Transporting horses isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It is a critical phase in a horse’s life that, if handled improperly, can lead to stress, injury, or even death. The risks to their welfare increase significantly when decisions must be made about transporting equines that are, or become, compromised or unfit during a journey.
To help owners and caregivers make the best decisions for their horses, the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) has developed a guide that provides clarity on the regulatory requirements for transporting horses in Canada. The Transport Regulations for Compromised or Unfit Animals guide is available as a free download from the HWAC website at horsewelfare.ca/transport.
The guide breaks down Canada’s federal Health of Animals Regulations (Part XII) as they apply to compromised or unfit animals, with a specific focus on equines. It aims to improve compliance, educate handlers and transporters, and, most importantly, safeguard horse welfare throughout the transport process.
“This guide isn’t just for commercial transporters,” said Dr. Bettina Bobsien, equine veterinarian and HWAC board member. “Whether you’re hauling your horse to a veterinarian, a show, or across the country, you have a legal and ethical responsibility to do your best to ensure that trip is as low-stress and safe as possible.”
The guide outlines the responsibilities of everyone involved in transporting compromised or unfit animals, including owners, caregivers, enforcement personnel, veterinarians, hired transporters, and others. It also addresses animal welfare considerations during disasters and emergencies.
Under federal transport regulations, injured, ill, or otherwise impaired animals are classified as either compromised or unfit for transport.
Understanding the Rules and What’s Required
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for enforcing Canada’s animal transport regulations, many of which are not widely understood by horse owners or transporters. The HWAC guide helps bridge that gap by translating complex regulatory language into practical, real-world applications.
Under Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations:
- COMPROMISED – Transport only with special provisions.
“Compromised” signifies animals that require additional care or special provisions to ensure their well-being during transport. - UNFIT – Do not transport.
“Unfit” denotes animals that are unsuitable for transport because of significant health or welfare concerns.
Key Considerations from the Guide:
- Trip Preparation
Transporting an animal requires careful planning, including assessing the animal’s health and fitness for transport, trailer cleanliness and biosecurity, emergency contingency plans, monitoring during transport, environmental conditions, proper documentation, and access to food, water, and rest. - Fit to Transport
Being fit to transport means an animal is healthy enough to endure the journey without experiencing unnecessary pain or distress. Before loading, animals must be assessed to ensure they can withstand the demands of transport, taking into consideration factors such as physical condition, age, trip duration, and environmental conditions. The guide includes the CFIA’s Assessing Lameness for Transport flowchart to assist transporters in evaluating soundness and determining whether a horse is fit for the journey. - When Things Change
A horse’s condition can change once a journey begins. An animal that was fit to transport when loaded may become compromised or unfit due to illness, injury, or stress. The guide provides guidance for owners and transporters on what to do if an animal’s condition changes during transport. - Contingency Planning
Being prepared for the unexpected is an important part of responsible horse transportation. A contingency plan can address situations such as an accident, inclement weather, traffic delays, or a horse becoming compromised during the journey. Plans should be realistic and practical, with the goal of preventing suffering and protecting animal welfare. - Transporting a Compromised Animal Under Special Conditions
Animals considered compromised are subject to specific restrictions and conditions during transport. These may include restrictions on transportation to an auction market, segregation from other animals, shorter journey durations, and specific bedding requirements.
Education and Planning are KEY
The Transport Regulations for Compromised or Unfit Animals guide is designed to demystify federal regulations and make them easier to understand for everyone, from seasoned professionals to recreational horse owners. It includes checklists, definitions, real-life scenarios, and practical advice to support regulatory compliance and animal welfare.
The guide also emphasizes that responsible transport involves planning for situations that may arise along the way—not simply determining whether a horse is fit before it leaves. Having a plan in place for unexpected delays, changing weather, accidents, or a change in the horse’s condition can help reduce additional stress and suffering.
“Canadian horse owners want to do the right thing,” Dr. Bobsien said. “This guide helps them understand what that looks like, legally and ethically, every time a horse is about to be loaded onto a trailer.”
Available Now
The full guide is available as a free download at horsewelfare.ca/transport. HWAC also offers an online course on horse handling and hauling for those looking to build their knowledge and practical skills.
For more information about the guide, Canada’s equine transport regulations, or the online course, contact HWAC at info@horsewelfare.ca.