How can I Relocate my Pet to Hawaii?

By: Bridget Monrad, R.N. | Mar 18, 2022

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I am moving to Hawaii. Why is it so difficult to get my pet there with me?

Moving to Hawaii, for a pet, is a very complex process because it is a rabies-free island state. Therefore, there are many regulations in place to ensure this continues to remain true. Since 1995, we've helped hundreds of cats, dogs, and some birds, travel to and from Hawaii safely and successfully.

Pet relocation to Hawaii is the most complicated move amongst all 50 United States. Moving back from Hawaii to the mainland, however, is much easier, less expensive, and essentially a quicker move overall for your pet travel requirements.

Here are some of the requirements to enter Hawaii with a live animal:

• 2 rabies vaccinations
• Microchip
• OIE-FAVN rabies blood test
• Import permit(s)
• Health certificate/tick treatment within 10 days of arrival

The accuracy of completion of forms, timing of visits to the vet, and getting the documents to Hawaii by the required deadline, is essential. If this is all done correctly, with the timeline followed ahead of time, your pet can be released upon inspection at HNL/AQS (Honolulu International Airport/Animal Quarantine Station) to you with no additional stay in quarantine. If advanced planning is not possible, or any aspect of the entry process is incorrect, your pet may need to stay in quarantine for a certain length of time.  The length of time in quarantine varies depending on the issue prior to arrival and can be anywhere from one additional day up to 120 days.  The additional quarantine time can become expensive and is undesirable for both you and your pet.

As travel to Hawaii can be a difficult and confusing process, it is beneficial that you use a professional pet relocation company to ensure your pet’s relocation goes smoothly. At Happy Tails Travel, we have a dedicated Hawaiian specialist. Our Pet Travel Specialist provides a turnkey service where we can ensure everything is done correctly and on-time and can make this intimidating process a breeze! We work closely with the Quarantine office and a local team on standby in Hawaii to help with transports to/from the airport and AQS, boarding, and any other needs during your arrival/departure or stay in Hawaii.

Here are some things Happy Tails Travel includes for pet travel to Hawaii that meet the requirements that they have in place:

• Travel consultation and flight reservations, check-in/pickup address, and thorough instructions
• Full description of or providing airline-approved travel crates, all airline required labeling, name tags, and tracking information.
• Local and long-distance pet transport service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in Hawaii or whatever town you are departing from on the mainland U.S.
• Assistance with import permits and other required travel documents
• Quarantine clearance arrangements, if needed

With our seamless and thorough service, our Hawaii Pet Travel Specialist will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and will update you every step of the way as your pet travels. On the travel day, you will also be provided with specific tracking information and your Pet Travel Specialist will be on standby when your pet is checked in and picked up at the airport.

For more information, or to receive an estimate for your dog or cat’s travel to or from Hawaii, please Fill out our Pet Travel Form today!