Moving Pets to Hawaii: Traveling to Hawaii with a Dog

Here are reviews and details to help you see if you would like to travel to Hawaii  with your pets

Official Hawaii government website on importing pets

Official Checklists and requirements with more detail

Entry Requirements For Taking a Dog or Cat to Hawaii from Rabies-Free Countries 

Hawaii is rabies-free and has strict rabies requirements. Only a few other countries that are also rabies-free such as the British Isles, Australia, Guam, and New Zealand have exempt status.

Here are the requirements 

Can you bring a dog or cat to Hawaii?Quarantine Requirements

 Hawaii is rabies free, so they have strict entry requirements that fall into 3 categories.

1. Airport Direct Release – The pet will get inspected at the airport and released to the owner without any quarantine
2. 5 Days or Less – The pet will be quarantined for up to 5 days
3. 120-Day Quarantine – Any pet who doesn’t meet ALL the requirements for the previous two programs will be quarantined at the owner’s expense.

So, how do you avoid quarantines in Hawaii and have your pet go home with you from the airport?  Follow ALL the requirements, meet all the timelines, and pay all the fees.

Entry Requirements for Moving with Pets to Hawaii from All Other Countries Including US States

Medical Requirements: 

Rabies

• Vaccinated for rabies at least twice and more than 30 days apart
• Most recent rabies vaccines given more than 30 days before arrival
• Do the FAVN Rabies Antibody Test at an approved lab. The blood sample must be not less than 30 days before arrival. Once you get a successful result from the antibody test, you have to wait 30 days before heading to Hawaii

Other

• Long-acting tick treatment is given within 14 days of arrival and written on the health certificate
• Vaccinations against many illnesses are required for quarantine

Documentation Required and how to get it:

All required documents must be received by the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) 10 days or more before the intended arrival date for Direct Airport Release (DAR) in Honolulu. This includes a Completed Dog & Cat Import Form. You also need to get a health certificate within 14 days of arrival that includes rabies vaccine information. It’s helpful to send it ahead of time with the fee enclosed to avoid the up to 5-day quarantine. 

If you bring your paperwork with you instead of sending it ahead of time, your pet may not qualify for Direct Airport Release and will have a higher fee.

Additional Considerations

Microchip Requirements:

Required to be implanted before the rabies blood test to avoid quarantine.

Breed Restrictions:

None listed

Number of pet restrictions:

None listed

Other:

Requirements differ depending on which airport you arrive in. Make sure your flight arrives before 3 pm so there is enough time to be processed or your pet will be kept overnight with a fee.

Your pet can’t get out of their carrier anytime between landing, inspection, getting permission, and finally leaving the airport.  That can be 1-4 hours.

Puppies and kittens will not be able to complete the rabies requirements before about 6 months of age, so they are not allowed unless they are quarantined. 

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?

No

Are you flying to Hawaii?

Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide

Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety

This information was last updated January 2023. 
If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.