Requirements for Moving a Dog to Hawaii

Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that is rabies-free and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture maintains that special status by enforcing a strict rabies quarantine law. Although the standard quarantine period is 120 days, completion of pre-arrival and post-arrival instructions may qualify your pet for a program called "five-days-or-less" and obtain release at the airport. Guide dogs and service dogs are allowed exempted status if certain requirements are met.

  1. Five-Day Program

    • Preparation is key to the five-day-or-less program

      Hawaii's "five-days-or-less" program requirements are detailed. Follow the checklist available on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) website. The pet is required to have at least two vaccinations for rabies that must have been more than 30 days apart. The most recent vaccination cannot be less than 90 days before arrival in Hawaii. In addition, the pet must have received an implanted microchip for identification, then receive an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test processed by Kansas State University (KSU) or a DOD lab. This must be completed not less than 120 days prior to arrival in Hawaii. Original signed rabies vaccination certificates, including vaccine name, lot number, booster interval, and other information, a completed, signed, and notarized Dog and Cat Import Form AQS-278, and payment for fees must be received 10 days before you and your pet arrive in Hawaii. As of October 2010, the fee for five days quarantine is $225 and $165 for pets released at the airport. Original health certification forms must be completed not more than 14 days prior to arrival. Have them available for inspection if on arrival. Pets are transported to the Animal Quarantine Facility unless Airport inspection is arranged.

    Standard Quarantine

    • Owners are responsible for most animal care during quarantine.

      Major requirements include a completed health certificate of all required vaccinations including rabies, and an implanted microchip. All pets quarantined must have a designated veterinary hospital. The Dog and Cat Import Form, AQS-278, must be completed. All pets are examined at the quarantine station and given routine tests for parasites. The owner and co-owner are responsible for grooming, kennel cleaning and animal medical care during the quarantine period. Any services that must be completed by staff will be billed to the owner. Fees for the 120-day quarantine are $1,080.

    Service Dog Exemptions

    • Service and guide dogs may be exempt.

      Service or exempted guide dogs must have a current rabies vaccination with documentation, along with an implanted microchip for identification and prior screening by the OIE-FAVN test. Also obtain a health certificate issued less than 30 days prior to arrival. Service dogs require a physician's statement that certifies the owner's disability, and a certificate of training of the dog from an accredited training company. Send all documentation ahead of arrival to the Animal Quarantine Station and advise of where the dog will stay after arrival. Qualified guide dog and service dog users may request inspection at the Honolulu International Airport on arrival if between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Advance arrangements are required. Airport release fees are $165.

    Additional Considerations

    • Check for updates and changes in the rules.

      It is possible to request inspection of a pet arriving at the Kona, Kahului or Lihue airports and there is also an exemption for pets from rabies-free regions. Refer to HDOA checklists for procedures.