Pet Microchip

To enter Hawaii, your pet must first be microchipped with an ISO 11784 pet microchip that is a 15 digit and non-encrypted. The certificate from your veterinarian must state the number of the microchip and it must contain the fact that the veterinarian was able to scan the chip successfully. The microchip can be of the standard US issue (Avid) or (Home Again) type or a 15 digit ISO pet microchip. The microchip must be implanted prior to your pet's rabies titer test (FAVN).

Rabies Vaccination

Your dog, or cat must have been vaccinated at least twice in its lifetime for rabies and those vaccinations must be more than 30 days apart. The latest vaccination must have done no less than 30 days prior to arrival in Hawaii.

Two original copies of vaccination certificates must accompany your pet to Hawaii.

Rabies Titer Test

Your pet must have a rabies titer test (FAVN) prior to traveling to Hawaii. The titer test must be done not more than 36 months and not less than 30 days prior to arrival in Hawaii.

Your pet's microchip must be implanted prior to the titer test. Have your veterinarian scan your pet's microchip prior to administering the titer test. Be sure that the titer test submittal form states that the destination is Hawaii so test results will be sent there. The sample must be processed at Kansas State University or DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas. The test is valid for entering Hawaii for 36 months.

(Exception: if your pet resides in the British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand - see step 6 below)

Ticks Treatment

Your pet must be treated with a product containing Fipronil or an equivalent long-acting product labeled to kill ticks within 14 days of entering Hawaii.

Pet Health Certificaten & Import Form

Notarized Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS 279) is required for entry to Hawaii.

A licensed veterinarian must complete a pet health certificate for Hawaii in English. It must be an original - no photocopies are allowed. This certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country not more than 14 days prior to your pet's arrival to Hawaii. USDA endorsement is not required when entering Hawaii from the mainland United States.

All documentation should be sent to the Animal Quarantine Branch. There is a fee for processing the documents. The documents and check must arrive 10 days before the pet's arrival to qualify for same-day release and reduced fees. Since the documents cannot be prepared by your veterinarian more than 14 days prior to arrival you must send them by Federal Express to qualify for airport release of your pet.

Quarantine

Dogs and cats meeting specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for 5-day–or-less quarantine program, which has a provision for direct release at Honolulu International Airport after inspection.

Furthermore, Hawaiian law requires dogs and cats that do not meet all of the specific 5-Day-Or-Less program requirements to be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival in Hawaii.

Quarantine requirements do not apply for your pet if it is entering from the British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand when all of the following apply

• Your pet's flight is direct or your pet has evidence in writing from the officer in charge that your pet was not in contact with any other animal during their transit.
• Your pet's crate was sealed by veterinary authorities at the point of origin
• Accompanied by a declaration by the owner that your pet resided in one of the countries listed above since birth or for a period of at least 6 months prior to entry
• Accompanied by a health certificate and proof of ticks and tapeworm treatment within 14 days of entry
• Accompanied by Guam Affidavit, form IC-5 (Origination in Guam only)

Entering Hawaii by Air

You may enter Hawaii through Honolulu International Airport only between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm. Your pet will be taken from the airport to the quarantine center. You will pick up your pet at that location. Pet owners should be sure to arrange for their flights to arrive  in Hawaii by 3:30 p.m. The process of clearing your pet generally takes one hour if your pet conforms to all requirements and has arrived on a direct flight. Otherwise, the process can take up to 4-5 hours. Pets not cleared by 4:30 p.m. will be held overnight at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility.

You may also enter through the neighbor Island airports of Kahului, Kona, or Lihue but special arrangements must be made in advance. Note that not all airlines participate in this program. All requirements for entering Hawaii must be met and documentation must be submitted at least 30 days prior to import.

Guide dogs for the blind and certified service dogs for the physically disabled must complete pre-shipment requirements including having a current rabies vaccination, passing an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test after 12 months of age and prior to arrival in Hawaii. Proof of certification must be provided and the specific disability must be listed on a health certificate issued no more than 30 days before travel. The certificate must also reflect a treatment for ticks within 14 days of travel. All documentation should be sent to the Rabies Quarantine Branch well ahead of your intended arrival date. Your service dog will be inspected upon arrival during normal business hours and released if no health problems arise.

Assistance dogs that help passengers with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behavior are considered service animals.

Emotional support dogs that provide support for well-being, comfort, or companionship do not meet the definition of a service dog.

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated for rabies before reaching 3 months of age. Bringing a puppy or kitten to Hawaii before it is vaccinated for rabies is not permitted.

Due to the minimum amount of time needed to prepare a puppy or kitten to meet the requirements of the pet import to Hawaii, a puppy or kitten will be about 5 months of age by the time the preparations are completed. Puppies and kittens not able to meet all of the requirements for the 5-Day-Or-Less program will be quarantined until such time as they conform to regulations.

Banned Breeds

Non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah, etc are prohibited from entry to Hawaii.

Exporting Pets

Owners wishing to leave Hawaii with their pets and return without extended quarantine upon return must meet all requirements listed above prior to leaving Hawaii. The length of the waiting period after a successful rabies blood test is modified and completed is not less than 14 days before leaving Hawaii.

Other Animals

Pet rabbits will require a health certificate signed by a State, Federal, or accredited veterinarian within seven days prior to arrival in Hawaii. Gerbils, hamsters and rodents will require an import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture as well as a health certificate issued and signed by a State, Federal, or accredited veterinarian within 7 days prior to arrival in Hawaii. Ferrets are not permitted to enter Hawaii. Your pet must be free of all external parasites. Entrance to the country for these animals must be at Honolulu International Airport and a licensed agent must transport your pet to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility for inspection.

The import of snakes, snapping turtles, toucons, bees and bearded dragon lizards is prohibited.