What to Know Before Bringing Dogs and Cats to Hawaii
Things to help you with your transport to Hawaii.
Microchip
Pets must have an electronic microchip implanted (required before an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test is performed). The microchip must be scanned by your veterinarian to verify that it is working and that the microchip number is correct on all documentation. If the pet cannot be identified by scanning the microchip, they will not qualify for direct airport release and will undergo up to 120-day quarantine.
Rabies Vaccination and Certificate
Pets should be vaccinated at least twice for rabies in their lifetime. These rabies vaccines should be administered more than 30 days apart. The most recent rabies vaccination should be done no more than 12 months prior to the date of arrival in Hawaii for a 1-year rabies vaccine, or no more than 36 months prior to the date of arrival for a 3-year rabies vaccine.
OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Test
First, make sure your pet has a valid rabies vaccine (that is at least the second vaccine he or she has had in their life). Once that rabies vaccine is at least 30 days old, your pet will need to have their blood drawn for a rabies antibody test by an accredited veterinarian to ensure that the vaccination has provided adequate rabies antibody levels.
A blood sample must be sent to Kansas State University (KSU) or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas. Blood test results must be greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml. You must have a copy of the successful blood test results showing the pet’s microchip number. Make sure your veterinarian lists “Hawaii” as the destination on the blood test submission form. KSU and DOD will then automatically send your pet’s results to Hawaii.
Submission of Documents
You are required to submit the following documentation to Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Branch. All documentation listed below must be received at least 10 days prior to your pet's arrival into Hawaii to ensure direct release.
Completed Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-279. Two original rabies vaccination certificates with actual veterinarian signature. Fee payments accepted by cashier’s check or money order only (pet’s microchip number must be included with payment), payable to: Department of Agriculture $185/pet in advance for direct airport release. Please note, if your documentation arrives less than 10 days prior to your pet's arrival you will be subject to a higher fee per pet. You may send the listed documentation by mail with return receipt to Animal Quarantine Station 99-951 Halawa Valley St., Aiea, Hawaii 96701.
Direct Release at Airport
Direct Airport Release is only done at the Honolulu International Airport. Pets must arrive at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (808-837-8092) at the Honolulu International Airport during normal inspection hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Keep in mind that it may take up to one hour for the airlines to transport your pet to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility.
Pets not arriving at the facility during normal inspection hours will not be released at the airport, so it is important to note that your pet’s flight will need to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. in Honolulu if you would like to have your pet released the same day.
Pets on international flights will also need to clear US Customs before they may be released from the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility. You may check with your airline regarding US Customs hours of operation.
Pets will not qualify for direct airport release if ticks or other parasites are found at the time of arrival.
Introduction
Hawaii is rabies-free. Hawaii’s quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats, regardless of age (puppies and kittens included) or purpose, must comply with Hawaii’s dog and cat import requirements.
As opposed to other US states, Hawaii has somewhat strict import rules due to its more delicate island ecosystem and rabies free status. This doesn’t mean bringing pets to Hawaii is impossible, but you’ll need to prepare carefully and carry out each step correctly.
Hawaii has a 5-Day-or-Less program and the requirements for Direct Release. If all rules are followed, pets will not have to undergo a quarantine upon arrival.
1. Direct Airport Release – at HNL - will be doing this option!
2. 5 Day-or-Less Program
3. Full 120-Day (4 Month) Quarantine
Required Pet Preparation
*pet owner must handle pet import requirements*
Step 1 - Microchip
· We recommend using a 15-digit ISO compatible microchip, which should be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
· The microchip number and the date that it was inserted or read should be reported either on a certificate or document issued by your vet.
· Your local veterinarian should scan your pet’s microchip at every vet visit to ensure it is readable and working.
Step 2 – Rabies Vaccinations
- Pets must have 2 rabies shots given at least 30 days apart (which works out to at least 31 days apart).
- The most recent one must be done no less than 30 days before the pet’s arrival to Hawaii.
- Please ensure your pet is at least 12 weeks of age when vaccinated.
- Make sure your pet has waited the full 30 days before moving to Hawaii, or your pet will be quarantined until 30 days have passed.
Your pet’s rabies vaccine certificate must show:
Microchip number
Full product name and manufacturer of the rabies vaccine
Serial, lot or batch number of this vaccine
Vet's ink signature, date and license number
Step 3 – Serology Rabies Titer Test (FAVN)
We recommend that your pet is fully protected.
If your pet requires boarding for any length of time, please ensure they are up-to-date on the following general vaccinations below. These vaccines should be valid for the entire boarding period.
DOGS --
Once a travel date is defined and the blood results are back, an import application must be completed with the owner and pet's full details. The following needs to be sent via FedEx or Certified mail at least 10-business days before a pet's arrival into Hawaii. If you need assistance, I can pre-fill Application and send back to you via email. I will need pet details (chip#/breed/age/color) and owner's driver's license or whomever will be picking up from the airport
Originals indicates a wet ink signature - Hawaii prefers blue ink.
*we recommend follow-up with Hawaii Agriculture to confirm all documents are received and that your pet is ready for direct release arrival. I can help do this too.
