Aloha Hawaii - traveling to Hawaii with your pet

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Lee Aeder

Aloha Hawaii!

Thinking of vacationing in Hawaii with your dog, but worried about the long quarantine? Well, worry no more as new pet import rules are now in effect. If followed carefully, you will be sitting on the beach in Hawaii with your best friend in no time!

That's because Hawaii now has a rule which  allows dogs to be imported without having a long quarantine upon arrival. There are a lot of steps to take before departure but you can now apply for 5-Days-Or-Less Quarantine. It consists of proof of rabies vaccinations, blood tests, microchips and more and if followed correctly your pet won't have to stay in quarantine at all. The process has to be started at least 120 days prior to departure so plan accordingly. The fee is $224 per pet which may seem high, but it is still cheaper then quarantining them for several months.

There is a handy checklist for the 5-Day-Or-Less Program on the Hawaii.gov website. Some of the requirements are:

• Pet has to have been vaccinated against rabies at least twice in their lifetime and the rabies vaccine has to be admitted more than 90 days apart. The latest rabies vaccine has to be done at least 90 days prior to arrival in Hawaii.
• Pet must have an electronic microchp implanted and it must be done before the OIE-FAVN rabies blood test is administered.
• The pet must have a blood test no more than 36 monthis prior and not less than 120 days before date of arrival in Hawaii. The test must be performed through an approved lab.
• After receiving a successful OIE-FAVN test result, you must wait 120 days before arriving into Hawaii.
• Required documents are to be sent to the Rabies Quarantine Branch in Hawaii at least 10 days prior to arrival in Hawaii for immediate release of the pet upon arrival. Some of the paperwork includes a health certificate, original copies of rabies vaccinnation for the last two rabies vaccinations, and a notarized copy of the Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-279.

There is a lot more steps to take besides the ones above, but this gives you an idea on what is to be done. A lot of planning ahead of time is required, but the benefit will be having your furry friend with you in Hawaii - a very dog-friendly destination.