Travel paperwork

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US

Hawaii’s quarantine laws ensure the health and safety of Hawaii’s pets, residents, and visitors. All dogs and cats, regardless of age, must comply with specific requirements meant to prohibit the introduction of rabies on our islands. 

If you are planning to travel to the mainland and return to Hawaii with your pet, it  requires preparation 6 to 9 months in advance to avoid a 90-120 day quarantine stay upon arrival in Hawaii. 

Travel requirements

Pets travelling between Hawaii and the US mainland must meet all requirements, including:

Health Certificates & Import Form

‍Your pet will need a health certificate issued no more than 14 days prior to arrival. When traveling with pets you will need a Health Certificate issued and signed by your veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure. This health certificate will state that your pets have no external parasites, are current on all required vaccinations, and in general are fit for travel. Speak to your vet to determine if it’s ok to travel with your old, very young (less than 9 weeks of age), chronically ill, or debilitated animals. For more information on all required documents go to https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/. 

Rabies vaccines

‍The pet must have been vaccinated at least two times for rabies in its lifetime. These rabies vaccines were administered more than 30 days apart. The most recent rabies vaccination was done not more than the vaccine’s licensed booster interval listed on the manufacturer’s label; and not less than 90 days before the pet’s date of arrival in Hawaii. Kaka’ako Pet Hospital will indicate the type of vaccine administered on your pet’s health certificate and provide an individual rabies vaccine certificate as well.. 

Microchip

‍The dog or cat has an electronic microchip implanted. Your vet should scan your microchip to verify that it is working and that the microchip number on file is correct. 

OIE-FAVN RABIES BLOOD TEST

‍You must get a OIE-FAVN test done that is approved at a lab (Kansas State University or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas). You’ll need to obtain a copy of this successful blood test result showing the pet’s microchip number from the veterinarian for your records. Make sure the 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. Your pet must complete the 120-day waiting period before arriving in Hawaii or your pet will not qualify for either direct airport release or the 5-day-or-less quarantine program. 

Pets traveling into Hawaii from the US mainland that do not meet all requirements are subject to quarantine for up to 120 days and associated fees.

For these pets, 2 sets of rabies vaccinations and a Rabies vaccination antibody titer must be performed as outlined by USDA requirements. If Rabies vaccination antibody titers are adequate, your pet will be cleared for travel out of, then back into Hawaii without quarantine. 

For more information please call Kakaako Pet Hospital at (808) 592-9999 to make an appointment with our friendly and helpful team so that we may assist you through this process. Alternatively, you can read further recommendation on travel requirements for pets at the following website:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/