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Crossing
The Border With Horses
There
are only two types of border crossings-successful or unsuccessful, as
anyone who has ever argued with a customs official well knows. The rules
are simple and proper preparations are essential. If your documents are
in order and correct procedure is followed, you will have no problems
at either border.
Every
horse crossing the US/ Canada border must have a current Coggins and
Health Certificate. Plan ahead - these documents take time to complete.
1)
Coggins Test
-
A
blood sample must be taken and a Coggins for (EIA Serum test report)
filled out by an accredited veterinarian. Results are available 28
hours later, at which time a Coggins certificate is issued. Because
of delivery times and potential delays please allow 3 working days.
-
Coggins
certificates are valid for 6 months from the date that the blood
sample was taken.
2)
Health Certificate
-
For
export, to be filled out in conjunction with a current Coggins certificate
by a veterinarian.
-
If
a Coggins has just been taken, it must be back in the hands of the
veterinarian before a Health Certificate can be issued.
-
Must
be signed by a Department of Agriculture Veterinarian prior to shipping.
-
The
health certificate is valid for 30 calendar days from the date of
issue and multiple crossings can be made with the same certificate
within this 30 day period.
Less
than 30 days:
1) Documentation
2)
Procedure (Canada to US)
-
Go
to Canadaian Border/any lane
-
Give
documentation to customs officer, stating that intended duration
of animals stay outside the US is less than 30 days.
-
Within
30 days return to Canadian border (no inspection is required)
When
returning to US after an absence of more than thirty days a new health
certificate issued by an Canadian veterinarian is required.
Hang
on to your Coggins Certificate! It is the only valid copy
of the document that is acceptable at all border crossings.
Happy
traveling and remember - you will rarely win an argument with a customs
official. It is much easier to be properly prepared |
