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EquiJet Sheds Light
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What vaccinations does my horse need before flying to Europe?
Europe is a common destination for riders looking to compete internationally. In order to
comply with USDA regulations, there are several vaccinations necessary for flight. Most
shippers, in conjunction with their USDA-certified partner quarantine stations, will take
care of all the pertinent paperwork for export, and will clarify all vaccination requirements
to you.
The current vaccine requirements for export are:
● WEE and EEE vaccinations must be given at least 30 days prior to, but no
more than 6 months before, export.
● West Nile vaccinations are not required but, if given, must be repeated at an
interval of 21 to 43 days, both completed at least 30 days before export.
● The horse need an AGID coggins within 90 days – preferably 30 days
– before export.
● Stallions need an EVA negative blood test within 21 days of shipping or, if the
stallion was vaccinated, a statement from the respective veterinary.
What paperwork does my horse need to fly?
An updated coggins and a health certificate with the horse’s final destination must be
completed, with the shipper noted accordingly. If traveling internationally, each horse
must be accompanied by a personalized passport.
How will my horse get to and from the airport?
Owners are able to trailer their horse to the appropriate site at the airport if they wish, but
most opt for the shipper to arrange ground transportion from stable to airport and vice
versa.
Should my horse receive any medication or sedatives before flight?
Generally, the answer is no. We only like to give the horses something to calm them if
they are especially nervous to the point where they may hurt themselves, so if necessary
we may give them a slight sedative to minimize that risk.
What should I send with my horse for the flight?
Treat flight transport similar to preparing a stall for your horse. We recommend sending
a full haynet, water bucket, full jug of water and a bag of shavings. In addition, you can
send accompanying equipment with your horse.
How much equipment can I send along with my horse?
The amount of equipment space available to you depends on the airline which your
horse is flying. Some airlines offer limited container space, where there is only room for a
simple bag of necessities such as a blanket, wraps and supplements. Other airlines are
more accommodating, but the accmodations comes with an extra fee. To ensure that the
appropriate amount of space is reserved, please let your shipper know in advance how
much equipment you would like to send with your horse.
Should my horse wear wraps, be blanketed or have ear plugs in?
Hind wraps can be difficult to adjust or re-wrap during flight if they fall down due to the
nature of the transport stalls on the plane. Front wraps are much more accessible. Blankets
are generally not worn as the cargo area is climate-controlled and the stalls can get
warm with all the body heat of the animals on the plane. Earplugs can be worn if a horse
is particularly sensitive to noise.
Are horses ever tranquilized during flight?
Equine grooms and caretakers take every precaution to prevent the need to sedate
horses while in flight. The only instance in which a horse would be tranquilized during
transport is if it is concluded that the horse has become a danger to itself, other horses
or people. Should a horse ever be tranquilized during transport, the owner should be
notified immediately.
How are horses cared for while on the plane?
Each horse is accompanied by a certified groom to ensure that they are comfortable and
safe, as well as to provide the horse with adequate water and hay.
Do most horses get nervous during flight?
As surprising as it may sound, horses are normally quite calm during flight. In the entire
shipping process, the most common time for a horse to become stressed is during
loading and off-loading of the trailer that takes them to and from the airport. During flight,
plenty of horses tend to rest one leg at a time and snooze as the ride is much easier on
their bodies. Trailer rides can be hard work for horses as they have to balance the whole
way during accelerations, decelerations and turns.
When can I see my horse after it’s flight?
In order to comply with security and USDA quarantine regulations, the first opportunity to
see your horse will be once it is released from short-term quarantine at the appropriate
Animal Import Center. Depending on the port rules, most shippers will try to take photos
of your horse upon arrival at the airport to ensure you of the horse’s wellbeing.
How long will my horse have to stay in quarantine when he is coming
from an international country to the USA?
The sex of your horse as well as where it came from will determine how long a horse has
to stay in quarantine once it lands in the United States. Horses can stay in quarantine
anywhere from 3 days to 60 days. Geldings generally have it the easiest since they are
not breeding animals and pose a lesser risk of transmitting disease. Mares and stallions
older than 731 days must go from USDA quarantine to a state CEM quarantine facility
to receive further treatment and testing, with mares usually released after 15 days and
stallions after 5 weeks. A 60-day quarantine is required for horses coming from a region
where African Horse Sickness has been reported during the last 12 months.
There are plenty of factors to consider when shipping a horse, but luckily EquiJet makes
things easy for owners. If you’re looking to get a horse from Point A to Point B, make sure
to trust the best!
To contact EquiJet or request a quote,
please visit EquiJet.com.
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International Equine Shipping:
Unique Industry
Moving a horse by air can feel like a daunting endeavor, with
both domestic and international regulations as well as equine
preparations posing challenges for horse owners and caretakers.
Luckily, with more than 15 years of experience in the industry,
the team at EquiJet possesses the experience and expertise necessary
to provide you with everything you need to know, whether
you are shipping your horse for the first time or the thousandth.
Led by founder Bastian Schroeder, EquiJet is an international
leader in equine shipping and can ensure your horse reaches his
destination with the proper documentation, safely and on time.
DURING FLIGHT
POST-FLIGHT
PRE-FLIGHT
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