How Do I Bring My Pet to Hawaii?

The 5-Day-or-Less Program (Dogs and Cats)

Hawaii offers a 5-Day-or-Less quarantine program for dogs and cats that meet specific requirements. To qualify, your pet must: have a current rabies vaccination with a documented history, pass two separate rabies titer blood tests (the second at least 90 days after the first), be microchipped with an ISO-compatible chip, and arrive at Honolulu International Airport on a direct flight with pre-approved paperwork. If all requirements are met perfectly, your pet may be released at the airport after just a few hours, or will serve a brief 5-day quarantine at the Honolulu Animal Quarantine Station.

Direct Airport Release

Direct airport release (no quarantine) requires all 5-Day-or-Less criteria to be met AND the pet must arrive at Honolulu International (not Maui directly) on a USDA-approved airline during daytime hours with a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 14 days of travel. The paperwork must be absolutely complete and presented in the correct order. One missing document means quarantine regardless of vaccination status.

Timeline: Start 6–8 Months in Advance

• Step 1: Microchip your pet (ISO 15-digit chip)
• Step 2: Vaccinate for rabies
• Step 3: First OIE-FAVN rabies titer test (at AAVLD-accredited lab)
• Step 4: Wait 90+ days
• Step 5: Second titer test confirming antibody levels
• Step 6: Apply to Hawaii Department of Agriculture for import permit
• Step 7: Get USDA health certificate within 14 days of travel

For Dogs and Cats Arriving Via Neighbor Island

All dogs and cats must enter Hawaii through Honolulu International Airport. You cannot fly directly to Maui's OGG airport with a dog or cat and clear quarantine here. Plan to spend at least one night in Honolulu for the inspection and release process.

Other Animals

Birds, rabbits, horses, and other animals have separate and often more complex requirements. Some species are entirely prohibited. Contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for species-specific guidance well before your planned move date.

Official Resources

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division is the authoritative source for all current requirements, fees, forms, and timelines. Always verify current rules directly with HDOA before making travel arrangements, and start the process as early as possible.

• Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Animal Quarantine Information
• HDOA Animal Quarantine Forms and Applications
• USDA APHIS Pet Travel Information

Jolanta's Feedback

Pet import to Hawaii is one of the most rewarding parts of the move once it is done — but it does require patience and attention to detail. The families I have known who handled this well were the ones who started early, read the official Hawaii Department of Agriculture requirements carefully, and worked closely with their mainland veterinarian and a USDA-accredited official. The information above is a starting point. Every situation is different, and the official sources are the only place to get current, authoritative answers.