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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.

After passing Hawaii dog quarantine rules

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.

Taking Your Dog Without Quarantine to Hawaii

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:

Visit a licensed veterinarian or an animal shelter to get your dog chipped.

Select An ISO Compatible Microchip
The ISO standard 11784/11785 is recommended in most countries, including Hawaii. Therefore, verify that the chip you implant complies with those specs.
Implantation Process
Your vet will administer the microchip by injecting it with a special needle in an aseptic manner into the neck area, usually between the shoulders.
The procedure is fast, takes a short time, and is similar to getting an injection, such as the flu shot.
Scan the Microchip
The implanted microchip scans and checks whether the microchip is working properly and properly corresponds to the ID number assigned to the animal.
Register the Microchip
Take your microchipped pet to a veterinarian to enroll it in a pet recovery database. Ensure you fill the details accurately with information through which you may traced in case of finding your dog.
Where to Get Microchip Implantation
1. Veterinary Clinics
2. Animal Shelters and Rescues
3. Pet Stores with Veterinary Services
Benefits of microchip implantation
1. Permanent Identification
2. Travel Compliance
3. Finding Lost Pets
4. Health and Records Link
5. Long-Term Safety

Step-by-Step Vaccination Process for Dogs Traveling to Hawaii
First Rabies Vaccination
Give the first rabies vaccine to your dog from a Licensed Veterinary Clinics,
Animal Hospitals,
Pet Travel Specialists,
Government-Approved Veterinarians,
And ensure compliance with Hawaii’s standards for vaccinations and FAVN tests. 
Second Rabies Vaccine should be administered 30 days before the anticipated date of travel.
Or it must be provided not earlier than one year before your travel date and if it has been greater than a year since the second vaccination, then a new dose is needed.
Rabies Antibody Test (FAVN Test)
FAVN test should be done at least 30 days after the second booster of rabies immunization.
Blood samples must be sent to an accredited laboratory of Kansas State University or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory.
Make sure laboratory results indicate a titer of 0.5 IU/ml or more.

Documents Needed When Taking a Dog to Hawaii
Rabies Vaccination Certificate must include the following details:
1. Dog’s microchip number,
2. Rabies vaccination dates,
3. Manufacturer and lot number of vaccines,
4. Name and sign of the veterinarian and their license number.
5. The proof of the second Rabies vaccination is given at least 30 days before departure.
Rabies Antibody Test (FAVN) Results
FAVN test must be done after 30 days of the 2nd rabies vaccination.
Rabies antibody should be titer level of 0.5 IU/ml and above.
Health Certificate issued within 14 days before travel affirming the dog is free from any contagious diseases.
A de-wormed and de-ticked for other ectoparasites certificate.
Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) for bringing dogs or cats into Hawaii.
Microchip Registration
Make sure that the microchip number is added to the official pet recovery database with the correct phone number.

Arrival Inspection: Upon arrival in Hawaii, present the documents at the airport quarantine station for inspection.
Immediate Release: If everything is in order, your dog qualify for the “5-Day-or-Less” program, allowing them to be released from quarantine quickly.
Pre-Travel Planning: To avoid any issues, ensure all documentation is prepared and verified in advance of your departure date.

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

Pre-Quarantine Steps for dog arrival in Hawaii
An Expert Surfer at Kauai, Hawaii

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.

  1. All pet animals coming to Hawaii must have ISO-compliant microchips.
  2. Your pet must have two rabies vaccinations before traveling to Hawaii, and the last vaccination must be performed at least 30 days before arrival.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of arrival.
  6. Pre-Arrival Form: Submit the Dog & Cat Import Form to Hawaii’s Animal Industry Division at least 10 days before arrival.
  7. 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?

Dogs at Hawaii
A Dog at Kauai, 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

Arrival of Dog at Hawaii Airport (3)
Arrival of Dogs and Pets at Airport

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

Contact info of Animal Quarantine Station in Hawaii
Animal Quarantine Station

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

Arrival of Dog at Hawaii Airport (5)
Arrival of Pets at 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.

The Animal Quarantine Branch, Department of Agriculture Hawaii
Contact info of Animal Quarantine Station in Hawaii

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FAQ

Yes, the State has a strict pet quarantine program to keep Hawaii rabies-free. Hawaii’s quarantine laws are strict because it is the only state without rabies. These rules are designed to prevent the spread of this lethal disease in Hawaiian islands.

Bringing a dog or any pet to Hawaii includes two costs:
1. Traveling to Hawaii costs.
2. Quarantine procedural cost.

Quarantine ensures no infected animals can enter Hawaii, including dogs and cats.

The cost of quarantining your pet in Hawaii is different based on the length of stay and other factors, such as necessary services. The updated cost in $ can be asked from the telephone number listed above.
Here are some general costs, one of them you have to pay:
1. Direct Airport Release Program
2. Five-Day-or-Less Program
3. 120-Day Quarantine

Yes, there are quarantine exemptions at the airport if your pet meets particular criteria before arrival. Under the Direct Airport Release (DAR) program, pets can skip if they have a microchip, two rabies vaccinations, and pass a rabies titer blood test.

Animals must pass through an approved port during regular inspection hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, including weekdays and holidays.

The airport allows for the payment of quarantine fees. We advise you to pay beforehand for prompt service, which can also be done at the airport.

If you want to bring your dog or any other pet, you must fulfill all the required procedures to ensure Hawaii has a rabies free ecosystem.

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.

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