Things You'll Need
- Airline-approved cat carrier
- OIE-FAVN rabies testing form
- Form AQS-278
- Two rabies certificates
- Pet health certificate
Instructions
Take your cat to a veterinarian to get a rabies vaccination if the cat does not already have a current one and a record of it. Wait at least 30 days after the initial rabies vaccination, then return to the veterinarian to have a second rabies vaccination administered to your cat.
Have your cat implanted with an electronic microchip by your veterinarian. Ask the veterinarian to scan the microchip to ensure it works properly.
Ask your veterinarian to perform a OIE-FAVN rabies blood test and give him the OIE-FAVN rabies testing form to fill out, which gives instructions on how to submit blood work to either Kansas State University or the Department of Defense. Have the veterinarian list "Hawaii" as the destination for the cat. This test costs about $80 for the laboratory testing fee alone, not including any charges by a veterinarian, as of September 2011.
Wait until the lab receives the sample and notes this in their system. From this date, you must wait at least 120 days before bringing your cat to Hawaii. The lab will usually have the results of the test within three to five weeks of receipt of the blood sample. A successful result is greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml. If the result is unsuccessful, you will have to resubmit another sample and begin the 120 waiting period from the date of receipt of the new sample. The results are good for up to 36 months.
Make your airline reservation for your flight to Hawaii with your cat. Airlines flying to Hawaii will usually not allow a cat in the cabin of the plane; in this case, the cat must fly in cargo. Ask the airline its particular regulations for bringing a cat on the flight. Airlines usually require that you include 24 hours of food for the animal on top of the airline-approved carrier and mark the carrier "Live Animal" with arrows pointing to the top of the carrier.
Fill out and have notarized Form AQS-278, which asks for your contact information and information about your cat and its health. This form lists the fee schedule for your cat, which ranges from $145 to $1,080, depending on what type, if any, of quarantine is required for your cat, as of September 2011.
Send in the required documentation necessary to pick up your cat at the airport at least 10 days before your arrival to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, whose address is listed on Form AQS-278. You will need Form AQS-278, the two original rabies vaccination certificates signed by your veterinarian and payment for the pick-up fees for your cat. Pay your fees with a cashier's check or money order, as personal checks are not accepted by the Department of Agriculture.
Bring your cat to a veterinarian 14 days or less before your flight to Hawaii to have it treated with Fipronil or an equivalent product to kill ticks. Revolution is not accepted.
Obtain a pet health certificate 10 days before your flight to Hawaii. The certificate must list the cat's vaccinations and the Fipronil treatment. You will need to present this to the airline before you board your cat and to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility at the Honolulu International Airport when you pick your cat up.
Check in your cat and take your flight to Hawaii. Airlines such as American Airlines usually require that you check the cat in no more than four hours before the flight time. You will need to first stop in Honolulu International Airport if you plan to fly to another island because this airport handles the import of pets.
Go to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility at the Honolulu International Airport to pick up your cat with its health certificate. If you are flying to one of the surrounding islands, obtain the neighbor island inspection permit.