Moving to the beautiful island of Kona, Hawaii, is one of life's great adventures, equally exhilarating and challenging. In addition to crossing one-third of the vast Pacific Ocean, there's always the dilemma of what stays behind on the mainland and what makes the trip roughly 2,500-mile journey from the continental U.S. and the state of Hawaii. For many, a beloved pet, be it a cat or dog, is part of the latter.
However, as easy as the decision may be to bring along a four-legged friend, it's essential to understand what that entails and the strict regulations for relocating a pet to Kona. Hawaii's status as a rabies-free state means there is a meticulous and time-consuming process for bringing pets to the islands. Here's an in-depth look at what you need to know to ensure a smooth transition for your furry friends.
Understanding Hawaii's Pet Import Regulations
Hawaii's pet import regulations, which extend to dogs, cats, and various other animals, are designed to maintain the state's rabies-free status — the only state in the U.S. to carry such status. This means rigorous health checks, vaccinations, and an extensive approval process, which can take several months.
Why?
While extremely preventable, rabies is equally difficult and costly to eradicate should an outbreak occur. An outbreak in an isolated area such as the Hawaiian Islands, with limited resources, could prove catastrophic for the state's human and wildlife populations. Of course, such regulations benefit those relocating to Hawaii by protecting their pets once they're established residents.
Hawaii's Animal Quarantine and Direct Release Program
To bring your pet into Kona as part of the state's Direct Release Program, you're required to have a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP). The process for attaining the NIIP can take up to three to four months to complete, the bulk of which occurs prior to your and your pet's arrival in Hawaii.
Reference the state's requirements for dogs and cats once you know a move to Kona is in your future plans. Several of the program's key steps/vital stipulations include:
Reference the state's requirements for dogs and cats once you know a move to Kona is in your future plans. Several of the program's key steps/vital stipulations include:
Microchip Your Dog or Cat
If not already, microchip your pet by your current vet, as is how Hawaii tracks your pet's rabies testing compliance with data uploaded roughly every two weeks.
Rabies Vaccinations
Hawaii requires that pets entering the state be vaccinated for rabies at least twice in their lifetime. The pet's most recent vaccination should be administered at least 30 days before arriving in Hawaii and will not expire upon arrival.
Rabies Titer Test (FAVN)
Administer the FAVN test, which measures rabies antibody levels in your pet's blood. The FAVN test results are tracked via your pet's microchip number and typically take one to three months to process (plan for the latter). Results are sent to both your vet and Hawaii's database. Auburn University, Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, or the Department of Defense (for DoD beneficiaries) should complete the test.
Schedule an Inspection
Upon arrival in Hawaii, you must have an airport inspection with a local vet, which you must schedule well in advance of your arrival. For those arriving in Kona, one of two local vets can perform the inspection—Alii Veterinary Hospital or Keauhou Veterinary Hospital. You may also utilize Kona Direct Release for a broader range of hours.
Once you schedule and pay the necessary fees, the vets will notify the state that you've fulfilled this option. Note that these services will not book you sooner than 30 days from your arrival, so be sure to schedule accordingly, at least one month in advance.
Once you schedule and pay the necessary fees, the vets will notify the state that you've fulfilled this option. Note that these services will not book you sooner than 30 days from your arrival, so be sure to schedule accordingly, at least one month in advance.
Required Documentation
The following documentation is required at Hawaii's State Quarantine Center at least 30 days before you and your pet arrive in Kona:
- Completed and signed Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-279).
- Original rabies vaccine certificates, which must include two most recent vaccinations.
- Payment of $165 via cashier's check or money order (check Neighbor Island Inspection Permit on Section 4 of Dog and Cat Import Form, assuming all requirements are met.
- Flight information, including your airline, flight number, and date and time of arrival.
To help you keep track of the program's steps and timelines, utilize Checklist 2 for Requesting Direct Airport Release from Kona. You'll also want to retain copies of documents for your records.
NIIP Permit and Health Certificate
Upon completing the above steps, you will receive your NIIP permit to preset during your trip to Kona. Also, obtain your pet's health certificate within 14 days of your flight.
Additional Considerations
Currently, only Alaska Airlines and American Airlines allow pet travel to Hawaii, including into Kona International Airport, due to the stringent veterinary requirements upon landing. The airlines have systems in place to accommodate the mandatory veterinary inspection immediately after arrival.
Prohibited animals include geckos, hamsters, select bird species, snakes, and turtles, among many others. To secure an NIIP for puppies and kittens, they must be at least six months old at the completion of current requirements.
Failure to comply with any of the state's requirements, including missed timelines or incomplete documentation, can result in the airline denying your pet boarding or holding it in quarantine for up to 120 days.
Prohibited animals include geckos, hamsters, select bird species, snakes, and turtles, among many others. To secure an NIIP for puppies and kittens, they must be at least six months old at the completion of current requirements.
Failure to comply with any of the state's requirements, including missed timelines or incomplete documentation, can result in the airline denying your pet boarding or holding it in quarantine for up to 120 days.
Moving Horses to Hawaii
While bringing horses to Hawaii is somewhat easier than other pets, it still requires meticulous planning and adherence to regulations. Horses must meet several criteria, including:
- Origin Verification: Horses must come from areas free from equine encephalitis for six months before shipment.
- Equine Infectious Anemia Test: This must be done within 90 days prior to the flight.
- Vaccinations and Treatments: Horses require vaccination for equine encephalitis within 15 days before the flight and treatment with insecticide to eliminate fleas and ticks.
- Health Certificate: A qualified veterinarian must inspect the horse and provide a certificate stating the horse is free of Vesicular Stomatitis and other diseases.
For equine transport, Pacific Airlift offers agricultural flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii and is a reliable option for moving horses to the islands. Upon approval, an ag inspector ensures the animal is healthy and pest-free; a follow-up test is required 45-60 days after arrival.
Planning a Move to Kona?
If you're ready to experience the stunning beauty and tranquility of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii — with your beloved pets by your side — contact broker Kris Hazard today to begin your real estate journey on the Big Island of Hawaii. From finding your dream home to navigating the intricacies of relocating to paradise, allow Kris' experience and expertise to help you navigate Hawaii's luxury real estate marketplace.
