Horses from Canada
Veterinary Health Certificates are good for 30 days from the date of issue only!!!!
(If a certificate is issued on the 1st , it expires at midnight on the 30th of the month, not the 31st).
(EIA Test results are valid for 180 days from the date the blood is drawn, not 6 months.)
Horses must be inspected at the port of entry, 9 CFR 93, if:
They will be in the US more than 30 days, for any reason;
They are consigned to an auction, sale, entered in a claiming race or are being sold privately in the US;
Their Veterinary Health Certificate is marked for permanent export (even if it is marked incorrectly for permanent export);
They are listed on a multiple horse Veterinary Health Certificate (it is only used for permanent exports from Canada); or
They are being returned to the US from Canada using an expired (over 30 days old) US Origin Health Certificate marked for Permanent Export.
They stayed in Canada more that 30 days and are returning with a current Canadian Veterinary Health Certificate, whether marked as Temporary or Permanent.
A mare shipped to Canada for foaling and being returned with the foal. The foal must make a FORMAL ENTRY with DHS CBP on being entered into the US for the first time.
Detroit and Port Huron, MI Port Veterinarians are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, except Holidays.
At any other time you must have made an appointment with the Port Veterinarian for an inspection, or wait at the port of entry until the next regular duty hours.
Inspection outside of regular duty hours is at the discretion of the Port Veterinarian. Inspection outside of regular duty hours is billed as reimbursable overtime, 2 hours minimum, plus commuted travel times as listed in 9 CFR 97. Regular inspection fees also apply. (Appointments not kept will be billed).
Detroit phone number for appointments: 313-226-4428
Detroit is a minimum of $255 for evenings, Saturday and Holidays; $287 for Sunday.
Port Huron phone number for appointments: 810-985-5433
Port Huron is a minimum of $151 for evenings, Saturday and Holidays; $201 for Sunday. (Hourly rates are adjusted October 1 of each year).
Note: Do not rely on DHS Customs and Border Protection personnel (persons manning the booth at the end of the bridge) to direct you to the Port Veterinarian, or to keep copies of the proper documents. (They are not agricultural specialists).
It is suggested that you plan to reach the port veterinarian’s office at least two hours before the close of business. Bridge delays may be long and are unpredictable.
It is your responsibility to enter your horses correctly!
Monetary penalties are possible for failure to enter horses correctly.