* You can email : rabiesfree@hawaii.gov and put the microchips of your pet in the subject line with your request.
Step 6: Pre-Departure Documentation and Treatment:
Health Exam & Certificate to Travel + External Parasite Treatment
Time Frame: must be done within 10 days of arrival (preferably less than 10 days in case there are delays). The day of the health exam counts as Day 1. I attached an example and we will pre-fill out the health certificate for you to Hawaii's preferred format.
The following documents must travel with your pet
Please provide the measurements, rabies/blood test (when available) and address/contact info!
Hawaii is rabies-free. Hawaii’s quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats, regardless of age (puppies and kittens included) or purpose, must comply with Hawaii’s dog and cat import requirements.
As opposed to other US states, Hawaii has somewhat strict import rules due to its more delicate island ecosystem and rabies free status. This doesn’t mean bringing pets to Hawaii is impossible, but you’ll need to prepare carefully and carry out each step correctly.
Hawaii has a 5-Day-or-Less program and the requirements for Direct Release. If all rules are followed, pets will not have to undergo a quarantine upon arrival.
1. Direct Airport Release – at HNL - will be doing this option!
2. 5 Day-or-Less Program
3. Full 120-Day (4 Month) Quarantine
Required Pet Preparation
*pet owner must handle pet import requirements*
Step 1 - Microchip
· We recommend using a 15-digit ISO compatible microchip, which should be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
· The microchip number and the date that it was inserted or read should be reported either on a certificate or document issued by your vet.
· Your local veterinarian should scan your pet’s microchip at every vet visit to ensure it is readable and working.
Step 2 – Rabies Vaccinations
- Pets must have 2 rabies shots given at least 30 days apart (which works out to at least 31 days apart).
- The most recent one must be done no less than 30 days before the pet’s arrival to Hawaii.
- Please ensure your pet is at least 12 weeks of age when vaccinated.
- Make sure your pet has waited the full 30 days before moving to Hawaii, or your pet will be quarantined until 30 days have passed.
Your pet’s rabies vaccine certificate must show:
Microchip number
Full product name and manufacturer of the rabies vaccine
Serial, lot or batch number of this vaccine
Vet's ink signature, date and license number
Step 3 – Serology Rabies Titer Test (FAVN)
- After your pet receives its first or second rabies vaccination, wait at least 3 weeks before taking your pet back to the veterinarian to have a blood sample taken for the OIE-FAVN test (this is sent to Kansas State or Auburn University Rabies Laboratory, the original report will be sent to Hawaii directly in most cases). Once the lab receives and acknowledges the sample, you must wait 1 month before arrival of the pet into Hawaii. You can check with your vet for that date.
- Please remember the 2nd rabies needs to be done at least 30 days prior to entry and still valid. FAVN at least 30 days and less than 36 mo from entry; must be done while a rabies vaccine is valid but doesn't matter which.
We recommend that your pet is fully protected.
If your pet requires boarding for any length of time, please ensure they are up-to-date on the following general vaccinations below. These vaccines should be valid for the entire boarding period.
DOGS --
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Canine Influenza (CIV) Vaccines - due to recent CIV outbreaks, some kennels may require CIV vaccines
- Rabies
Once a travel date is defined and the blood results are back, an import application must be completed with the owner and pet's full details. The following needs to be sent via FedEx or Certified mail at least 10-business days before a pet's arrival into Hawaii. If you need assistance, I can pre-fill Application and send back to you via email. I will need pet details (chip#/breed/age/color) and owner's driver's license or whomever will be picking up from the airport
- Money order or cashier's check for $185 USD (per pet)
- ORIGINAL Rabies Certificate 1
- ORIGINAL Rabies Certificate 2
- COPY of Serology Rabies Titer Test (FAVN)
- Completed AQS270 Application- I can assist in filling out provided I have the information I need or you can complete yourself - whatever works.
Originals indicates a wet ink signature - Hawaii prefers blue ink.
*we recommend follow-up with Hawaii Agriculture to confirm all documents are received and that your pet is ready for direct release arrival. I can help do this too.
* You can email : rabiesfree@hawaii.gov and put the microchips of your pet in the subject line with your request.
Step 6: Pre-Departure Documentation and Treatment:
Health Exam & Certificate to Travel + External Parasite Treatment
Time Frame: must be done within 10 days of arrival (preferably less than 10 days in case there are delays). The day of the health exam counts as Day 1. I attached an example and we will pre-fill out the health certificate for you to Hawaii's preferred format.
- A Veterinarian (i.e. any licensed vet) must complete a Health Certificate which states that your pet is fit to fly.
- During this appointment an approved external parasite treatment must be administered by the vet
- This document is required by the airline please ask for 2 original copies signed in BLUE INK.
The following documents must travel with your pet
- ORIGINAL completed APHIS 7001 (I will send you a form for your vet but an example is attached)
- COPY of Rabies Certificate 1
- COPY of Rabies Certificate 2
- COPY of FAVN Report
- 1 baggie of food / pet- enough for one meal
Please provide the measurements, rabies/blood test (when available) and address/contact info!
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