Bringing Pets To Hawaii | Requirements for Dog Quarantine in 2025
Bringing pets to Hawaii is an excellent opportunity to walk on a beautiful and serene background with your dog or any other pet. But you have to follow the new Hawaii dog quarantine rules 2025.
Hawaii is a rabies-free state and because of its unusual ecosystem they want to keep it intact. That’s why they have made rules for animals to brought in from the mainland of United States or other countries.

Key Takeaways
- Prepare for a Hassle-Free Trip: The information about new quarantine rules can be described as the following: It is better to plan with the help of new quarantine rules to avoid delays.
- Pre-requisite: Your dog has ISO-compliant microchip, fully vaccinated, all documents and blood test completed, and finally submit the import form to Animal Industry Division, Hawaii.
Must Know Hawaii Dog Quarantine Rules
When I looked into this process for my pup, whom I want to bring with me at Hawaii island Kauai there was so much to follow. As I dig deeper into the required tasks, I realized that each document can easily be prepared and organized in advance.
By taking the correct steps and you can proactively prepare your animal for your trip. Concentrate on the excitement of a new experience in Hawaii with your pet. As part of the planning process, you must complete:
If you don’t complete these requirements, your pet can be quarantined for a specified period. Any animal lover do not want to face this situation; this was the main purpose behind this guide.
- 2 doses of rabies vaccine with an interval of at least 30 day waiting period.
- The most recent vaccination should be done at least 30 days before entry into the Hawaiian territory.
- You can enter Hawaii within 30 days to 3 years of testing.
Hawaii Animal Quarantine Policies: travel to hawaii with dog

The main objective is to save this untouched environment of Hawaii and its marvelous biodiversity.
Laws have been designed to protect the state islands from rabies. Freedom from rabies is essential because it may lead to a large number of deaths among animals and humans.
Hawaii is the only state without rabies. It has maintained this status due to strict Hawaii animal quarantine checklist.
Check list for hawaii quarantine dogs
If you want to bring pets to Hawaii, then complete checklist involved in this sequential order of steps.
- All pet animals coming to Hawaii must have ISO-compliant microchips.
- Your pet must have two rabies vaccinations before traveling to Hawaii, and the last vaccination must be performed at least 30 days before arrival.
- The OIE-FAVN Rabies Antibody Test requires blood testing at authorized facilities to obtain results above 0.5 IU/ml. After blood collection, wait 30 days before traveling.
- Animals under observation must undergo a 120-day waiting period after blood collection for testing clearance or begin the observation period on their final vaccination date.
- Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of arrival.
- Pre-Arrival Form: Submit the Dog & Cat Import Form to Hawaii’s Animal Industry Division at least 10 days before arrival.
- Direct Airport Release: Arrive directly at Honolulu International Airport (HNL) for inspection. Neighbor island arrivals require quarantine.
Note: Hawaii is rabies-free, so strict rules apply. Non-compliance may result in quarantine (up to 120 days). Check for current fees and the latest requirements on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website.
The “5 Day or Less” quarantine program is one of the most important for short vacation visitors. Under this scheme, if your animal meets specific criteria, such as vaccinations and health certificates, it will not have to undergo the standard 120-day or 4 months isolation period.
Why is it so hard to bring a pet to Hawaii?

Bringing pets to Hawaii is challenging because it is an isolated and rabies-free ecosystem. And the state has adopted such strict quarantine laws: they do not want the spread of rabies or other diseases.
If you own a pet and wish to adopt it as a companion, prepare for shots of vaccines, microchipping, and some paperwork. If you miss these steps, your pet could be in quarantine for longer than expected period.
It can initially seem complicated, but not very difficult and this process prevents transmission of anyone’s pet diseases.
Animal Quarantine Branch, Hawaii
The Animal Quarantine Branch enforces these laws under the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Authority. It also advises and supports individuals who bring their pets to any island of Hawaii.
This department has issued a lists of tasks and also answer your questions. If you have further enquiry about quarantine rules in Hawaii, they are your best option.
Hawaii Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility

