Ever try describing your horse to a stranger or a police officer with enough clarity it could be identified. Hopefully you never have the experience as it’s almost impossible.

As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard U.S. animal health, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated the implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) in 2004. The main objective is to develop and implement a comprehensive information system that will support ongoing animal disease monitoring, surveillance, and eradication programs. Additionally, successful advancements of NAIS will enable State and Federal animal health officials to respond rapidly and effectively to animal heath emergencies such as foreign animal disease outbreaks or emerging domestic diseases.

U.S. Import of Horses (Canadian to U.S. Exports)

All owners, trainers, competitors and riders intending to take horses to the United States should be aware that there are now two sets of revised U.S. import requirements that may impact the ease with which horses cross the border from Canada to the United States. New regulations are now in effect, implementing the US Trade Act of 2002, and the Public Health Security and Bio-terrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. These regulations require pre-filing of customs documents in advance of border crossing at a U.S. port-of-entry.

The HPA prohibits horses subjected to a process called soring from participating in exhibitions, sales, shows, or auctions. In addition, the Act prohibits drivers from hauling sored horses across State lines to compete in shows. The law was first passed in 1970 and amended in 1976.