Travelling Across The Border
Whether its show season or a trip across the border we can help get your horses paperwork in order. Customs can be stressful on a good day let alone when you are hauling a 1000 pound live animal! It’s essential to follow all the necessary steps to ensure an easy crossing.
Every horse crossing the Canada – USA border must have a current Coggins and C.F.I.A. endorsed Health Certificate. These documents can take time to process so it is essential that you call your veterinarian early and plan ahead.
The first step involves a blood sample drawn and a submission form signed by an accredited veterinarian. The sample is sent by courier to Idexx Laboratories in Langley BC. A copy of the results will be sent back to our office 24 - 48 hours later. The original Coggins Certificate is sent by regular post and can take at least a week to return (sometimes longer depending on weekends and holidays). It is important to note that not all veterinarians are accredited to draw the blood sample and sign the Coggins Certificate. We currently have two accredited veterinarians on staff that can assist you. Coggins Certificates are valid for 6 months from the date the blood is drawn.
After the Coggins results have been reviewed by your veterinarian and a health exam preformed on your horse, a Health Certificate can be issued. The Health Certificate is valid 30 days from the date of examination. The Health Certificate must be endorsed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (C.F.I.A.) veterinarian before being presented at the border. The Health Certificate along with a copy of the Coggins Certificate is sent by courier to the C.F.I.A. veterinarian in Victoria and usually takes 72 hours to complete and return to our office (sometimes longer due to weekends and holidays). If you are in a time crunch, you can call ahead to set up an appointment with a Government Veterinarian at the border who will endorse your horse’s Health Certificate before your cross.
