Documents & Requirements

Coggins & health cert requirements
by state.

What your vet needs to prepare — and how much lead time to give them — before we can load your horse.

We verify documents at pickup. If paperwork isn’t in order when we arrive, we can’t load the horse. This isn’t a technicality we enforce reluctantly — it protects your horse, the receiving party, and every other animal in our care. Here’s exactly what you need for each state we serve.

The basics

Two documents, two purposes.

Coggins Test (EIA)

A blood test that checks for Equine Infectious Anemia. Required for interstate movement and for entry to most sales, shows, auctions, and boarding facilities. Indiana doesn’t require it for private farm-to-farm moves within the state — but it’s strongly recommended. Valid for 12 months. Your vet draws blood and sends it to a lab — results typically take 3–7 days.

Plan ahead: this isn’t same-day. If your Coggins expires before the haul date, get it renewed at least 2 weeks out.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

Also called a health certificate. Your vet physically examines the horse and issues a document certifying it’s fit to travel. Required for interstate (out-of-state) movement. Valid for 30 days in most receiving states.

Schedule this close to your haul date — within the last few days if possible — so it doesn’t expire.

State by state

What you need
for each state.

State Coggins Health Cert (CVI) Notes
Indiana Recommended for private moves; required for sales, shows & interstate Not required for in-state movement Private farm-to-farm moves within Indiana don’t legally require a Coggins, but we strongly recommend one. Sales, shows, fairgrounds, and boarding facilities require it regardless of state law.
Ohio Required (within 12 months) Required (within 30 days) Interstate movement into OH requires both. Ohio Dept. of Agriculture may inspect at weigh stations.
Kentucky Required (within 12 months) Required (within 30 days) KY is strict — both documents must be original or officially certified. Photocopies are not accepted at some entry points.
Michigan Required (within 12 months) Required (within 30 days) MI requires an official health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian. Some venues require negative EIA within 6 months.

Important: State requirements change. Always confirm with your vet and the receiving facility before your haul date. The information above reflects general requirements as we understand them — we’re not a veterinary or regulatory authority.

Timing

When to contact your vet.

What we do at pickup

How we verify documents.

Diego checks paperwork before loading. We look at:

If anything is missing or expired, we cannot load. We’ll call you as far in advance as possible if we spot an issue — but we verify at the door either way.

Questions about documents?

Ask us before your haul date. We’d rather sort it out a week early than have to turn away at pickup.

Contact Us Read the FAQ →
Related reading

More from the blog.

Preparation
Preparing Your Horse for Transport
Feed timing, hydration, loading practice, and what to have ready at pickup.
What to Expect
What to Expect on Hauling Day
A walkthrough of pickup, the trip, and handoff at the destination.

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