moving to hawaii in 3 months with my dog...?

Question

i will be moving to hawaii in 3 months with my dog...she is a yorkie/chihuahua mix, under 20 lbs., and is a year and 2 months old right now. i want to know the process of getting her over there when i get there with no problems. i know it is an expensive/long process...i just dont want any problems cuz shes like a baby to me....

Answer 1

Hawaii has strict rules for importing pets.

It is now possible to import your pet without having her quarantined, BUT only if you meet certain requirements, including a microchip, and vaccinations administered at very specific times before her arrival. If you are only 3 months out from the move and have not started the process, it is unlikely that your pet will qualify. See the checklist here for the "5 days or less" program:
http://www.hawaiiag.org/AQS/aqs-checklist-5.pdf

If you cannot qualify for the "5 days or less" or immediate release, your pet will need to go into quarantine for 120 days when you arrive at the airport in Hawaii. You will find all the information you need in this brochure:
http://www.hawaiiag.org/AQS/aqsbrochure.PDF

If you don't want to put her through 120 days of quarantine, you might consider leaving her with a friend or relative while she undergoes the veterinary checkups and vaccinations and the waiting period required in order to qualify for immediate release. That's what I did with my cat. Like you and your dog, she's like a child to me and I didn't want to put her in "jail" for all that time.

The airlines' policies are set up to comply with Hawaii's quarantine laws, so you will not be able to sneak your pet past quarantine when you get here. All the major airlines require that animals are transported in the cargo section, not the cabin, on flights to or from Hawaii. When you arrive in Hawaii your pet will be taken directly to the quarantine inspection station.

Your pet might be small enough to travel on board the cabin, but as I said most airlines do not permit this on Hawaii flights, even though they might on normal flights. I didn't want to put my cat in cargo, but I was only able to find one airline that would permit her to travel in the cabin on a Hawaii flight and that was North American Airlines. However, they did notify the quarantine station that a pet was on board and they met us when we deplaned, so it would not have been possible to simply take the cat and sneak away past quarantine.

Once we arrived, because I had fulfilled all the requirements on the "5-day or less" checklist, and I had sent in all the forms and documents they needed already, I was able to take my cat and leave within an hour.

Many veterinarians are familiar with Hawaii's requirements. Before you go, it would be a good idea to print up the documents I've referred you to, and take your pet to the vet. He will help you develop a plan for getting her ready to go. Good luck. You can e-mail me at [e-mail] if you have more questions. It was a couple of years ago that I did this but I know what a logistical challenge it can be!

One more note, if you are with the US military and being stationed in Hawaii, I believe they have different policies and it's easier to get your pet here. Check with your ombudsman if that's the case.

Answer 2

good luck! you need to do the bloodwork at LEAST 6 months in advance, if not, your dog may be quarantined for 90 days at about 1200.00. i did everything back in 2003 and STILL was quarantined for 30 days at 655.00.

Answer 3

Hawaii's Animal Quarantine Laws
Hawaii is a rabies free state. Hawaii's quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats regardless of age (puppies and kittens included) or purpose, must comply with Hawaii’s dog and cat import requirements.

Chapter 4-29 Hawaii Administrative Rules, governs the importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawaii. This law states that dogs and cats meeting specific pre and post arrival requirements may qualify for 5-days or-less quarantine or direct release at Honolulu International Airport after inspection. Furthermore, the law requires dogs and cats not meeting all of the specific 5-Day-Or-Less program requirements to be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival In Hawaii.


Here is a website that will give you the information you need:

HAWAII'S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BROCHURE AND FORMS
If you have questions about any of the following brochure and forms listed here, you can contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture at:
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602
Telephone [phone]
FAX [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

BROCHURES AND CHECKLISTS
Frequently Asked Questions [Rev. 10/05]
Frequently Asked Questions for 5-Day-or-Less Quarantine Program [Rev. 10/05]
Direct Airport Release Security Advisory
Animal Quarantine Station Rabies Information Brochure [Rev. 02/06]
This brochure contains important information about pre-arrival requirements, quarantine station procedures, policies, rules, operations and fees.
Checklist for 5-Day-or-Less Program [Rev. 10/27/05]
Checklist for Pet Arriving From British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand [Rev. 11/05]
Checklist Only For Resident Dogs And Cats Originating From Hawaii And Returning For The 5-Day-Or-Less Program [Rev. 10/26/05]
Dog and Cat Import Form [Rev. 10/05]
One completed form per pet is required to be submitted along with all pre-arrival documents (Two Rabies Vaccination Certificates, Health Certificate, Pre-payments) NO LESS THAN 10 DAYS BEFORE PET ARRIVES IN HAWAII TO QUALIFY FOR 5-DAY-OR-LESS or AIRPORT RELEASE. If the health certificate cannot be sent 10 days before arriving with the rest of the documents, the original must be given to the inspector upon arrival in Hawaii.
List of Approved Animal Hospitals [Rev. 02/04]
Breed Code Listing and Color Code Listing [Rev. 06/05)]
Intermediate Handlers [Rev. 7/04]
List of registered private individuals or organizations which may be contracted with for fee as intermediate handlers to assist in the interstate and inter-island shipping of pets.
Summary For Veterinarians [Rev. 10/05]
Summary for veterinarians of health certification, microchip, rabies vaccination intervals, OIE-FAVN test and waiting periods requirements of the 5-Day-Or-Less program.


OIE-FAVN Testing Forms - All posted laboratory fees and documents are subject to change by the laboratory without notice.

Answer 4

I'll have to go through the same process with my dog. Go check out http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm.


Enjoy the island!