How to obtain and why you need a horse passport

All horses, ponies and donkeys must have a horse passport.

The passport helps:

  • make sure horses treated with certain medicines don't end up as food for people
  • prevent the sale of a stolen horse, pony or donkey, as the passport proves its identity

The animal's rider or keeper must have the passport with them at all times when they're with the animal, unless it's in a stable, grazing in a field, or being moved by foot. Owners can take their animals for short rides without one.

You (or the animal's main keeper) may have to show the passport to a Trading Standards inspector or an animal health officer.

For up to date information and the listing of those who are authorised to issue passports, please also visit horse passports (GOV.UK).

For further information, or if you suspect an offence, please contact our Business Advice line on 0300 123 2329 or email: business.advice@surreycc.gov.uk

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