Pet Travel

Hawaii Quarantine Laws
If you are bringing a pet to Hawaii, particularly a dog or a cat, it is VERY important that you review Hawaii’s pet quarantine laws ASAP. There are six major requirements that must be met in order for your pet to avoid a lengthy 120 day quarantine on-island.

1. Two Rabies Vaccinations
2. Microchip Placement
3. OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Test
4. 120 Day Waiting Period (approx. 4 months)
5. Gathering Proper Documents
6. Submission of Documents

If any of these specific requirements are not met for your pet PRIOR to arrival in Hawaii, your pet will be quarantined at your expense for up to 120 days. If you take the proper steps to ensure your pet meets Hawaii’s pet import requirements, you will qualify for the 5-day-or-less Quarantine Program.

DON’T DELAY!

You can find all the information you need about getting your pet to Hawaii including more detailed information regarding the checklist above at the Hawaii Dept of Agriculture Website: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info

Pets on the Airlines
Each airline has different prices, requirements, and regulations regarding pet travel. In some cases, your dog or cat may be able to ride in the cabin, in other cases, they may be put in the cargo hold. It will be up to you to research which airline is best for your pet. Most airlines charge by crate size and total weight including the crate. DO NOT try to cram your pet into a crate that is too small! Pay particular attention to crate size, as most airlines require that your animal must be able to stand fully and turn around in the crate. In addition, if you are obtaining airline tickets through the military, be sure that they book you on the correct AIRLINE and flight number. It will be your responsibility to call beforehand and be sure there is room for you and your pet on the flight. Also, if your pet is being quarantined in Honolulu, be sure that your flight includes a long enough layover in Honolulu and does not go straight through to Lihue.

Picking Up Your Pet
If you qualify for the 5-Day-or-Less Program, you have the option of picking your pet up in Lihue, Kauai for an extra charge. However, if you choose this option, your paperwork has to be sent in 30 days prior to your arrival date. If you do not qualify for the 5-Day-or-Less Program, your pet will be quarantined in Honolulu and you will need to sign him/her in. The airline will bring the animal to a small quarantine office on the outskirts of the airport where you will be able to check on the animal briefly. After signing them in, you will continue on to Lihue and catch a flight back to Honolulu when the quarantine is over. The quarantine facility is about a mile away from the airport, so this will require renting a car or finding a taxi big enough to accommodate your animal’s crate. Airport laws do not allow you to remove your pet from the crate at any time. You will have to drive your pet from the Quarantine facility back to Honolulu Airport and then catch your flight back. Be sure to give yourself ample time to do so.

Please visit the Hawaii Dept of Agriculture Website: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info
For official and detailed information.