Equine Imports - Transiting United States from Canada to 3rd Country

Last Modified: March 29, 2024

Any horse transiting through the U.S. will either need to enter under permit or meet the health certificate requirements for permanent U.S. entry. Horses under permit transiting the U.S. may not travel with horses legally entering the U.S. on the same transport. Horses with permitted entry will be monitored by APHIS VS while in transport in the U.S. Additional fees for inspection and travel time by port personnel will be included as part of the monitoring process.

Option 1: Import Permit issued by APHIS

The horse must be accompanied by an official health certificate and negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test results. The trailer will be sealed by an APHIS veterinary medical officer at the border and unsealed at the port of departure.

Option 2: No Import Permit

The horse is considered a permanent entry, without travel restrictions, and will require an inspection by a port veterinarian with associated inspection fees. The horse must be accompanied by negative equine infectious anemia (EIA) test results and an official health certificate.

Find out more about Horses for Permanent Entry from Canada.

Due to the dynamic nature of security requirements and inspection personnel, you MUST contact the port at least 3 business days prior to crossing.  Each port may have it's own additional requirements - contact them for the latest information.  

Ports of Entry