Canadians are reminded to check import requirements before arriving at the border with their horses.

Import requirements protect human and animal health and may change at any time in response to an animal disease outbreak in another country. Failure to meet import requirements could result in delays at the border, or denial of entry.

New import requirements are in place in response to the recent U.S. outbreak of vesicular stomatitis, which closely resembles foot-and-mouth disease. Canadian horses that have been in a VS-infected state may only return to Canada if they move to a non-infected state and reside there for at least 21 days. Certification by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is required.

Travellers should check state requirements before moving their horses.

It is important to note that after 60 days residency in the U.S., Canadian-origin horses lose their Canadian status for import purposes and are considered U.S.-origin horses.

In certain cases, horses may need to be inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at the border. Inspection must be arranged by appointment at least 24 hours in advance.