Hawaii’s Pet Travel Requirements
A lovely Hawaiian holiday sounds perfect for people and pets alike, and passing between states is not an issue in the contiguous majority, so you may not consider the complications that come with traveling to and from Hawaii. The Aloha State is rabies-free, and quarantines all dogs and cats when they enter the state. The number of days your pet will spend in quarantine depends on the rabies testing that is done before you leave for Hawaii, so planning months in advance is key.
Note: Special rules apply to assistance dogs. Please check with the proper authorities to meet their requirements.
Requirements to Reduce the Length of Quarantine
To qualify for the five-days-or-less quarantine ALL of the following conditions must be met:
- The pet must have received at least two rabies vaccinations in its lifetime.
- The rabies vaccines must be administered more than 90 days apart.
- The most recent vaccine must have been given at least 90 days prior to arrival in Hawaii, and not more than 12 months prior to arrival in Hawaii for a 1-year vaccination or not more than 36 moths prior to arrival in Hawaii for a 3-year vaccination.
- The pet must have a microchip identification implanted by a veterinarian.
- The pet’s blood sample, identified by the microchip ID number, must have been tested by specified laboratories for rabies antibodies 120 days to 36 months before arriving in Hawaii.
- All documents and paperwork must be submitted and all fees must be paid in accordance with the detailed rules.
Visitation in Quarantine
While in quarantine, owners can visit their pets during the afternoon visiting hours at the quarantine station on the island of Oahu (or at a satellite quarantine station on Hawaii or Kauai, if prior arrangements have been made); however, animals cannot be taken out of the kennel. The quarantine centers handle minor ailments, but do not have facilities for major medical problems. State officials stress the importance for owners to arrange, in advance, for a state-approved private veterinary facility to provide veterinary care. Unless a veterinary hospital has agreed in advance to accept an ill pet, treatment could be delayed.
Cost of Quarantine
The cost for the five-day or less quarantine program is $224. If you are unable to meet the above qualifications your pet will be quarantined for up to 120 days at a cost of $1,080.
No Exceptions
Puppies and kittens are no exception, and would have to be about 10 months old to meet all the requirements to qualify for the five-days-or-less quarantine program. If they cannot qualify, they will be quarantined for up to 120 days. In addition, Hawaiian residents choosing to travel from Hawaii with their pets must meet conditions similar to the requirements listed above for the five-days-or-less quarantine program, or upon their return the pets will be quarantined for up to 120 days.
Additional Information
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
Phone: 808-483-7151
Airport Facility (24-hours): 808-837-8092
Email: hdoa.info@hawaii.gov or rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
Website: www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs
Planning a pet friendly trip of your own? We’ll make it easy: Pet Friendly Hotels | Pet Friendly Destinations | Pet Friendly ActivitiesFeatured Posts
