One of the upcoming changes to the Horse Protection Act (HPA), is the replacement of Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) with Horse Protection Inspectors (HPIs). Horse Protection Inspectors are third-party inspectors who are screened, trained, and authorized by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to perform inspections under the HPA. The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) APHIS HPIs are responsible for ensuring the welfare of equines by inspecting horses at events covered by the HPA.
While HPIs may not conduct inspections until February 1, 2025, the new Horse Protection rule allows APHIS to begin accepting HPI applications and training of applications as of June 7, 2024. HPIs are required to be either veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or State or local animal welfare officers and all must have prior equine knowledge and experience. Individuals interested in applying to be an HPI can review the HPI Frequently Asked Questions below for more information. Individuals interested in applying to become an HPI can fill out and submit the HPI Application below.