Horse passports and transport documents
TRACES, passports and certificates
We handle every document needed for horse transport, at home and abroad. From a straightforward permit to complex health certification, we advise and keep control at every step so your horse's welfare comes first.
Animal Health, Protection and Welfare Regulations
When you transport live animals, animal health and protection is the foundation of the service. To hold that standard on the road we apply the European health and protection rules. Our people are highly trained: every member of staff has passed the approved welfare course and holds official attendant accreditation, so your horse gets the care and attention it deserves.
Hygiene and Disinfection Certificates
Biosecurity is a legal requirement. Immediately before and after carrying a horse we thoroughly disinfect our trailers and lorries using an approved livestock biocide. We issue and carry the corresponding disinfection certificate, so your horse travels in a clean environment with no unnecessary risk.
Horse transport credentials
For a move to be fully legal and safe, the basic identification documents must be in order. Before your horse loads onto the trailer, our team checks and arranges with you the horse passport — the original, up-to-date equine identification document — and the equine movement card, which is essential for moves within the country. Once that identification is confirmed, we issue the credentials and licences specific to the route.
Our Document Services
Veterinary Certificates & TRACES
We coordinate directly with the competent authorities to carry out the pre-journey inspections. Because we are flexible on logistics, these on-site inspections can take place at your own yard or at our facilities. That way your horse obtains its international paperwork without stress or unnecessary travel before the journey begins.
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TRACES Management
The computer network that controls and authorises the international movement of animals. We handle the submission end to end within the European Union's veterinary system.
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On-site Inspections
We complete this compulsory step without moving the horse from its usual surroundings, saving time and avoiding any stress before loading.
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International Certificates
Guaranteed health documents for customs, specific to each destination country. We keep transit smooth at borders and Border Inspection Posts.
At YQHT we make sure every journey your horse makes is backed by flawless paperwork, so you have the peace of mind of knowing everything is in order.
Request ServiceFrequently Asked Questions about Horse Transport Documents
How far in advance should I ask you to handle the documents?
For domestic moves we recommend starting the paperwork at least seven days before the planned travel date. For international routes that require a Journey Log, TRACES submissions and customs clearance, it is best to contact us at least 15 to 30 days ahead. That lets us arrange the on-site inspections with the official veterinarian and make sure every health certificate is approved without a hitch.
Is a special licence needed depending on the weight of the lorry?
Yes. Road traffic rules are strict and set requirements according to the vehicle's maximum authorised mass. Once the lorry and horses together exceed 3,500 kg, which is usual on long-distance moves or when carrying several horses, the law requires the driver to hold specific professional heavy vehicle licences (such as category C or C+E) and the Certificate of Professional Competence.
Do you handle customs formalities for exporting horses outside the European Union?
Yes. We offer a complete advisory and handling service for complex routes such as the post-Brexit United Kingdom or Switzerland. We coordinate at Border Inspection Posts, advise you on the animal health rules and quarantine specific to the destination country, and issue the customs documents needed for the horse to cross the border quickly and legally.
