Planning a move to the beautiful islands of Hawaii with your beloved pet? It’s an exciting time, but it’s crucial to understand Hawaii’s unique animal quarantine laws. As a rabies-free state, Hawaii has strict regulations to protect its environment, residents, and animals. Navigating these rules can seem daunting, but with careful preparation, you can ensure a smooth transition for your furry friend. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Hawaii with pets, focusing on how to achieve “direct release” and minimize or even eliminate quarantine time.
Hawaii’s animal quarantine is in place to prevent rabies from being introduced to the islands. Rabies is a deadly virus that is not present in Hawaii, and the state is committed to maintaining this status. Therefore, all dogs and cats, regardless of age or origin, are subject to quarantine unless they meet specific pre-arrival requirements.
Understanding the requirements and starting the process well in advance is key to a successful pet relocation to Hawaii. This article provides updated information and actionable steps to help you prepare.
Understanding Hawaii’s Pet Quarantine System
Hawaii’s quarantine regulations are governed by Chapter 4-29 Hawaii Administrative Rules. The goal is to ensure that pets entering the state are not carrying rabies. There are two main scenarios for pet arrivals:
- Direct Release: If your pet meets all the specific pre-arrival requirements, they may be eligible for “direct release” at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) or at neighbor island airports (Kona, Kahului, or Lihue) with a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP). Direct release means your pet can be released to you shortly after arrival, avoiding long quarantine periods.
- Quarantine: Pets that do not meet the requirements for direct release will be subject to quarantine. The duration of quarantine can range from 5 days to up to 120 days, depending on the level of compliance with the pre-arrival rules.
Steps to Achieve Direct Release for Your Pet
The key to direct release and avoiding lengthy quarantine is meticulous planning and adherence to Hawaii’s requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your pet for moving to Hawaii:
1. Microchip Implantation:
- Your pet must have a microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- The microchip number is crucial for identification and must be documented on all paperwork.
2. Rabies Vaccinations:
- Your pet must have received two rabies vaccinations in their lifetime.
- The most recent rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before arrival in Hawaii and not expired.
- Original rabies vaccination certificates are required and must include:
- Pet’s name and breed
- Vaccination date
- Vaccine product name and manufacturer
- Vaccination expiration date
- Veterinarian’s signature and license number
3. OIE-FAVN Rabies Antibody Test:
- This is a crucial blood test that measures your pet’s rabies antibody levels.
- The blood sample must be drawn by an accredited veterinarian and sent to an approved OIE-FAVN testing laboratory (Kansas State University, Auburn University, University of Missouri, or DOD Laboratory).
- “HAWAII” must be listed as the destination on the FAVN lab submission form.
- The test result must be passing (rabies antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml or greater).
- The 30-day waiting period after a successful FAVN test result is mandatory before your pet can arrive in Hawaii. Plan your travel dates accordingly.
- Important: OIE-FAVN testing laboratories are currently experiencing longer processing times (1-2 months). Submit your sample well in advance.
4. Complete and Submit Required Forms:
- Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-279): AQS-279 Complete this form accurately and legibly.
- Checklist 1 (for Honolulu arrival): “Checklist 1 – for Direct Airport Release & 5 Day or Less Program” Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all requirements for direct release at Honolulu International Airport.
- Submit all documents, including forms, rabies certificates, and flight information, to the Animal Quarantine Station at least 10 days prior to arrival (and ideally much earlier).
- Mailing address: Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Hālawa Valley Street ʻAiea, Hawaiʻi 96701
5. Fees and Payment:
- Direct Airport Release in Honolulu: $185 (increased to $244 if paperwork is not submitted 10 days or more before arrival).
- 5 Day or Less Quarantine (Honolulu): $244
- Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (Kona, Kauai, Maui): $165
- Payment must be made by cashier’s check or money order payable to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture. Personal checks are not accepted.
6. Flight Arrangements and Arrival Time:
- For direct release in Honolulu, ensure your flight arrives by 3:30 p.m. Inspection hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
- Allow ample time for airlines to transport your pet to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (AAQHF). Pets arriving after 4:30 p.m. may be held overnight.
7. Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) for Kona, Kahului, or Lihue Airports:
- If you plan to fly directly to Kona, Kahului, or Lihue, you must obtain a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP).
- Checklist 2 (for Neighbor Island arrival): “Checklist 2 – for Requesting Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului and Līhu‘e Airports” Use this checklist for neighbor island arrivals.
- Prior Reservation with Approved Veterinary Facility: You must make a reservation with an approved veterinary clinic on the neighbor island to perform the inspection at the airport. Contact a clinic well in advance. The checklist provides a list of approved facilities.
- Submit the NIIP request with all required documents at least 30 days prior to arrival.
- The NIIP will be emailed to you once your pet qualifies. You must print and present it to the airline before boarding.
An example of the Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) required for bringing pets to Hawaii, highlighting the importance of accurate completion for quarantine clearance.
What if You Don’t Qualify for Direct Release?
If your pet does not meet all the requirements for direct release, they will be subject to quarantine.
- 5-Day or Less Quarantine: If you meet most, but not all, of the direct release requirements, your pet may qualify for a shorter 5-day or less quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Station in Honolulu. This still requires meeting specific criteria and submitting paperwork.
- 120-Day Quarantine: If your pet does not meet the requirements for the 5-day or less program, they will be quarantined for up to 120 days. This is the longest quarantine period and is significantly more expensive.
Important Considerations and Tips
- Start Early: The entire process, especially the OIE-FAVN test and waiting periods, can take several months. Begin planning and preparing as soon as possible.
- Document Everything: Keep copies of all forms, certificates, test results, and correspondence with the Animal Quarantine Station.
- Communicate with the Animal Quarantine Station: Email is the recommended method of contact: [email protected]. Phone contact is also available at (808) 483-7151, but email is preferred due to high call volume and time zone differences.
- Airline Restrictions: Check with your airline about their specific requirements and restrictions for pet travel to Hawaii. Some airlines may have additional health certificates or kennel requirements.
- COVID-19 Advisories: Be aware of any current COVID-19 related advisories or changes to procedures, as mentioned in the original article regarding OIE-FAVN test processing times.
- Service Animals: Service dogs and guide dogs have different requirements for entry into Hawaii. Refer to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website for specific information: Guide & Service Dogs Entering Hawaii.
Checklist 1, designed for pet owners seeking direct airport release in Honolulu, provides a structured approach to ensure all necessary steps are completed for a smoother pet arrival process.
Conclusion: Moving to Hawaii with Pets is Achievable with Preparation
Moving to Hawaii with pets requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations. By understanding and diligently following the steps outlined in this guide, you can significantly increase your chances of direct release and minimize stress for both you and your pet. Remember to start early, meticulously prepare all documentation, and communicate with the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station. With the right preparation, you and your furry companion can soon be enjoying island life together.
For the most up-to-date information and official guidelines, always refer to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Station website.
