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In an industry as diverse and mobile as Canada’s equine sector, accurate identification and traceability are more important than ever. The Canadian Horse Identification Program (CHIP) was created to meet that need, offering a voluntary, national equine identification and traceability system designed specifically for Canada’s horses — and the people who care for them.

Open to all equines born and/or living in Canada, regardless of age, breed, discipline, or use, CHIP supports the health, welfare, and long-term sustainability of the Canadian equine population. Horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, hinnies, and even zebras are eligible to participate. By encouraging responsible ownership and standardized identification, CHIP helps ensure that every horse truly counts.

To learn more, ask your vet or contact the CHIP program directly.

What Is CHIP?

The Canadian Horse Identification Program is an industry-driven, voluntary program administered by Equestrian Canada, working in partnership with veterinarians, breed associations, sport organizations, and international stakeholders. At its core, CHIP promotes microchipping and registration as the premier, permanent method of equine identification.

Equestrian Canada offers a unique series of equine identification numbers. These numbers carry the “124-000” prefix, which designates that the microchip is uniquely Canadian under ISO international standards 11784 and 11785. Once implanted, the 15-digit microchip number is guaranteed for the life of the equine and remains with the horse no matter how many times ownership changes.

The 124-000 microchips are manufactured in Germany by TROVAN, are ICAR certified, and are supplied and distributed in Canada by EIDAP, a trusted leader in animal identification. These microchips are available exclusively through veterinarians and Equestrian Canada Category C breed associations.

Photo: iStock/Callipso

Why National Identification Matters

Canada’s equine population has long been estimated rather than accurately measured. As more equines are enrolled in CHIP, the program builds a clearer picture of the national herd. This data is essential to support government programs, emergency management planning, disease control, research, and long-term industry sustainability.

Over time, the CHIP registry will help assess economic impacts, population trends, performance data, and industry needs — benefiting equines, owners, breeders, and the broader equestrian community.

Participation starts with one horse — ask your vet or contact the CHIP program directly.

Key Benefits of the CHIP Program

The CHIP initiative offers wide-ranging advantages for both individual owners and the industry as a whole:

• A proudly Canadian, nationally unified equine identification program;
• A unique 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip exclusive to equines born and/or living in Canada;
• Permanent, reliable identification for life — globally recognized and accepted;
• Improved recovery and reunification in cases of loss, theft, or natural disasters;
• Support for international travel, competition, and breed registry compliance;
• Secure storage of equine and owner data within Canada, with owner permissions in place;
• Future development of a national, cradle-to-grave equine information platform.

Photo: Alamy/Mauritius Images GmbH

What CHIP Means for Owners

For horse owners, microchipping and registering an equine through CHIP provides both security and peace of mind.

A microchip offers accurate, permanent identification that cannot be lost, altered, or removed like brands, tattoos, or paper records. Considering that horses change ownership an average of six to seven times in their lifetime, permanent identification ensures continuity of records and protection at every stage.

In emergencies such as fires, floods, or severe storms, horses may escape or be displaced. A registered 124-000 microchip allows veterinarians, officials, or rescue agencies to quickly identify the animal and contact the rightful owner, helping prevent injury, prolonged stress, or worse.

CHIP also supports compliance with international standards. In many countries and disciplines, microchipping is required by law or by breed and sport organizations. Using the Canadian 124-000 microchip ensures owners are meeting current and future requirements.

As the CHIP platform continues to evolve, owners will also be able to store health records, vaccination history, and other important documents within their equine’s profile.

How to Participate

Owners can have their equines microchipped by a veterinarian or through an EC-affiliated breed registry using the 124-000 microchip. Basic registration in the CHIP–EIDAP registry is included in the cost of the microchip. Equine Owners have the option to upgrade to a Premium Registration, unlocking additional features including an image of their equine. 

Ask your vet or contact the CHIP program directly to get started.

Learn More

For questions about CHIP, registration, or participation:

1. Visit the Canadian Horse Identification Program website (CHIP)
2. Email: chip@equestrian.ca 
3. Microchip orders for veterinarians: orders@eidap.com 
4. Microchip Lookup

The Canadian Horse Identification Program is about more than technology — it’s about protecting horses, supporting owners, and strengthening Canada’s equine industry for generations to come.

Every horse counts.

Main Photo: iStock/AnnaElizabethPhotography

© Canadian Horse Journal. This article is original content, and we welcome inquiries regarding permission for use by other Canadian equine media.