Large Animal
Large Animal Health Certificates in Lincoln, AR
Welcome to Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, where we provide health certificates as part of our large animal services for horse, cattle, sheep, goat and other farm animal owners in Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and beyond.
Understanding Health Certificates
When horses or livestock travel, change hands or head to a show or sale, they often need paperwork showing they are healthy. That paperwork is a certificate of veterinary inspection, commonly called a health certificate. It records a veterinarian’s exam of the animal and confirms that it showed no signs of contagious or infectious disease at the time of inspection.
Health certificates help states and event organizers keep disease from spreading from one farm, herd or region to another. Requirements are set by the state or event your animal is headed to and can include specific tests, vaccines or identification. For horses, a negative Coggins test is often required along with the certificate.
Getting the right paperwork in order ahead of time helps your animals travel, show or sell without delays.
What to Expect When You Need a Health Certificate
A little preparation makes the health certificate process quick and straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
Find Out What’s Required
Check the rules for your destination before your appointment. Because requirements change and vary from place to place, check with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Livestock & Poultry Division, the destination state and your event organizer before you go.
The Inspection
Your veterinarian examines each animal and records identifying details such as species, breed, age, sex, color and markings or ear tags. Have the destination address and the name of the person receiving the animals ready.
Testing When Needed
If your destination requires tests such as a Coggins for horses, those can be done at the visit. Some required tests take time to come back, so build that into your plans.
Plan Ahead
Health certificates are only valid for a limited time. Schedule early enough that your certificate is complete and current when you travel.
Why Choose Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln for Health Certificates
Health certificates are for owners moving horses or livestock across state lines, selling or buying animals, or taking them to fairs, shows, rodeos, sales and other events. Many event organizers also ask for one even when animals stay within Arkansas.
- Many species: We provide certificates for horses, cattle, sheep, goats and other farm animals.
- One visit for related care: Health certificates often go hand in hand with exams, vaccines and Coggins tests.
- No surprises: Having your destination’s requirements in hand when you call helps us make sure your animals have everything they need at the state line, sale barn or show gate.
- Ongoing care: Our food animal and equine medicine and herd healthcare services keep your animals ready to travel year-round.
See all of our services for horses and livestock on our large animal services page.
Schedule Your Health Certificate Visit Today
Get your horses and livestock ready to travel, show or sell with a health certificate from Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln. Tell us where your animals are going, how many need certificates and your travel date, and call well ahead in case testing is needed.
Call us at (479) 824-3299 or visit us at 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln. We’re open Monday through Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm.
Health Certificates: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a health certificate?
A health certificate, formally a certificate of veterinary inspection, is an official document a veterinarian completes after examining an animal. It records the animal’s identity and confirms that it showed no signs of contagious or infectious disease at the time of the exam. It is commonly required for travel, sales and shows.
When does my animal need a health certificate?
Health certificates are usually required when horses or livestock cross state lines, and are often requested for sales, fairs, shows and other events. Requirements depend on the species and destination, so check with the destination state and your event organizer before you travel.
How long is a health certificate valid?
Health certificates are valid for a limited time, and the exact period depends on the rules of the destination state or event. Because those rules can change, confirm the current requirements before your trip and schedule your visit close enough to your travel date that the certificate is still current.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the destination address, the name of the person receiving the animals, and any records of vaccines and tests such as a recent Coggins. Make sure each animal can be identified by its markings, brand, tattoo, microchip or ear tag. Knowing the destination’s requirements ahead of time helps us complete the paperwork correctly.
How do I schedule a health certificate visit and what are your hours?
Call us at (479) 824-3299 to schedule, or visit us at 2157 E Pridemore Dr. in Lincoln. We’re open Monday through Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm and Friday 7:30am–5:00pm. Tell us where your animals are going, how many need certificates and your travel date, and call well ahead in case testing is needed.