Planning a trip to Hawaii and want to bring your furry friend? The Aloha State has unique rules about bringing animals in, primarily due to its rabies-free status. This article answers the question: Can Dogs Travel To Hawaii? It provides a detailed overview of Hawaii’s animal quarantine regulations, ensuring you and your canine companion can navigate the process smoothly.
Why Hawaii Has Animal Quarantine Laws
Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that is rabies-free. This is a significant achievement that protects public health, the unique Hawaiian ecosystem, and the local lifestyle. Introducing rabies would have devastating consequences.
Alt text: Front view of the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa Valley, Hawaii, ensuring the state remains rabies-free.
Maintaining this rabies-free status means that resident pets in Hawaii aren’t required to be vaccinated against rabies. If rabies were to become established, managing the disease through animal and human health programs would be extremely costly for all residents.
To prevent rabies from entering the state, current laws require dogs, cats, and carnivores to undergo either a 120-day or a shorter 5 Day Or Less rabies quarantine. The law mandates that the quarantine program’s costs be covered by its users, with no general taxpayer funds allocated.
Quarantine Options and Costs
There are a few options to quarantine your pet. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- 120-Day Quarantine: $1,080 per pet.
- 5 Day Or Less Quarantine: $244 per pet.
- Direct Release: $185 per pet.
Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change. Also, there are no discounts for multiple pets. The program is designed to be self-sustaining through user fees.
Active-duty military members may be eligible for reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Defense, potentially covering up to $550 per family for quarantine expenses. It’s best to check with your command for details.
Qualifying for the 5 Day Or Less Quarantine
To qualify for the 5 Day Or Less quarantine, there are several pre-shipment requirements that need to be met. See the Rabies Quarantine Brochure for more information.
- Rabies Vaccinations: Your pet must have received at least two rabies vaccines in its lifetime. The second vaccination must be administered no less than 30 days after the first. The most recent vaccination should be given no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months before arrival for 12-month licensed vaccines, or no more than 36 months before arrival for 3-year licensed vaccines.
- Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped for identification purposes. This microchip is essential for linking your pet to its blood sample.
- OIE-FAVN Test: A blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory for the OIE-Fluorescent Antibody Serum Neutralization Test (OIE-FAVN). This test confirms adequate response to the rabies vaccine, requiring a result greater than 0.5 IU/ml.
- Waiting Period: A mandatory waiting period is required between the date the lab receives the blood sample and the date of arrival in Hawaii:
- 5 Day Or Less Quarantine: Requires a 30-day pre-arrival waiting period.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in your pet being subject to a longer quarantine period.
What Happens If You Arrive Early?
Arriving in Hawaii before the waiting period has elapsed means your pet won’t qualify for the shorter quarantine program. In that case, your pet must remain in quarantine until the 120-day waiting period is complete after passing the OIE-FAVN rabies serological test. Additionally, your pet must stay in quarantine for at least 90 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. This situation incurs a daily charge of $14.30, plus the standard $244 quarantine fee.
How to Know If Your Pet Passed the OIE-FAVN Test
The testing laboratories send results directly to the Animal Quarantine Station and your veterinarian. In most instances, your veterinarian will receive the results before they’re posted on the department’s website. The website also indicates the earliest date your pet can enter Hawaii under the 5 Day Or Less quarantine, based on the 30-day waiting period. It’s important to also ensure that the two required rabies vaccinations are compliant for program eligibility.
The Animal Quarantine Station provides an online search tool to check your pet’s microchip number: /hdoa/organization/animal-ind/ai_aqs/microchip/. Keep in mind the website is updated weekly, but updates can take up to three or four weeks during peak periods or staffing shortages. For quicker updates, check with your veterinarian.
Quarantine Exemptions
The law provides exemptions to quarantine confinement for:
- Guide Dogs and Service Dogs: These dogs must meet specific pre-shipment requirements, including current rabies vaccination, passing an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test (>0.5 IU/ml), and proper certification. Detailed information can be found on the official website.
- Pets from Rabies-Free Areas: Dogs and cats from New Zealand, Australia, Guam, and the British Isles may be exempt. An import permit number is not required to import pets from these rabies-free areas unless the exporting country specifically requires one before exporting a pet to Hawaii. Contact the Animal Quarantine Station for details.
Alt text: A dog patiently waits in its kennel at the Honolulu Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility, emphasizing the care provided during the quarantine process.
Arrival Procedures in Honolulu
Honolulu is the sole port of entry for all animals entering Hawaii. Here’s what to expect upon arrival:
Airline personnel will transport your dog or cat from the aircraft to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility. Pets are then placed in indoor kennels with fresh water. Food is provided upon request.
