You’ve decided to move to Hawaii, and when you start thinking about it, realize you’ll need to bring your pet with you. Now what? Where do you begin? For starters, it is important to know what animals are allowed in Hawaii, what animals are prohibited, and what the rules are for bringing them, so you can make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet. By law, all pets coming into Hawaii must meet the requirements for the pet quarantine program.
As of August 31, 2018, pet owners have 3 options for bringing a pet to Hawaii:
1. Direct Airport Release
2. 5 Day-or-Less Program
3. Full 120-Day (4 Month) Quarantine
Note: Any pet qualified for the 5 Day program is qualified for Direct Airport Release.
Why the strict rules? Hawaii is the only state in the nation that is rabies-free – and we want to keep it that way. Introducing rabies to our state and its fragile ecosystem would change the State of Hawaii as we know it. Please understand that these rules and requirements are for the protection of our beautiful islands, and the animals and people that reside here.
Loving the Hawaii Life!
Below is the table of contents for the Moving Your Pet to Hawaii Guide:
How to Move Your Pet to Hawaii (5 Day-or-Less Program Checklist)
- Step 1: Rabies Vaccinations
- Step 2: Working Microchip
- Step 3: OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Test
- Step 4: Waiting Period
- Step 5: Documents
- Step 6: Submission of Documents
- Step 7: Pet Pick-Up
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Moving Pets to Hawaii
- How much does it cost to move pets to Hawaii?
- Is there an age requirement for pets moving to Hawaii?
- Are there any pets that shouldn’t be transported to Hawaii?
- What is the best way to transport pets to Hawaii?
- Where do pets fly in the aircraft?
- What is Direct Airport Release and the 5 Day-or-Less Program, and what’s the difference between them?
- Can my pets be housed together for the 5 Day-or-Less Program?
- Where is the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility on Oahu?
- What are the airline requirements for pet kennels?
- What are the requirements for moving other animals to Hawaii, like rabbits, birds, horses, etc.?
- Do any companies offer to help with the Hawaii pet relocation process?
Helpful Tips for Moving Your Pet to Hawaii
- Before You Book Your Flight
- Preparing for the Flight
- Checking In
- On the Plane
- After the Flight – Picking Up Your Pet
Hawaii Pet Quarantine Contact Information
Special Exemptions for Hawaii Pet Quarantine
1. Animals from specific rabies-free countries (dogs and cats from New Zealand, Australia, Guam, and the British Isles) that are on a direct flight to Hawaii do not require an import permit number, which means they do not need to complete the standard requirements.
Be sure to review the checklist for importing these animals before booking your flight to Hawaii. If you are moving to Hawaii from one of these countries and they require an import permit number in order to export your pet, please contact the Animal Quarantine Station at (808) 483-7151, or email rabiesfree@hawaii.gov.
2. Service and guide dogs have modified quarantine requirements for entering the State of Hawaii, so if this applies to you, be sure to inquire before arrival. Service and guide dogs typically get to fly for free, so make sure you ask, and if applicable, don’t get charged by your airline. It’s also important to note than on January 1, 2019, a new Hawaii law went into effect that makes it illegal to knowingly misrepresent an animal as a service animal. Violators may be subject to civil penalties.
After the Move
Whether you’re playing fetch with your dog on a sandy beach, or simply buying your cat some new toys at the local pet store, owning a pet is a great way to meet new people when you’re in Hawaii. There are plenty of pet-friendly places to visit and plenty of tropical areas to explore.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
When all is said and done, when your whole family is back together again, and moving your pet to Hawaii is just a memory, you’ll see why it was all worth it; you’ll be ready to enjoy your new Hawaii Life.
Additional Resources
Moving to Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Your Belongings
How to Move Your Belongings to Hawaii
Moving to Hawaii – Planning the Move vs. Hiring a Moving Company
Tips for Making the Move to Hawaii as Easy as Possible
Moving Your Belongings to Hawaii: Recommended Shipping Companies
Karin Mendoza
August 26, 2014
Loved the pet guide….some day I will have a blue healer and lots of land…A perfect moment!
Me and “MY BLUE” … He may have to be imported for that special “runt of the litter”… Mahalo Moana, very informative…
Moana Britt
August 31, 2014
Sounds good! Thank you for reading.
Karin Mendoza
August 26, 2014
Loved the pet guide….some day I will have a blue healer and lots of land…A perfect moment!
Me and “MY BLUE” … He may have to be imported for that special “runt of the litter”… Mahalo Moana, very informative…
Moana Britt
August 31, 2014
Someday! Thanks for reading, Mom!
