Travel within Washington state does not require paperwork beyond the hauling waiver provided by Blue Ribbon.

Intrastate

For interstate travel, most people know that their horse must have a valid negative Coggins blood test (within six months and up to one year depending on the state) and a health certificate (good for 30 days or up to 6 months depending on destination). A negative Coggins is required to complete a health certificate.

what many people do not know is that Washington is a Brand Inspection state. Brand inspections, or “Livestock Ownership Inspection/Verification,” are required for all horses leaving Washington, even if returning. Brand inspections function as proof of ownership so a horse can legally have permission to cross state lines.

This applies to all horses regardless of if they have a physical brand or not. Large fines and impounding of horses can occur if haulers or caught without all three necessary pieces of paperwork.

At this time, no other forms of ID (breed registration, FEI passport, etc) can substitute for a brand inspection. The signed inspection form is a hard copy and must be given to the hauler.

Below is a list of vets that are State Brand Inspectors who will also be able to complete your horse’s Coggins and Health Certificate:

Interstate

Your vet will need the following information:

1. Name, sex, age, breed and color of the horse (this must match all registration documents if registered).

2. Name, address, phone and email of horse owner

3. Name of recipient (person and facility), address, phone and email of the destination.

4. Approx date of travel, name, address, phone and email of the person/company who is transporting (see below).

Three are 3 Brand Inspection options depending on the amount of traveling you wish to do:

1. One way - good for 30 days to exit the state (good for limited short term travel or if transferring ownership)

   1. Approximately ~$50

2. Annual - Good for one year, this is the minimum one should have if they travel regularly or plan to show.

3. Lifetime - good for the entire life of the horse as long as it remains with the same owner. With this your horse will be able to enter and exit any state as well as Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

   1. Approximately ~$150

Visit the WA State Department of Agriculture for more information.