Are you moving to Hawaii with pets? You can’t imagine leaving your furry family member behind? Preparing to move—whether it’s across the country, across town or across the Pacific Ocean—can be an exciting and busy time for anyone. Moving to Hawaii with pets requires some additional planning and preparation to help make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your pet.
Before you pack your pet’s bags, make sure you understand Hawaii’s animal import requirements. Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the United States, and there are strict laws regarding the importation of dogs and cats. Certain animals that are acceptable to keep as pets in other states or countries may be prohibited or restricted in Hawaii.
The good news is that dogs and cats that meet Hawaii’s requirements may qualify for the 5 Day Or Less quarantine program, including direct airport release in certain circumstances. The key is to start the process early and carefully follow the required steps.
Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Law
Hawaii’s quarantine law is designed to protect the state from the introduction of rabies. All dogs and cats entering Hawaii must meet the state’s import requirements, regardless of their age or purpose. Dogs and cats that do not meet the requirements for the 5 Day Or Less program may be subject to quarantine for up to 120 days.
For pet owners moving to Hawaii, there are several important steps to complete before arrival.
1. Vaccination
Hawaii is a rabies-free state, so rabies vaccination is an important part of the state’s pet import requirements.
Your dog or cat must have received at least two rabies vaccinations during its lifetime. The two vaccinations must have been administered at least 30 days apart.
The most recent rabies vaccination must also have been administered at least 30 days before your pet arrives in Hawaii. Depending on whether the vaccine is licensed for one year or three years, the vaccination must also still be valid when your pet arrives.
This is an important update from older information about moving to Hawaii with pets. The waiting period used to be longer, but the current requirement is 30 days.
2. Pet Microchip
Your pet must have an electronic microchip for identification.
The microchip should be implanted before the blood titer test is performed because Hawaii uses the microchip number to associate your pet with its rabies blood-test results.
Make sure your veterinarian scans the microchip and confirms that the number is correctly recorded on your pet’s documentation. If the microchip cannot be read or does not match the required documentation, your pet may not qualify for direct release or the 5 Day Or Less program.
3. Blood Titer Test
Your pet must have an approved OIE-FAVN rabies antibody blood test, commonly called a rabies blood titer test.
The test must show a passing result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The FAVN test result is valid for 36 months from the date the laboratory receives the blood sample, assuming the other requirements continue to be met.
Most importantly, there is a 30-day waiting period after the laboratory receives the blood sample before your pet can arrive in Hawaii under the 5 Day Or Less program or qualify for direct airport release.
Arriving before that 30-day waiting period has been completed can result in your pet being quarantined until the waiting period is satisfied.
Because laboratory processing times can vary, it is a good idea to have the blood titer test completed well in advance of your planned move.
4. Ticks
Your pet must be treated for ticks within 14 days before arrival.
The treatment must use a long-acting oral or topical product labeled to kill ticks and must be documented on your pet’s health certificate. Hawaii maintains a list of acceptable tick treatments, so your veterinarian should confirm that the product being used meets the state’s requirements.
Your pet will also be inspected for external parasites when it arrives in Hawaii.
5. Application and Health Certificate
Hawaii requires a completed Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-279) and supporting documentation for dogs and cats entering the state.
An original health certificate in English is also required. For the standard 5 Day Or Less program, the health certificate is generally issued within 14 days of arrival and must contain the required information about your pet’s health, rabies vaccinations and tick treatment. Some airlines may have additional requirements, so check with the airline as well as Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Branch.
Hawaii has also introduced the Hawaii Pet Owner Portal (HIPOP), which allows owners of dogs and cats to submit their import applications online. Through the portal, owners can create an application for each pet, upload supporting documents and pay applicable fees. Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine staff review the submitted information before the application is approved.
For owners who prefer or need to use the traditional process, Hawaii still provides instructions for submitting the required paperwork to the Animal Quarantine Station.
Because the requirements involve several documents and specific timing requirements, don’t wait until the last minute to begin the application process.
Picking Up Your Pet
When it’s finally time to travel to Hawaii, your arrival airport can affect the process.
Dogs and cats arriving through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu may qualify for direct airport release if all requirements have been completed and the pet passes its inspection.
Pets may also enter directly through certain neighbor-island airports, including:
- Kona International Airport on Hawaii Island
- Kahului Airport on Maui
- Lihue Airport on Kauai
However, special arrangements are required for pets arriving directly at these airports. Owners must obtain a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) and arrange for an approved veterinarian on the island to inspect the pet. The permit must be obtained before the pet travels.
If you’re moving to Maui, Kauai or Hawaii Island, make these arrangements before booking your pet’s flight.
If all requirements have been completed, your pet can be released after the required inspection rather than being placed into an extended quarantine.
What Happens If Your Pet Arrives Too Early?
Timing matters when moving to Hawaii with pets.
If your pet arrives before completing the required 30-day waiting period following the FAVN blood test, your pet will not qualify for direct airport release at that time. The pet may be placed into quarantine until the waiting period has been completed.
The same is true if other requirements have not been completed.
A missing rabies vaccination record, an incorrect microchip number, an incomplete application or improperly timed documentation can cause delays and potentially result in additional quarantine.
Planning the process around your arrival date, rather than simply your departure date, is especially important.
Other Animals
Dogs and cats aren’t the only animals that people consider bringing when moving to Hawaii. However, different requirements apply to other species.
Birds, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and other animals may be subject to different import requirements, permits, health certificates or restrictions.
Some animals may be prohibited from entering Hawaii altogether.
If you’re moving with an animal other than a dog or cat, check Hawaii’s current requirements for that specific species before making travel arrangements. Do not assume that rules applying to dogs and cats also apply to other pets.
Moving to Hawaii With Pets Requires Planning
When moving to Hawaii with pets, you need to make a clear, concise plan. Start by talking with your veterinarian and reviewing the current requirements from Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
Give yourself enough time to complete the rabies vaccinations, pet microchip, blood titer test, waiting period, health certificate, tick treatment and application process.
Most importantly, don’t rely on an old checklist or information from another pet owner. Hawaii’s animal import requirements have changed over the years, including the waiting periods for the rabies vaccination and blood titer test. Always verify the current requirements before your pet travels.
Moving to Hawaii is a major transition for the entire family. With proper planning, your furry family member can make the journey with you and begin enjoying your new home in the islands.
Compass Moving has been helping families move to and from Hawaii for decades. We understand that moving to Hawaii requires more than simply packing boxes and shipping household goods. If you’re planning a move to Hawaii, our team can help you understand the logistics involved in getting your household where it needs to go.
Planning a move to Hawaii? Get a free moving estimate from Compass Moving and start planning your relocation today.