Everything You Need to Know About Moving Your Pet to Maui

So you’ve made the decision to become a Maui resident, and now you’re wondering how to get your furry family members here as safely and smoothly as possible. You’re in luck — here’s the essential guide to moving your pets to Maui!

First, Some Background

Due to the remote location of the Hawaiian Islands, we have a pretty unique ecosystem here. To protect that ecosystem, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch regulates the entry of non-domestic animals into the state. If you have a pet that’s more exotic than a dog or a cat, you’ll definitely want to check this list of prohibited animals before you make any other plans for your move.

You may or may not already know this, but the Hawaiian Islands are also rabies-free! Because the State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division wants to keep things that way, they’ve created a detailed process to make sure even common domesticated animals (like dogs and cats) are fully vaccinated and properly screened before entering the state.

Not too long ago, relocating to Hawaii with a pet meant that your dog or cat had to spend 120 days in a quarantine facility on Oahu before being released to you! Fortunately there’s now an alternative called the 5 Day or Less Program, which includes the option of direct release to the owner after a quick inspection once you’ve landed at the airport.

Now, the Nuts and Bolts of Moving Pets to Maui

The Animal Industry Division is the final authority when it comes to moving your pet to the Aloha State. They’ve created a series of checklists to help outline the process for owners. Keep in mind that you’ll probably need to start at step one at least six months ahead of your intended moving date. Here’s a summary of how things should go …

1. Be certain to choose an airline (like Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines) that does participate in the direct release program.
2. Have your dog or cat’s microchip implanted, or ask your vet to check to make sure the current microchip is still working. Remember to record the microchip’s number for your own records and relocation paperwork.
3. Review your pets’ medical records to ensure that they’ve had the two required rabies vaccinations, at least 30 days apart. Their health certificates should list the dates and types of vaccines they received. If the second shot isn’t given at least 30 days before your arrival on Maui, your pet will end up in quarantine.
4. After your dog or cat’s second rabies vaccination, schedule an appointment with your vet for the FAVN rabies antibody test. Your vet will send the blood sample to one of the three labs in the U.S. (at Auburn University, Kansas State University, or the Department of Defense Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory) that are approved for this type of testing. The lab must receive the blood sample no more than 36 months and no less than 30 days before the animal arrives on Maui.
5. Next, you’ll have to wait 30 days for your pet to “pass” the rabies antibody test.
6. Once you have all your documentation together, you’ll need to send it (along with your payment and flight information) to the Animal Quarantine Station at least 30 days before your move.
7. At least 30 days before your relocation date, you’ll also need to contact a veterinary inspector on Maui (see the Animal Industry Division’s checklist 2) to meet you at the airport and give the official thumbs up for your dog or cat to become a Maui resident too.

If you’d like more details about quarantine requirements, check out the Department of Agriculture’s information brochure. Or, for more straightforward guidance through the process, check out Maui Humane Society’s Quarantine FAQs. Once you’ve followed all the necessary steps, you and your pets can leave the airport together and start enjoying your new island home.

If you have any questions about Maui homes for sale, Maui condos for sale, or moving to Maui, please reach out to me!

Nancy Beebe, REALTOR(S), SRES