This section is intended to provide general information only regarding Canada's import and export of live animals regulations.
It is the responsibility of the person(s) traveling with the horse(s) to ensure proper documentation is provided to border officials when transporting horses across the border.
For specific information on equine import/export, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office closest to you.
Equine Import Regulations
Information on the importation of horses and other commodities regulated by the CFIA is available in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
AIRS is the automated import reference system of the CFIA. It is a searchable database of CFIA import requirements. Through a series of questions and answers, the system will lead you through the applicable regulations and policies to information on all CFIA import requirements for specific commodities.
Prior to importing a horse it is also advisable to contact one of the CFIA Animal Health Offices to determine specific import requirements.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - International Animal Export Regulations
Equine Export Regulations
The objective of the Export Program is to ensure that only healthy animals and animal products and by-products which meet the import health requirements of an importing country are exported from Canada, and that in the case of live animals, that they are transported in a humane manner.
Under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations, livestock exported from Canada must be accompanied by a health certificate issued or endorsed by a CFIA veterinary inspector. The health certificate is a legal document which confirms that the sanitary requirements of an importing country have been complied with. Sample health certificate.
Information on the export of horses from Canada is available at CFIA Export Program - Veterinary Health Certificates.
If you are planning an export, please contact the Animal Health Offices in your area.