Registering an equine establishment
Information on the registration of a new equine establishment.
The information provided will be recorded on DAERA’s Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) and its replacement (NIFAIS) in accordance with the attached privacy notice.
Important informationFor further information on horse passport requirements please visit Single Lifetime Identification Document for Equines (“Horse Passports”).
As of 1st February 2026 it is now mandatory to register your Equine Establishment with DAERA.
If you own or have day to day responsibility for any establishment or place (land and/or buildings) where one or more equines are kept (horses, ponies, donkeys, zebras or crosses of those species) you must register that establishment.
If you keep your equine at a livery yard, it is the responsibility of the owner/operator of the livery yard to register, but you should be certain that the establishment is registered. You will need to obtain the EEN and postcode of the establishment from the owner/operator of the establishment when applying for a horse passport or applying to update a horse passport.
Registration is simple and free of charge.
When you register, DAERA will provide you with an Equine Establishment Number (EEN) – which can also be referred to as an animal group number, or AGN.
You are required to provide the EEN for the establishment where your equine is kept when applying for a horse passport or applying to update a horse passport for any changes such as ownership changes when you buy an equine, or to apply for a replacement or duplicate passport in the event of lost, stolen or damaged passports.
Failing to obtain an EEN means that you may be unable to buy, sell, move or export your equine without a valid, up to date passport.
To register your establishment and obtain your EEN, see link to online registration at the bottom of this page.
Important information
If you require assistance completing your online establishment registration form you can contact your local DAERA Direct office (DDO). Details of DDOs can be found at DAERA Direct Office Information
You should allow up to 21 working days to obtain your EEN.
Ensuring that equines are kept only at registered establishments is the first of a number of equine traceability measures which DAERA plans to implement under the EU Animal Health Law.
The benefits of registering include:
- Enhanced equine traceability
- Disease control and prevention
- Fraud and theft prevention
- Enhanced equine health and welfare protection
- Access to advice and guidance
A Questions and Answers document on the registration of Equine Establishments is available at Registration of Equine Establishments - Questions and Answers.