Equine Law Blog

Hiring a Hauling Service

This article addresses the process of preparing yourself and your horse for an interstate trip, from a legal standpoint.  A few websites offer information on horse hauling companies, such as www.travelinghorse.com.  Regardless of where you find a hauling company, be sure to check references and make sure you are dealing with a reputable, caring, and experienced service.

Veterinary Records

Industry experts have written numerous articles over the years about how to prepare your horse for hauling.  This article will address what to consider from a legal standpoint. Please keep these suggestions in mind before your horse makes an interstate or international trip:

• Make sure the horse has a negative Coggins Test taken by a licensed veterinarian within 12 months of the haul.  This test checks for equine infectious anemia (EIA).
• Many states also require that the horse have an official interstate health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of the trip.
• For horses making international trips, an international health certificate might be needed.

Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website, for more information on interstate and international equine shipping requirements.

Protecting Yourself With Equine Insurance

Never assume that the hauling service has liability insurance that will fully protect you for damage to or loss of your horse during the trip.  The possibility exists that your horse could be injured, or die, without negligence on part of the hauler.  Consider protecting your investment before the trip through insurance, such as equine mortality insurance, equine major medical insurance, and loss of use insurance.  Because of the possibility that your horse could injure others, consider purchasing liability insurance, such Personal Horse Owner’s Liability Insurance coverage.  Discuss coverages and limits with a knowledgeable insurance agent.

What to Give the Hauler

When the hauling service takes your horse, it may also need the following:

1. A negative Coggin’s Test, typically within the past year.
2. An official interstate health certificate and/or international health certificate.
3. Emergency contact information.  You will want the shipping company to know how to reach you at all times, and possibly someone else if you are unavailable.  Consider also making sure that the shipper has proper authorization to arrange for veterinary attention to your horse in your absence.
4. Equine insurer contact information.  In case the hauler needs to make an emergency call to your equine insurer on your behalf, you can provide the hauler the equine insurance company’s name, emergency contact number, and policy information.
5. Information regarding the horse such as unique vices and habits as well as health problems that require special attention.
6. To reduce stress on your horse during and after transport, make sure the shipper has a bale or two of the horse’s usual hay and feed.
7. Signed contracts.  Hauling services may ask you to sign a contract.  Just like all contracts, read it very carefully before signing.

If you have any questions about hiring a hauling service, please contact me.

Categories: Insurance, Liability