Equine Vet Near Me: How to Find the Right Horse Vet

Finding a qualified equine vet near you is one of the most important things you can do as a horse owner. Whether you manage a single pleasure horse or a working ranch with dozens of head, having a trusted equine veterinarian on call can be the difference between a minor health issue and a serious emergency.

What Is an Equine Veterinarian?

An equine vet is a licensed veterinarian who specializes in the health and care of horses. While general large animal vets often treat multiple species — cattle, goats, swine — equine specialists focus exclusively on horses, mules, donkeys, and related equids.

Equine vets handle everything from routine care (dental floating, vaccinations, Coggins testing) to complex procedures like colic surgery, lameness diagnosis, and reproductive services. Many are mobile — they come to your farm or barn rather than requiring you to haul your horse to a clinic.

How to Find an Equine Vet Near You

1. Search by Location

Start with our equine vet directory and search by your county or ZIP code. You can filter specifically for equine specialists, mobile services, and emergency availability. We list 9,500+ large animal veterinary practices across all 50 states.

2. Check by State

If you are in one of the major horse-keeping states, start here:

• Texas equine vets — largest horse population in the US
• Kentucky equine vets — Thoroughbred country, highly specialized
• Florida equine vets — large winter show horse population
• California equine vets — diverse disciplines, large rural network
• Oklahoma equine vets — strong quarter horse and ranch horse community
• Montana equine vets — remote coverage, mobile-first practices

3. Ask Your Barn or Farrier

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a trusted equine vet. Your farrier sees horses constantly and knows which vets other owners trust. Local boarding facilities and breed associations are also excellent referral sources.

4. Verify AAEP Membership

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) maintains a member directory. AAEP membership signals continuing education and commitment to the equine field.

What to Look For in an Equine Vet

Mobile vs. Clinic-Based

Most horse owners prefer a mobile equine vet who comes to the barn — it reduces stress on the horse and is often faster in emergencies. For complex procedures (imaging, surgery, intensive care), you will also need access to an equine clinic or hospital. Establish a relationship with both a local mobile vet and a referral facility within reasonable distance.

Emergency Availability

Colic does not wait for business hours. Before you need emergency care, ask your vet about their after-hours policy. Some equine practices have 24/7 on-call coverage; others refer to regional emergency clinics. Know the answer before you are standing in a dark barn at 2 a.m. with a horse in pain.

If you are near a USDA-designated veterinary shortage area, emergency access may be more limited — plan accordingly.

Species and Discipline Experience

Equine medicine is broad. A vet with strong Thoroughbred racing experience may have different strengths than one focused on reining or draft horses. If you have a specific discipline (barrel racing, eventing, driving), ask about the vet's experience in that context.

Farm Call Fees

Equine vets typically charge a farm call fee (usually -) plus the cost of services performed. Our farm call costs by state guide gives benchmarks for your region. Clarify fees before the first visit to avoid surprises.

Before the First Vet Visit — What to Prepare

Set yourself up for a productive first appointment. Have ready:

• Vaccination history and deworming records
• Current feed and supplement list
• Previous vet records or lab results
• A list of concerns — even minor ones
• Coggins certificate if traveling or showing

See our full guide: How to Prepare for a Farm Vet Visit.

Emergency Signs — Call an Equine Vet Immediately

• Signs of colic — pawing, flank watching, rolling, elevated heart rate
• Deep lacerations or wounds near joints
• Sudden severe lameness (3-legged lame)
• Eye injuries or sudden cloudiness
• Difficulty breathing or nasal discharge with fever
• Foaling complications

For a deeper dive on colic: Horse Colic: When Is It an Emergency?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an equine vet visit cost?

A routine farm visit typically runs - including the farm call fee. Dental floating, vaccinations, and Coggins testing add to that total. Emergency after-hours calls usually carry a 25-50% premium. Costs vary by region — rural states tend to be lower, coastal states higher.

Can a regular small animal vet treat my horse?

Legally, any licensed vet can treat any species. In practice, small animal vets rarely have the equipment, training, or medications required for adequate equine care. Always seek a vet with specific equine experience.

What is a Coggins test and who requires it?

A Coggins test screens for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). A negative result is required for most equine events, sales, shows, and interstate travel. Your equine vet can run this test; results are typically available within a few days.

How often should my horse see a vet?

At minimum, once or twice per year for vaccinations, dental exam, and a general wellness check. Performance horses, breeding stock, and older horses benefit from more frequent visits. Establish a wellness schedule based on your horse's age, use, and health history.