Kelly Heiman
May 22, 2015
Aloha~
What a great and informational article, thank you! I wanted to add my contact information as well, I have a designated direct release phone line 808-446-1521, available 7-days a week or email kelly@westmauianimalclinic.com.
I release pets at the Kahului airport on Maui daily, and am happy to assist with any and all questions, even if you plan to fly to another island, I am still happy to assist…No pets left behind. I offer my services to release pets 7-days a week and 24-hours a day, so no time or day restrictions on my end.
Thanks again for the great article.
Kelly Heiman
Central/West Maui Animal Clinic
Program Director
Moana Britt
July 29, 2015
Thank you, Kelly! Much appreciated.
Kelly Heiman
May 22, 2015
Aloha~
What a great and informational article, thank you! I wanted to add my contact information as well, I have a designated direct release phone line 808-446-1521, available 7-days a week or email kelly@westmauianimalclinic.com.
I release pets at the Kahului airport on Maui daily, and am happy to assist with any and all questions, even if you plan to fly to another island, I am still happy to assist…No pets left behind. I offer my services to release pets 7-days a week and 24-hours a day, so no time or day restrictions on my end.
Thanks again for the great article.
Kelly Heiman
Central/West Maui Animal Clinic
Program Director
Moana Britt
July 29, 2015
Thank you, Kelly! Much appreciated.
Loyce Henderson
February 7, 2016
We are relocating to Kona, HI. We have 4 birds, 2 CAGs and 2 Rosie’s. I have been everywhere trying to find the fees for the Plant Quarantine Import Permit and the Poultry and Bird Permit. I can find the fees for our dog, but the birds are a different matter. HDOA does not list the fees on their site.
My questions are: Can I put all four birds on the Plant Quarantine Permit application or do they have to go on their own application forms? Do I or does my vet apply for the Poultry and Bird Permit? Again what are the fees for both?
This is so very frustrating, but I cannot afford to use a pet relocation service.
Thank you for all your help I so appreciate it.
Moana Britt
February 8, 2016
Aloha Loyce,
I am looking into this and will have an answer for you soon.
Moana Britt
February 9, 2016
Aloha Loyce,
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. Yes, all birds may be included on your Import permit with the Plant Quarantine Branch (ph. 808-832-0566) at a one time shipment of $20.00.
2. The poultry and bird import permit (ph. 808-837-8092) will be administered by your vet through the Livestock Disease Control Branch at no cost.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to help.
Loyce Henderson
February 7, 2016
We are relocating to Kona, HI. We have 4 birds, 2 CAGs and 2 Rosie’s. I have been everywhere trying to find the fees for the Plant Quarantine Import Permit and the Poultry and Bird Permit. I can find the fees for our dog, but the birds are a different matter. HDOA does not list the fees on their site.
My questions are: Can I put all four birds on the Plant Quarantine Permit application or do they have to go on their own application forms? Do I or does my vet apply for the Poultry and Bird Permit? Again what are the fees for both?
This is so very frustrating, but I cannot afford to use a pet relocation service.
Thank you for all your help I so appreciate it.
Moana Britt
February 8, 2016
Aloha Loyce,
I am looking into this and will have an answer for you soon.
Moana Britt
February 9, 2016
Aloha Loyce,
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. Yes, all birds may be included on your Import permit with the Plant Quarantine Branch (ph. 808-832-0566) at a one time shipment of $20.00.
2. The poultry and bird import permit (ph. 808-837-8092) will be administered by your vet through the Livestock Disease Control Branch at no cost.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to help.
Lori Hughes
April 12, 2016
Hi Moana, love your article … thank you so much. I’m trying to find information about how to also move my Beta fish to Hawaii (Big Island) and so far not having much luck. Any suggestions/sites for information about how I can do this that you can recommend? I’d be grateful. Thank you!
Moana Britt
April 14, 2016
Aloha Lori,
It looks like you can either mail your fish or possibly carry it with you on the airplane if you would like to. I believe you will need an Import Permit and have to pay some fees. The Betta fish is on the List of Conditionally Approved Animals for Import (I believe on page 32).
I found a few sites that I think will be helpful:
I hope this helps. I would love to hear what you decide upon and how the process goes for you! I used to have a Betta fish when I was a kid. Best of luck.
Lori Hughes
April 12, 2016
Hi Moana, love your article … thank you so much. I’m trying to find information about how to also move my Beta fish to Hawaii (Big Island) and so far not having much luck. Any suggestions/sites for information about how I can do this that you can recommend? I’d be grateful. Thank you!
Moana Britt
April 14, 2016
Aloha Lori,
It looks like you can either mail your fish or possibly carry it with you on the airplane if you would like to. I believe you will need an Import Permit and have to pay some fees. The Betta fish is on the List of Conditionally Approved Animals for Import (I believe on page 32).
