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Bringing a Dog or Cat to Hawaii
Hawaii is rabies-free, so dogs and cats from the US mainland and most other places need a microchip, at least 2 rabies vaccines given more than 30 days apart, and a passing FAVN rabies antibody test (0.5 IU/ml or more) from an approved lab, which must receive the sample at least 30 days before arrival. Documents must reach the Animal Quarantine Station at least 10 days before arrival. Pets that qualify can be released at Honolulu airport the same day; others face up to 120 days of quarantine.
Requirements at a glance
| Microchip | US or ISO chip, implanted before or at the FAVN blood draw |
|---|---|
| Rabies vaccines | At least 2 in the pet's lifetime, more than 30 days apart; the latest more than 30 days before arrival and still valid |
| FAVN antibody test | 0.5 IU/ml or more at Kansas State, Auburn, Missouri or the DoD lab only; arrive 30 days to 36 months after the lab received the sample |
| Documents | Received 10+ days before arrival for Honolulu (30+ days and a permit for Kona, Kahului or Lihue) |
| Health certificate | Original, within 14 days of arrival, now with a New World screwworm statement |
| Tick treatment | Long-acting tick product within 14 days of arrival (Revolution is not accepted) |
| Quarantine | Same-day Direct Airport Release ($185) or 5 Day Or Less ($244) if compliant; up to 120 days if not |
| Plan ahead | At least 3 months for a vaccinated adult |
Step-by-step timeline
- 3+ months beforeMicrochip, then check the rabies history: 2 vaccines more than 30 days apart. Puppies cannot get the rabies vaccine before 3 months of age.
- After the microchipFAVN blood test sent to Kansas State, Auburn, Missouri or the DoD lab. Do not draw blood on the day of a rabies vaccine, and avoid intermediate labs, which delay the date the lab receives the sample. Labs may currently take 1 to 2 months longer than usual.
- 30+ days beforeThe lab must have received the sample at least 30 days before arrival, and the last rabies vaccine must be more than 30 days old.
- 10+ days beforeSend the import form (AQS-279), the 2 original rabies certificates and the fee, or apply online through the HIPOP portal.
- 14 days beforeVet health certificate with the screwworm statement, and a long-acting tick treatment recorded on it.
- ArrivalLand at Honolulu by 15:30; inspections run from 8:30 to 16:30. Pets on international flights clear US Customs first.
Dogs vs cats
Dogs and cats follow the same rules. Kittens can get some rabies vaccines from 2 months of age; puppies from 3 months. Wolf hybrids, Bengal and Savannah cats and other hybrids are banned. Pets from the British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand follow a separate exempt checklist without the rabies vaccines and antibody test.
Common mistakes
- Arriving before both 30-day waits are over. Hawaii says there are no exceptions; the pet is quarantined and charged per day.
- Using the wrong test. The KSU Micro Screen (MRS) and RFFIT tests are not accepted; it must be FAVN.
- Sending documents late or bringing a photocopy of the health certificate. Without the original, the pet will not be released.
- Treating ticks with Revolution. It is not on Hawaii's accepted list.
Official source: Hawaii Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity: animal quarantine
Other destinations
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Frequently asked questions
How long is quarantine for dogs in Hawaii?
None if your pet qualifies for Direct Airport Release in Honolulu, or up to 5 days under the 5 Day Or Less program. Pets that do not meet the requirements can be quarantined for up to 120 days.
How long does it take to prepare a dog for Hawaii?
For an adult with 2 valid rabies vaccines, about 2 to 3 months, because the lab must receive the FAVN sample at least 30 days before arrival and labs can be slow. A newborn puppy or kitten will be about 6 months old before it qualifies.
How long is the FAVN test valid for Hawaii?
36 months from the day the lab received the blood sample, as long as the rabies vaccines stay current.
Can I fly my dog straight to Maui or Kona?
Yes, with a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit. Documents must arrive 30 or more days before arrival, and the FAVN must have passed 30 or more days before arrival.
Sources
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity: animal quarantine
- Checklist 1: Honolulu Direct Airport Release and 5 Day Or Less (PDF)
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.