Instructions
Download and familiarize yourself with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's checklist. A link is provided in the References section.
Take your pets to get their shots. Your pets must have had two rabies vaccinations in their lifetime. The shots must be more than 30-days apart, and the most recent shot cannot be given less than 90 days before the pet's date of arrival in Hawaii.
Have your pet implanted with a microchip and verify that it is working properly. If your pet already has a microchip, have your veterinarian check that it is scanning properly. Animals that cannot be identified by scanning will automatically be held in the 120-day quarantine.
Get your pet's OIE-FAVN rabies blood test, and have your vet send the sample to the lab at Kansas State University or DOD. They must receive your pet's blood sample not more than 36 months and not less than 120 days before the date of arrival in Hawaii.
Get your paperwork ready while you wait. You will have to wait 120 days to bring your pet to Hawaii after the lab receives your pet's blood sample with a successful result. Make sure that you obtain the original or carbon copy of your rabies vaccines with your vet's signature. This will need to be mailed to the quarantine facility (more than 10 days before arrival) in Hawaii along with your notarized dog and cat import form and appropriate payment.
Make copies of all paperwork for yourself to carry with you in the event that something is lost. It is best to hold on to carbon copies if you can. Don't forget to call the airlines before you book your tickets to make sure the animal/s can fly on your chosen days. There is a three-animal limit on many flights.
Schedule an appointment with your vet for an exam to receive a health certificate when the 120-day waiting period is drawing to a close. This must take place no more than 14 days before arrival in Hawaii. Bring a checklist for your vet. The requirements for the health certificate again can be found the five-day or less checklist brochure (see Resources).
Make sure your pets have airline-approved crates to travel in with clipped-on water and food dishes when you put them on the flight. Check with the airline to see which pet carriers it allows.
How to Move Your Pets to Hawaii Successfully
So you've made the decision to head for the sunshine and warm weather of the islands ... or perhaps you have received orders and have no choice but to pick up and go. Either way, no one wants to leave their beloved pets behind. Read, study and review the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's checklist for moving your pet to the state. Following the check list will ensure your pet spends only five days in quarantine versus 120 days.