Bringing Pets To Hawaii

Don’t forget your furry family members! Our pets are such a big part of our family that no matter where the military life takes us, they will tag along for the ride. Hawaii is a rabies-free state therefore the quarantine law gets taken seriously. The law is in place to protect people and pets from health problems that are associated with the spread of rabies. The law states that all dogs and cats must comply with all import requirements some which can be taken care of before arrival to Hawaii. If compliant with all requirements pets may qualify for a 5 day or less quarantine time or a direct release from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. If their requirements are not met pets will have to be quarantined for up to 120 days. All pets have to be 6 months or older in order to meet all requirements. This information can be found using the brochure below: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2019/08/aqsbrochure-08.2019.pdf Visiting hours at the quarantine station are: Tuesdays, Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Wednesdays: 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Saturday, Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.(The station is closed for visitation on state holidays, Mondays and Fridays) Keep in mind that shipping your pets is at your own risk and the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture which oversees pet quarantine is not responsible for certain consequences due to shipment and confinement of pets including airline issues.  The best thing to do once you receive PCS orders to Hawaii when you have a pet is planning and timing. While booking your flights through the transportation office affiliated with your Military branch please notify them that you will be traveling with pets. Check all pet policies with the airline you will be traveling with to including kennel requirements.  Reach out to your Veterinarian or the closest Military Veterinary treatment facility and get started with the following: 1. Rabies vaccines.  At least 2 rabies vaccines must have been administered to your pet in its lifetime. The latest vaccine being given no less than 30 days, and no more than 12 months prior to arrival in Hawaii.  2. Your pet must be microchipped.  3. A blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory for the OIE-Fluorescent Antibody Serum Neutralization Test (OIE-FAVN), which tests for the adequate response to the rabies vaccine. 4. Health certificated by a veterinarian. Original copy will be submitted to inspector at arrival. Certificate should be done 10 days before arrival.  5. Your pet must complete the required waiting period from the date the lab receives the FAVN samples.  For 5 days or less quarantine the wait period is 30 days.  To check the laboratory tests results which will be sent to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture click the link below: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-microchip-search/ The checklist for all requirements to ship a pet to Honolulu are in the link below: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2019/08/aqsbrochure-08.2019.pdf Quarantine fees are as follows: The 120-day quarantine program costs $1,080 per pet.The 5 Day or Less quarantine program costs $244 per pet.The direct release program costs $185 per pet. *Military members should check with the commands to possibly receive reimbursement from the Department of Defense for up to $550 per family.  If you have any questions you can contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture- Animal Quarantine Station: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov808-483-7151http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/ Here are some Pet shipping companies in case airlines are not able to ship our pets: Island Pet Movers https://islandpetmovers.com/ Starwood Animal transport services https://www.starwoodanimaltransport.com/ Pacific Air Cargo http://pacificaircargo.com/vip-pet-service/ Happy travels! Daniella Horne Freelance blogger, Military Spouse, Social Media Coordinator for Blue Star Families Hawaii, and Motherhood Blogger for Momma & Sprouts.

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