Pets arriving during the day are transferred to the main Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa Valley via scheduled van runs. If your pet arrives after 3:00 p.m., it will stay overnight at the airport facility and be transferred the following morning.
Visiting Your Pet After Arrival
Concerned about your pet’s well-being after the flight? A brief visual inspection is allowed at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility, located on the Ewa Service Road between the interisland and main terminals. Alternatively, you can call the facility for an update on your pet.
Transiting Through Hawaii
If you’re transiting through Hawaii with your pet to another destination, your pet must remain in quarantine for the duration of your stay. The airline will transport your pet from the plane to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility, and then to the main Animal Quarantine Station. A health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 14 days prior to arrival is also required.
Fees include administrative costs plus a daily charge for food and kenneling. Ensure the staff knows your departure information at least 72 hours in advance to allow for timely airport transfer.
Flying In-Cabin with Your Pet
Whether your pet can fly in the passenger cabin is determined by the airline’s policies, not the Department of Agriculture. The airline is legally obligated to transport all incoming animals directly from the plane to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility.
Animals under quarantine being transferred to an outer island satellite quarantine facility or approved veterinary hospital cannot fly in-cabin unless special arrangements are made with the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility, including inspector accompaniment for medical reasons.
Sending Your Pet Ahead
You don’t need to be present when your pet arrives. Ensure the airline carrier is labeled with the owner’s and any co-owner’s full names, addresses, and phone numbers for emergencies. A Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) should be sent ahead of your pet’s arrival so that the information will be on file. Only the name(s) appearing on the Shipmaster’s Declaration form will be recognized as the legal owners of your pet for the purposes of quarantine.
Designating a Co-Owner or Visitor
If you cannot be in Hawaii, you can designate someone else to look in on your pet by listing them as a co-owner on the Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279). This authorizes them to visit and act on your behalf. Alternatively, send a notarized letter to the Animal Quarantine Station authorizing a specific person to visit, including their ID number.
Animal Quarantine Station Details
The Animal Quarantine Station is located in Halawa Valley. Visiting hours are limited to certain days and times. Only registered owners or designated co-owners, including designated handlers, are allowed to visit. An AQS-issued visitor pass and valid photo identification are required for each visit, and all visits are restricted to the kennel area.
Kennel Sizes and Housing
Dogs are assigned kennels based on their size, varying in length and width. Cat kennels include platforms, sheltered areas, and a catwalk. Each kennel has a bench for visitor seating.
Pets are typically housed separately to monitor their feeding and elimination. However, pets of the same species may be housed together if the owner accepts full responsibility for their daily care, attending to their needs seven days a week.
Multiple Pet Visitation Program
Owners can move pets to the same kennel during regular visits under the Multiple Pet Visitation (MPV) program, requiring attendance at an orientation session and veterinary staff approval. Pets must be of the same species.
120-Day Quarantine Requirements
For the 120-day program, a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian within 14 days of arrival is required. Your pet should have records of current rabies and standard vaccinations, be free of parasites, and treated for ticks and external parasites.
Quarantine on Neighbor Islands
Kauai is the only island with a satellite quarantine station. Arrangements must be made in advance with the Kauai Humane Society. Approved animal hospitals on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai can also be used for quarantine.
Pets quarantined at satellite kennels or hospitals must first arrive at the Animal Quarantine Station on Oahu for identification and examination, typically staying in Honolulu for a couple of days before transfer.
Medical Conditions and Quarantine
If your pet has a medical condition that would be aggravated by quarantine, you can request quarantine at an approved animal hospital, making arrangements directly with the hospital.
Pets Arriving from Foreign Countries
Exempt status is limited to pets from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, and New Zealand. All other pets must qualify under another program or complete the 120-day program.
Returning to Hawaii with a Resident Pet
Hawaii residents taking pets out of state and returning without extended quarantine must meet all requirements for the 5 Day Or Less program, including specific rabies vaccination and blood test requirements. Also, submit the original health certificate issued before departure, containing the pet’s Hawaii address and departure date.
Pets Transiting Through Hawaii to a Foreign Country
International pet travel is regulated by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). For pets transiting through Hawaii to a foreign destination, owners must use a private veterinarian to meet the destination country’s import requirements.
Conclusion
Can dogs travel to Hawaii? Yes, but it requires careful planning and adherence to Hawaii’s quarantine regulations. Understanding these rules and preparing accordingly ensures a smoother process for you and your beloved pet. Make sure to consult the official Hawaii Department of Agriculture website for the most up-to-date information and requirements before your trip. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the Aloha spirit with your furry friend by your side.
