Returning to the United States

U.S. origin horses exported to Canada with a U.S. issued export health certificate (valid for 30 days) may reenter the U.S. for an unlimited number of times during the 30 day period without an USDA Veterinary Services port inspection. The importer must present the original export health certificate to customs at a land border port of entry designated for animals from Canada. View a list of all US Ports of Entry.

The importer will need:

• The original U.S. international health certificate of examination and
• A negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test drawn within 180 days prior to return to the U.S.

Horses from the U.S. that have exhibited or competed in Canada and have not been in the region for more than 90 days are eligible to return to the U.S. without a Canadian health certificate, if the accompanying original U.S. export health certificate was issued and endorsed in accordance with the export regulations for traveling to Canada. These horses must have resided only at events with horses with similar health requirements.

They will need:

• The original U.S. international health certificate of examination. If they have overstayed the 90 day limit these horses will need a Canadian issued health certificate to return.  
• A negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test drawn within 180 days prior to return to the U.S.
• A veterinary inspection at the U.S. port of entry. Associated fees for inspection and travel time by port personnel will be needed as for any permanent entry. Call to make an appointment with the land border port of entry at least 3 business days before arrival at the port.

Available Ports of Entry for horses requiring inspection

The processes and fees involved with importing horses and other equids, as well as equid germplasm (semen, embryos and cloning tissue) depend on the conditions of entry.

APHIS charges to issue an import permit, and for amending and renewing a permit if applicable.

Costs are associated with providing services for importing and transiting horses at airports, ocean ports, rail ports, land border ports, and southern border port and animal import center quarantines.

The fees billed are per individual horse. Charges for combined shipments may be split between brokers.

Overtime rates apply for after duty hours, weekends and holidays for inspection services. 9CFR 130.30

Hourly rates also cover the costs of monitoring in-bond or transiting horses passing through the United States and exporting to other countries.