How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Horse Overseas?

Shipping a horse overseas can be quite costly. It is a multi-stage process, and each stage has costs associated with it. If you need to ship a horse overseas, make sure you know the following information.

  1. Isolation

    • Horses must be isolated at a USDA-approved facility for 30 days prior to being exported. The cost for this stage will be transport to a facility and the cost of the isolation period, typically $1,000 to $3,000.

    Vaccinations and Bloodwork

    • Exporting a horse requires that a Coggins be drawn as well as additional bloodwork. This must be done by a USDA-approved veterinarian. The types of tests done and the cost will vary based on the horse's age, gender and current livestock health issues. The tests will cost approximately $1,000 to $3,000.

    Pre-Boarding

    • On the day of the export, the horse will be transported to the airport and undergo an additional five-hour quarantine. Costs for this are based on travel time between the isolation facility and the nearest airport.

    The Flight

    • The horse must be loaded into an approved and inspected container. The cost of renting this container varies, and can be upwards of $1,500. Horses cannot travel unaccompanied, so the cost of an attendant is also a consideration. The cost of the flight will vary based on airline and destination, and can range in price from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

    Considerations

    • There are many professional horse shipping companies. Most will be able to quote a fee that will cover the process from start to finish, including paperwork. While this adds additional costs, it can also prevent horse owners from making costly mistakes (see Resources).