Instructions
Go to the Hawaii.government's official Website. Study the documentation for the "5 day or less" program. Print out all documentation. Take it all to your vet as soon as possible. Begin a time line of what needs to be sent off. Establish where and when you need to send all the different forms of paperwork. You can find the link in our Resources section.
Ask your vet to look over your animal's medical history. The number one requirement for this program is that your animal has had at least two rabies vaccines in its lifetime, administered more than 90 days apart. The most recent rabies vaccine must also have been administered not less than 90 days prior to arrival in Hawaii.
Get your animal an electronic microchip. This is essential for the program. Pets that can't be identified by a microchip will have to be entered into the 120 day quarantine period.
Get a OIE-FAVN blood test done as soon as possible. This will check for any sign of rabies. Your vet will take the blood and send it to either the KSU or DOD testing facility. The facility needs to have received the blood by at least 120 days before the animal is to arrive in Hawaii. This is because it takes up to four months for signs of rabies to show up.
Have your vet do a health certificate for your pet. This should not be done more than 14 days prior to arriving in Hawaii.
Forward your documentation to the Animal Quarantine Branch in Hawaii. These documents will include import forms, health certificates and rabies vaccinations. You will also need to send a cashier's check or money order along with the application. All of this must be received by the Animal Quarantine Branch at least ten days prior to arrival.
Check your airline travel arrangements. Check with the airline. Decide if you wish to send your pet separately as cargo or as one of your bags. Different airlines have different requirements regarding how many animals they will make room for on a flight. Check specific airlines for temperature restrictions since some airlines won't fly pets if the outside temperature exceeds their guidelines. You will also need to invest in a crate to transport your animal. Bring along shredded paper, bowls for water and bowls for food. If the airline feels that the crate is too small for the animal, it won't allow your pet to fly. As a rule of thumb, your pet's ears should not be touching the top of the crate.
How to Bring a Pet to Hawaii
Up until recently, Hawaii's strict animal quarantine rules have meant that people often do not bring pets with them when they move to Hawaii. A pet was usually placed in quarantine for up to 4 months if moved there. In the last few years, however, the rules have changed. The rules now allow pet owners to bring pets to Hawaii without a quarantine period. This is known as the "5 day or less" program. In order to qualify for this opportunity, pet owners must adhere to the strict rules of the program.