How Do I Find a Vet for My Horse? (And Other Vet Visit FAQs)

So you’ve got a horse. Congrats! Now let’s talk about one of the most important people in your horse’s life: the vet.

Whether you’re new to horse ownership or just looking for a backup, finding the right equine vet is a big part of responsible horse care. Horses are hearty, sure, but when things go sideways, you’ll want a trusted pro on speed dial. Here’s what you need to know.

How Do I Find a Horse Vet?

Word of mouth is gold in the horse world. Ask your barn mates, trainer, or farrier who they recommend. If you’re boarding, your facility might already have a go-to vet who does routine visits. You can also check with your local equine hospital or search through the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) directory.

When choosing a vet, consider things like:

• How far they’re willing to travel or are you required to ship to them?
• Emergency coverage (do they offer 24/7 help?)
• Their specialties, like dentistry, reproduction, or lameness
• How well you click with them. It’s a relationship, after all

Do People Usually Have More Than One Vet?

Yes, and that’s totally normal. Many horse owners have a primary vet for regular checkups, vaccines, and emergencies. They may also use a specialist for things like chiropractic work, lameness, acupuncture, or complex surgeries. Some barns even bring in multiple vets for routine clinics, like dental or wellness days.

Just keep everyone in the loop to avoid overlap or conflicting advice.

Do I Take My Horse to the Vet or Does the Vet Come to Me?

Good news. For most routine care and many emergencies, the vet comes to you. Most equine vets are mobile and carry everything from vaccines to X-ray & ultrasound machines in their trucks. It’s one of the perks of horse ownership. 

That said, you might need to haul in for surgeries or more advanced procedures and diagnostics. Some clinics even offer haul-in discounts.  It’s good to know where your nearest clinic is just in case.  Also be sure to find out where the closest surgical facility is for things like emergency colic surgeries.  

Final Thoughts

Finding a vet isn’t just about care. It’s about confidence. Knowing you’ve got someone skilled and dependable in your horse’s corner makes all the difference. So ask around, trust your gut, and build that relationship early.  Actually, do it before your new horse arrives or before you move to a new area with your current horse! Most vets will not do emergency calls for people who are not yet established clients so if your horse somehow manages to eat a fly mask or step on their own shoe (yes, it happens), you want to be ready!

Need help finding a vet or curious how others handle horse health? Join the conversation on TurnoutHQ, where your horse questions meet community wisdom.