After the plane lands, still your pet’s travel is not finished; it continues at AAQHF( Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility) in Hawaii. They will perform first checkup and document processing according to their checklist.
It is located on the Ewa Service Road between the Interisland Terminal and the Main Terminal, accessible to all incoming flights. Whether traveling in the passenger cabin or cargo holding, airline is responsible for moving your pet from the aircraft to this facility.
If all paperwork has been correctly completed and submitted, they will process quickly to release your animal.
Generally, it takes 1 hour, but it depends on the number of pets coming in and how fast airlines drop them off.
Animal Quarantine Station Hawaii

AQS (Animal Quarantine Station) in Hawaii quarantines dogs and pets. It has all the necessary facilities for caring animals and ensuring their well-being until they finish their compulsory stay.
The station staff members attend each animal for proper treatment, including exercise and attention.
Contact Info
Here are phone numbers and direct contact information of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Branch:
- Phone: (808) 483-7151
- Fax: (808) 483-7161
- Address: Animal Quarantine Station[1], 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, Hawaii 96701.
Travel Documents required / Checked at Hawaii Airport

Completing proper travel documents is crucial for smooth release of your pet at Hawaii airport.
Microchip
Implant a microchip in your pet that will contain all your pet’s paperwork in a readable and reported form. Each veterinary visit requires a scan to confirm its functionality.
If your pet’s microchip is unreadable at arrival in Hawaii, it may be put into quarantine for up to 120 days or 4 months instead of being airport release.
Rabies Vaccinations
A pet must have received at least 2 rabies vaccines, with a gap of at least 30 days / 1 month. The most recent vaccination should be administered 4 weeks/30 Days before your travel to Hawaii.
The veterinarian who administered both vaccinations should sign a unique certificate. These papers must reach the state of Hawaii before the pet’s arrival.
General Vaccinations for Canines and Felines
Though not mandatory, but updating your pet’s general vaccinations is highly recommended. They will need these vaccines if boarding is required before or after your trip.
For dogs, this includes:
- DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus),
- Bordetella,
- Leptospirosis,
- And CIV (Canine Influenza Virus).
Additionally, ensure that cats receive a vaccination against:
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia),
- Some boarding facilities require the use of FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus).
Rabies Titer Blood Test
One necessary step is to have a blood test for rabies levels done by Auburn University, Kansas State University, or even the DOD, Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas. This test will show how much protection against rabies antibodies are in your pets’ bloodstreams.
Send the findings directly to Hawaii’s quarantine authorities; your animal can travel there 30 days till 36 months after testing.
Each pet must complete the AQS-279 Dog and Cat Import Form to avoid delays or problems upon your arrival. For each animal, mail this form 10 days before your arrival to the Animal Quarantine Station.
Fill Dog and Cat Import Form AQS-279.
External Parasite Treatment
In the first 14 days after you arrive, treat your pet for ticks with a long-lasting solution such as Frontline Plus. This procedure needs your pet’s health certificate. Contact your veterinary doctor before any procedure at Hawaii.
Health Certificate
A health certificate must be issued 14 days before travel for any pet to enter Hawaii. Make an appointment with your veterinarian so your certificate does not expire. You must bring this original signed certificate with your pet during travel.
Photo of the Dog / Pet
A picture of your pet can be very helpful, though it is not required. The image will help officials to confirm and match your pet’s with their paperwork.


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FAQ
Conclusion
Getting your pet to Hawaii is both exciting and challenging. It may seem complicated, but it is easy if you properly plan and adhere to travel to Hawaii with dog. Every step is crucial: implant a microchip, administer a rabies vaccination no later than 30 days before arrival, conduct a titer blood test, and complete all required paperwork.
If they meet all pre-arrival conditions, animals could qualify for direct airport release, bypassing long quarantine periods. Bear in mind that there are two establishments: the Animal Quarantine Branch, operated by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and the Animal Quarantine Station, where most of these services occur.
They intend to safeguard people’s lives and their pets’ health while keeping off rabies infections in the Hawaiian Islands. Feel free to ask for help or clarification if any requirement appears unclear during communication with them.
Hawaii is a fantastic state for humans and animals, so with adequate readiness, your pet will easily fit into this heavenly environment alongside you if you follow the required steps before traveling to Hawaii.