Aloha, furry friends! Here’s how to prepare your pet for a safe and stress-free journey to Hawaii.
Hawaii is the dream destination for many—a paradise of sun, sand, and surf. But if you're planning to bring your furry family member along for the adventure, you’ll need to navigate a few more hurdles than your average trip. Hawaii's stringent regulations aim to protect its unique ecosystem, particularly from diseases like rabies. But don't worry—this Hawaii pet travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make sure your pet’s journey is as smooth and enjoyable as your own.
Can I bring my dog from Mainland to Hawaii?
Dogs and cats are welcome in Hawaii, but there are a few special considerations. Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that is completely rabies-free, and the local authorities are dedicated to keeping it that way. Introducing rabies—or other diseases—could have disastrous effects on the local wildlife, not to mention the health and safety of humans and pets. This is why the state has put in place some of the strictest pet entry requirements in the country.
While these regulations may seem overwhelming, they're not insurmountable with the right preparation. By starting early and following each step carefully, your pet can enjoy an easy, breezy entry into this tropical paradise. Here is a what the Hawaii department of agriculture says about dogs and cats entering the state. We will break it down for you even further.
How to bring a pet to Hawaii
Step 1: Microchip Identification
Before anything else, your pet needs to be microchipped. The microchip is your pet’s unique identifier and is crucial for matching them with their health records. It’s essential that this microchip is ISO 11784/11785 compliant, meaning it operates at 134.2 kHz, which is the standard recognized globally, including in Hawaii.
This microchip number will need to be recorded on all veterinary documents, so make sure it’s functioning correctly and is easy to scan. If your pet already has a microchip, it’s a good idea to get it checked by your vet to ensure it’s still operational.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccinations
Hawaii’s concern with rabies means that your pet must have received at least two rabies vaccinations in their lifetime. These two rabies vaccinations need to be at least 30 days apart. Vaccinations should be current, meaning your pet must be up to date on their shots at the time of travel. To be valid, there should be no lapse in rabies vaccination coverage. Entry is permitted if the vaccination was given between 30 days to three years before entry. If a one-year vaccination was given, your pet must enter before that one year expires.
While not mandatory for travel, it is strongly recommended that your pets have the following vaccinations as well. These are generally required from boarding facilities.
Dog Vaccinations:
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Leptospirosis
CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
Cat Vaccinations:
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) - required for some boarding facilities
Step 3: OIE-FAVN Blood Test
Next up is the OIE-FAVN blood test. This test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood and is a critical step in the process. The test must be performed by an approved laboratory, and the results must indicate that your pet has an adequate level of immunity against rabies. The approved labs are: Auburn University, Kansas State University, or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas.
The destination on the submission form must be listed as "HAWAII" and the original results will be mailed to Hawaii directly. An electronic copy of the results will be sent to your veterinarian.
It is recommended to wait at least two weeks after the final rabies vaccination before having the blood drawn. This will allow the vaccine to properly enter the body. Once the blood is drawn and sent to the lab, you’ll need to wait for the results. Pet parents say receiving the results of this blood test can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks due to laboratory backups. A passing test result is greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml.
Step 4: Waiting Period and Final Checklist
Once the lab has received the blood sample for testing, your 30-day at home waiting period begins. Time to start gathering all of your documents so they can be submitted to the Honolulu Inspection Station in advance of your arrival. All dogs and cats will need the following import form.
There are two main quarantine programs in Hawaii.
-Hawaii Direct Release (DAR) or 5 days or less Checklist: this program allows your pet to be instantly released after document inspection. The only difference with the 5 days or less program is how far in advance they receive your documents.
-120 day quarantine program
Required if your pet does not have the necessary rabies tests or passing blood tests. Your pet will be held at the quarantine facility in Honolulu at your own expense.
If you are wanting to fly your pet to one of the other islands other than Oahu, you will need a Neighboring Island Permit
Main difference: must wait for passing FAVN test before beginning the 30 days waiting period. And you cannot request permit until you have passing FAVN available
Step 5: Health Certificate and External Parasite Treatment
Once the results of your FAVN are available and you officially have your travel dates booked, you will need to have your licensed vet issue a health certificate within 10 days of your pet’s travel date. While most health certificates are valid within 14 days of travel, some airlines require the certificate to be valid within 10 days. This certificate confirms that your pet is free from any signs of infectious or contagious diseases and is fit to fly. For most vets, this official health certificate will be the Aphis 7001 form.
Cats and dogs must be treated by a veterinarian for ticks with a long-acting product (such as Frontline Plus). The product name and date of the treatment must be reported on the health certificate. It's recommended that you also provide a copy of the invoice from the vet showing the treatment was administered.
Some products like Revolution® are NOT an acceptable treatment. So work with your vet to ensure the treatment you use is approved. Here is a list of approved tick treatments for entry to Hawaii.
The certificate should include your pet’s microchip number and rabies vaccination information, along with a statement confirming that your pet is in good health. You will need the original signed form as well as a copy to keep for your own records.
Now it is time to officially fill out the import form and send all documents to Hawaii. Documents will need to arrive at least 10 days in advance for Honolulu and 30 days in advance for any other neighboring island.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens when I arrive in Honolulu with my pet?
Typically you will be handed an agriculture declaration card while on your flight. Be sure to mark the box that says you are traveling with a live animal and let your airline crew know. Once you land, you will need to keep your pet secure in his kennel and the airline personnel with escort you to the inspection station to have your papers reviewed. Agriculture inspections take place between 8am-5pm so arriving before 3:30p is highly recommended. Any pet arriving after this time will be held overnight.
Will my dog have to quarantine in Hawaii?
If you follow this checklist and have all rabies vaccinations and blood titer test results, and completed the 30 day waiting period, your pet will qualify for the direct release program and will not need to be quarantined on arrival.
What airlines allow pets to Hawaii?
Dogs and cats under 20lbs can fly in-cabin to Hawaii on Alaskan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. There are limits to the number of pets on board so you will want to make your reservations in advance. For dogs over 20 lbs and under 100lbs, they can also use these airlines to fly as accompanied baggage on your same flight. There are ways to get larger dogs sent as cargo or have your pets travel ahead of you if needed. Some families opt for private charter flights when they have larger dogs or airline-restricted breeds.
Can puppies fly to Hawaii?
Due to the rabies requirements and the waiting period, most pets will be at least six months old before they enter Hawaii. However, it is possible to fly your puppy to Honolulu and have him complete the 120 day quarantine at your own expense.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets flying to Hawaii?
Hawaii does restrict certain breeds of non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah, etc. from entering the state due to Plant Quarantine (PQ) law. Any dog listed as “mixed” can also face difficulty entering the state. Make sure your pet is defined by the breed code listed here.
How much does it cost to send my pet to Hawaii?
The cost of sending your pet to Hawaii can vary quite greatly. The veterinary visits, testing, and lab work can cost between $500-1200 per pet. Travel costs can range from $800-$5000 depending on the services you choose. Send us a request so we can offer you a custom quote for flight service to Hawaii.
Can someone else fly my pet to Hawaii?
Yes! You can hire a pet transporter or flight nanny to accompany your dog or cat to Hawaii. This is exactly what we do here at PurplePup LLC. We can help you make sense of the travel requirements and set up a timeline for his travel to paradise. We often assist families who have multiple pets or simply need assistance on the day of travel. We can fly with you as an extra hand and take charge of your pet’s travel experience. With our experience and knowledge, we hope to reduce the stress and worry involved with your move to Hawaii.
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