before export.
Microchipping:
Some countries require imported horses to be microchipped for identification purposes.
Coggins Test:
This test checks for equine infectious anemia and is commonly required for international and sometimes even state-to-state travel.
Blood and/or Swab Samples:
In addition to standard blood tests, some countries might require swab samples to test for specific diseases.
Transport Documentation:
This includes booking confirmation, shipping labels, airway bill, and details of the forwarding agent at the destination.
Customs Documentation:
This is necessary for tax and duty purposes and includes the bill of sale, purchase invoice, or other proof of ownership.
Insurance:
While not always a requirement, it’s a good idea to have insurance for the duration of transport.
Agent or Broker:
Given the complexity of importing a horse internationally, many people choose to work with specialized equine transport agents or brokers who can guide them through the process.
Pregnancy Test for Mares:
Some countries require a negative pregnancy test for mares before importation.