The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) has issued a livestock movement permit for nine reindeer belonging to Santa Claus, clearing the way for their in-state travel this holiday season. The permit, a routine part of Missouri’s stringent animal health regulations, ensures the health and safety of the state’s livestock industry, valued at $93.7 billion—enough to buy over 234 billion candy canes.
Santa Claus, based at the North Pole, applied for the permit this week, and Dr. Hermey Elf provided the necessary Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. MDA Director Chris Chinn and State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Strubberg granted approval, ensuring that Santa’s reindeer—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph—are ready for flight.
“We’re proud of our team for ensuring Santa’s team of reindeer are healthy each year,” said Chinn. “We know Santa and his elves have been working hard to bring Christmas cheer across Missouri, and they are ready to deliver gifts near and far!”
The permit allows Santa and his reindeer to take flight starting on the night before Christmas, with a few exceptions for early deliveries. Dr. Strubberg emphasized the importance of ensuring the reindeer are well-prepared for their journey, recommending that they consume a feed ration that includes Missouri grass hay. He also encouraged Missourians to make hay available for the reindeer, along with the traditional milk and cookies for Santa.
As part of the festive tradition, those looking to track Santa’s journey through Missouri can do so via the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which has been monitoring Santa’s yearly travels since 1955. Starting December 24, people can visit noradsanta.org, call 877-HI-NORAD, or use the mobile app on Google Play or the App Store to follow Santa’s progress. NORAD has historically tracked Santa’s route, which typically starts in the Pacific Ocean, travels westward, and includes stops in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Asia, and across Europe, the United States, and beyond.
According to NORAD, Santa Claus typically arrives at houses between 9 p.m. and midnight local time, only visiting when children are asleep.
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