How much will it cost to get my pets to Hawaii?

Question

Hello. My husband and I are moving to Hawaii at the end of this year. We have two cats and a dog-a Dashound. We are really concerned about what it's going to cost us to bring our babies with us. We know about the quarintine laws that they have. Now we need to know costs for getting them to their new home. We live in Washington state and will be flying into Honolulu. Does anyone know where I can find some really good info with prices so that we can start saving. Thanks in advance, we really appreciate it!

Answer 1

Hi there...according to Hawaii's Dept of Agriculture cats and dogs will have to be quaranteed for 120 days and the costs have to be incurred by the owner. Hybrid cats or dogs are prohibited. You will need to check with the DOA to determine the related costs for boarding and care.

http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm

Please see the following brochure which contains important information about pre- and post-arrival requirements, quarantine station procedures, policrules, operations and fees:
http://www.hawaiiag.org/AQS/aqsbrochure.PDF

The USDA and IATA have restrictions for pet animals who are transported, therefre be certain to contact air carriers several months in advance as each also has their own restrictions on how and when pet animals can be transported and the transportation fees for each animal. All pets will be required to be up to date with vaccines including rabies and provide a veterinary signed health certificate 10 days prior to departure indicating your pets are in good health. Please note that airlines no longer allow tranqualization due to complications resulting in deaths of pets.

http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/sedate.asp
Many pet owners may decide to take the family pet along on their trips. A well-planned trip with the family pet can be fun; however, if air travel is involved, leaving pets at home with a good pet sitter may be a much better option.

Pets are just like people who sometimes become anxious when they don't travel frequently. This leads some owners and veterinarians to question whether administering sedatives or tranquilizers to dogs or cats prior to flight is a good idea. According to national and international air transport organizations, as well as the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases the answer is "no"!

"An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," noted Dr. Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury."

Whether flying in the cabin or with cargo, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures of approximately 8,000 feet. Increased altitude, according to Olson, can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats who are sedated or tranquilized.

"Brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs and cats are especially affected," noted Olson. "Although thousands of pets are transported uneventfully by air, airline officials believe that when deaths do occur they often result from the use of sedation."

The American Humane Association cautions veterinarians to carefully consider the use of tranquilizers or sedatives for their clients who are considering air transportation for their family pet.