I found a few sites that I think will be helpful:
I hope this helps. I would love to hear what you decide upon and how the process goes for you! I used to have a Betta fish when I was a kid. Best of luck.
Sandra K. Lynne
June 29, 2016
Hello, Moana. I’m reading through all your articles now. They are so helpful. I am planning a move to Hawaii in the spring of 2018. I am a planner so I am beginning my research now. Do you know if it’s possible for my dog to fly in the plane with me, in his own seat? I’d rather not have him in the cargo bay. Thanks.
Kelly Heiman
June 29, 2016
Aloha Sandra~
My name is Kelly Heiman and we offer the direct release program at our two clinics, West Maui Animal Clinic and Central Maui Animal Clinic. We release pets 7-days a week, 365 days a year, and the majority of the pets we release are now in-cabin. If you would like further information, I am happy to assist kelly@westmauianimalclinic.com or you can use our dedicated direct release line at 808-446-1521.
Moana is a pro too, so between the two of us, I am sure all your questions will be answered.
Mahalo!
Kelly
Moana Britt
July 11, 2016
Aloha Sandra,
I’m happy the guide was helpful to you. If you have a smaller dog, some airlines do allow you to fly with your pet in the cabin; however, it depends on several factors, and they usually require the animal to be in an airline-approved kennel under the seat in front of you.
It’s also good to know that they usually only allow a certain number of pets per flight. Planning well in advance is the best way to ensure your pet can fly in the cabin with you – as long as your selected airline approves it. You are wise for wanting your dog in the cabin, just know it’s not always a possibility.
For more on this topic, please see #5 of Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2014/07/faq-moving-pets-to-hawaii/.
Sandra K. Lynne
June 29, 2016
Hello, Moana. I’m reading through all your articles now. They are so helpful. I am planning a move to Hawaii in the spring of 2018. I am a planner so I am beginning my research now. Do you know if it’s possible for my dog to fly in the plane with me, in his own seat? I’d rather not have him in the cargo bay. Thanks.
Kelly Heiman
June 29, 2016
Aloha Sandra~
My name is Kelly Heiman and we offer the direct release program at our two clinics, West Maui Animal Clinic and Central Maui Animal Clinic. We release pets 7-days a week, 365 days a year, and the majority of the pets we release are now in-cabin. If you would like further information, I am happy to assist kelly@westmauianimalclinic.com or you can use our dedicated direct release line at 808-446-1521.
Moana is a pro too, so between the two of us, I am sure all your questions will be answered.
Mahalo!
Kelly
Moana Britt
July 11, 2016
Aloha Sandra,
I’m happy the guide was helpful to you. If you have a smaller dog, some airlines do allow you to fly with your pet in the cabin; however, it depends on several factors, and they usually require the animal to be in an airline-approved kennel under the seat in front of you.
It’s also good to know that they usually only allow a certain number of pets per flight. Planning well in advance is the best way to ensure your pet can fly in the cabin with you – as long as your selected airline approves it. You are wise for wanting your dog in the cabin, just know it’s not always a possibility.
For more on this topic, please see #5 of Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2014/07/faq-moving-pets-to-hawaii/.
Sarah Churchwell
December 17, 2017
Thank you for your article. My daughter is wanting to move to Maui or Oahu summer of 2018. Sure does have a dog but where can we find the breed list that can not come to Hawaii?? Mahalo Sarah
Grace Keil
February 9, 2018
Good morning
Im leaving with my family(im grandma) to oahu we are a military family coming from san diego calif. Im planing on bringing my house cat of 7years .please can i get some directions on how to or what to do ? July 2018 or sept is our departure date. thank you for your help?
nicole S
April 30, 2019
Hi. I am moving my cats to Kauai from the East Coast. Can i take them both in the cabin? IS there a cruise ship? What is the best airline?
Doug Slaton
April 29, 2021
This is a good guide, but it needs updating. In 2018 Gov. Ige signed a bill that lowers the rabies waiting period to fewer than 30 days after the second shot, and also 30 days from the time the lab receives the animals blood to test. The 21 days period between when the second rabies shot and the lab test remains the same, I assume.
Puppy Eating
August 23, 2023
Great information! Knowing the rules and options for bringing pets to Hawaii is crucial for a smooth transition. Understanding the three available programs – Direct Airport Release, 5 Day-or-Less Program, and Full 120-Day Quarantine – provides pet owners with flexibility and convenience. It’s good to be aware that pets qualified for the 5 Day program also qualify for Direct Airport Release. Thanks for sharing this helpful guide!