Border Crossings
Importing & Exporting Horses
The importation and exportation of horse(s) is overseen in Canada by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA manages all inquiries regarding the importation and exportation of horses within Canada.
Any person travelling with horses is responsible for ensuring proper documentation is provided to border officials when transporting horses across the border, and to verify which current import conditions apply prior to crossing the border. We highly recommend you stay informed about regions of equine infectious disease outbreak by monitoring Health Alerts.
It is advised that you contact your local CFIA office well in advance of your trip as states with restrictions can be added and removed quickly.
USDA APHIS Equine Imports & Exports
Frequently Asked Questions
- Prior to importing a horse from the U.S. it is advisable to contact your local CFIA district office, as the CFIA manages all inquiries regarding the importation of horses from the U.S. to Canada.
- Import conditions can vary by state of origin of the horse and its “end use” (i.e. importing a U.S. horse for permanent residency in Canada, or a Canadian horse returning from a temporary stay in the U.S.). The Information Kit for Customs Brokers is a valuable tool that outlines roles and responsibilities.
- Information on the current import requirements for horses and other commodities regulated by the CFIA can be found in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
- Horses imported to Canada from a European Union (EU) member state for an event, competition or race, or for training purposes, as well as stallions in non-competitive environments, are classified under temporary importation by the CFIA.
- The latest requirements for various temporary import situations are available in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).
- Additional requirements may apply to horses who are intended to receive permanent residency in Canada. Current requirements are available on the CFIA website here.
- Specific import requirements apply for Canadian horses returning from the EU to Canada within 90 days of export. These requirements can be found on the CFIA website here.
- The CFIA also oversees the export of Canadian horses. Information on the export of horses from Canada to the U.S can be found on the CFIA website here.
- Please note the following information on required documentation for horses being exported to the U.S.:
Information on export requirements specific to each EU member state can be found on the CFIA website here.