Import guide
Import a horse from Canada to the USA
Quarantine length, CEM testing and permits for horses coming from Canada, in plain English. We handle customs, USDA quarantine and delivery to your barn.
Quick answer
Horses from Canada at a glance.
- USDA quarantine
- None
- CEM testing
- Not required
- Import permit
- We check
- Health certificate
- Original on paper
Quarantine from Canada
Canada is exempt from import quarantine. An import permit may still apply, depending on how long the horse has lived in Canada, so we check the rules for your horse.
CEM testing
Canada is not on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Per USDA, horses from CEM-free countries are released after the initial quarantine without further CEM testing.
How it works
From Canada to your barn.
Your exporter in Canada handles the flight. We handle the landing.
- 1
Papers abroad
Your exporter gets the original paper health certificate from Canada's government vet, in the USDA format required since Oct 1, 2026.
- 2
We file the permit
We file the APHIS import permit at least 7 business days before shipping and book quarantine and port inspection at least 3 business days before arrival.
- 3
We meet the plane
We clear customs and USDA port inspection, then take your horse straight to the quarantine facility we booked.
- 4
Home
Once USDA releases your horse, we truck it from quarantine to your barn.
See the full guide, including where horses can land and the quarantine finder for every country.
FAQ
Importing from Canada
How long is quarantine for a horse imported from Canada?
Canada is exempt from import quarantine. An import permit may still apply, depending on how long the horse has lived in Canada, so we check the rules for your horse. The length is set by USDA from where the horse has lived in the last 60 days, plus any country it passed through.
Does my mare or stallion need CEM testing coming from Canada?
Canada is not on USDA's list of CEM-affected countries. Per USDA, horses from CEM-free countries are released after the initial quarantine without further CEM testing.
Do I need an import permit for a horse from Canada?
Permit rules for Canada differ from other countries, and some Canadian horses do not need one. We confirm what applies to yours. If a permit is needed, we file it.
Who arranges the flight from Canada?
An exporter in Canada handles the health certificate, tests and flight. We can introduce a trusted exporter and send you their quote together with ours. We take over when the plane lands: customs, USDA quarantine and delivery to your barn.
Sources and last review
Last reviewed November 7, 2026. Rules change, and USDA's own page for Canada is the final word.