Moving a Pet to Hawaii
Rules and Regulations for International Pet Shipping
What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to Hawaii?
Hawaii is a rabies-free state, and they like to keep it that way. In order to prevent diseases from entering the islands, the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) has specific requirements for animals entering the state.
It's very important that you follow the rules in order to avoid unnecessary quarantine or added costs for your pet's travels.
There are a few options for entry into Hawaii, but this page will focus on Direct Airport Release for arrival into Honolulu. Please note that the requirements for direct entry to neighboring islands varies slightly.
Microchip
Your pet must have a microchip implanted prior to the rabies titer test. It should be scanned at each vet visit and the correct number should be reported on all of your pet's paperwork.
If your pet's microchip cannot be read upon arrival to Hawaii, then they will not qualify for Direct Airport Release and will be subject to 120 days in quarantine.
Rabies Vaccinations
Your pet must have received at least two rabies vaccinations administered at least 30 days apart and within the validity period of the previous.
The most recent vaccination must have been given at least 30 days prior to your pet's arrival in Hawaii.
These two original signed vaccination certificates must be mailed to Hawaii prior to your pet's arrival. See more details on this process below.
General Vaccinations
While not mandatory for travel, we strongly recommend that your pet's general vaccinations be kept up to date. If your pet will be boarding before or after their travels, the vaccines below will be required.
Dog Vaccinations:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Leptospirosis
- CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
Cat Vaccinations:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) - required for some boarding facilities
Rabies Titer Blood Test
Cats and dogs are required to complete a rabies titer FAVN test from an approved laboratory. The approved labs are: Auburn University, Kansas State University, or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas.
The destination on the submission form must be listed as "HAWAII" and the original results will be mailed to Hawaii directly. An electronic copy of the results will be sent to your veterinarian.
Your pet can travel to Hawaii at least 30 days after, but no more than 36 months from the day after the date the lab receives the blood sample.
A passing test result is greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml.
If your pet arrives in Hawaii before the 30-day waiting period from the blood test, then they will be subject to quarantine.
Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-279
You must complete the Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-279 and send the original form along with the following to AQS at least 10 days prior to your pet's arrival in Hawaii.
- Completed AQS-279 Form (one per pet)
- The last two (2) Original Rabies Vaccination Certificates (must be signed in real ink by a licensed veterinarian and must include the vaccine name, lot / serial number, date given, date due, and vaccine lot expiration)
- Payment for arrival (cashier’s check or money order for $185 payable to Department of Agriculture. You must enter your pet’s microchip number on the memo line to ensure proper credit.
Copies of these documents are not acceptable - they must be original bearing a real ink signature.
You can mail the above documents/payment to:
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701
External Parasite Treatment
Within 14 days prior to arrival, cats and dogs must be treated by a veterinarian for ticks with a long-acting product (such as Frontline Plus). The product name and date of the treatment must be reported on the health certificate. It's recommended that you also provide a copy of the invoice from the vet showing the treatment was administered.
Do note that Revolution® is NOT an acceptable treatment.
Health Certificate
While Hawaii accepts a health certificate dated within 14 days prior to arrival, you should make the appointment with your vet within 10 days prior to travel. Many airlines require the health certificate to be dated within 10 days.
The health certificate must include your pet's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and tick treatment details. Vets typically complete the APHIS 7001 form.
The ORIGINAL signed health certificate must travel with your pet when they arrive in Hawaii and be provided to the inspector. It's also recommended that you keep a copy of all of the documents for your records.
Photo of Pet
You're not required to have a photo of your pet to transport them to Hawaii, but we like to ask for them so we can put a face to a name, or verify the breed.
Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to Hawaii?
Yes, a microchip is required for pets traveling to Hawaii. The microchip must be readable and accurately recorded on all of your pet's paperwork.
What Are the Quarantine Requirements for a Pet Traveling to Hawaii?
If you follow all of the rules for Direct Airport Release, then your pet will not have to stay in quarantine after arrival.
If you did not follow the rules for Direct Airport Release, or if your pet's microchip is not readable upon arrival, then they will be subject to up to 120 days in quarantine at your expense.
Pets arriving on international flights will need to clear US Customs before they will be released from the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility.
Are There Any Area Specific Pet Requirements in Hawaii?
The requirements on this page are intended for pets entering Honolulu directly. This will apply even if they will be traveling onward to a neighboring island. If you are trying to import your pet directly to another neighboring island (not via Honolulu), then you must follow a different set of requirements.
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Our Hawaii pet shipping services include:
- Door-to-door transport
- Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed
- Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification,
and emergency notification instructions - Import clearance and delivery to your home
- Travel consultation and flight reservations
We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels to Hawaii.