Traveling to Hawaii with Your In-Cabin Dog or Cat
As an avid pet owner, the idea of vacationing in Hawaii with your beloved furry companion is undoubtedly appealing. While Hawaii’s pet import and quarantine regulations may initially seem daunting, it is possible for dogs and cats to travel to the Aloha State without enduring quarantine. In this guide, we will outline the essential steps required to achieve this, ensuring a stress-free journey for both you and your pet.
Why Hawaii Has Strict Pet Travel Rules
Hawaii stands as the sole rabies-free state within the United States. Consequently, the state government upholds stringent regulations for animals entering Hawaii to safeguard against rabies transmission. In states and countries where rabies is present, such as the continental U.S., travelers must adhere to Hawaii’s specific protocols.
Understanding Hawaii’s Quarantine Options
Hawaii offers three main quarantine programs for pets, but we will focus primarily on the Direct Release program. The other two are the 120-day quarantine program, which involves a lengthy quarantine period, and the 5 Day or Less quarantine program, which is similar to Direct Release but applies when pets arrive outside the Animal Quarantine Station’s office hours.
Hawaii’s Direct Release Program
Under the Direct Release quarantine program, your dog or cat can fly into Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and be released on the same day. To qualify, you must ensure your pet arrives during the Animal Quarantine Station’s daytime office hours.
Pets arriving outside these hours will be subject to the 5 Day or Less quarantine program.
Is There a Quarantine Fee?
As of March 2021, Hawaii’s Direct Release quarantine program costs $185 per pet. The 5 Day or Less quarantine program costs $244 per pet. Note that there are no discounts for multiple pets. Guide dogs and certified service dogs are exempt from this fee, and active duty U.S. military members may be eligible for reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Qualifying for Direct Airport Release
To ensure your pet’s eligibility for Hawaii’s Direct Airport Release, you must meet specific pre-arrival requirements:
1. Microchip Identification: Your dog or cat must have a microchip for identification, which should be implanted before the rabies antibody test.
2. Rabies Vaccination Requirements: Ensure your pet has received at least two rabies vaccinations in their lifetime, with the second administered no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months before your arrival in Hawaii for 12-month licensed vaccines.
For 3-year licensed vaccines, the second vaccination should be no less than 30 days and no more than 36 months prior to your arrival.
3. Rabies Antibody Test: Your pet must undergo a Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) rabies antibody test to confirm sufficient rabies immunity. The test should reveal a reading of at least 0.5 IU/ml. This test must be conducted at an approved lab.
4. Waiting Period: After a successful rabies antibody test, a 30-day waiting period is required before traveling to Hawaii.
5. Tick Treatment: Your pet must receive tick treatment within 14 days of arrival in Hawaii, which should be recorded in their health certificate.
6. Completed Documentation: Submit the required documents at least 10 days before your arrival, including:
- Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-279
- Two original rabies vaccination certificates
- Original health certificate, completed within 14 days of arrival, detailing your pet’s rabies vaccination history and tick treatment. The original certificate is essential.
- Airport Release Card (if applicable for re-entry)
Flying In-Cabin to Hawaii
Unlike the UK, which prohibits in-cabin pet travel, Hawaii does not impose restrictions on how your pet reaches the state. It’s important to note that as of our knowledge cutoff date, Alaska Airlines was the primary airline allowing in-cabin pet travel to Hawaii. Always check with your chosen airline for their in-cabin pet policies.
