What You Need to Know About Moving To Hawaii With Pets

What You Need to Know About Moving To Hawaii With Pets

  • Kris Hazard
  • 08/30/24

Moving Pets to Hawaii: The "No-Quarantine" Guide

Don't let your dog get stuck in a cage. Follow the 5-Day Release Checklist.

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US. Because of this, the import laws are strict. If you show up without the right paperwork, your pet will be quarantined for 120 days.

However, if you follow the Direct Release Program, you can pick up your pet at the Kona airport immediately. Here is the exact schedule you need to follow.

The "Safe Release" Timeline

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1. The FAVN Titer Test Blood sample must be received by the lab (Kansas State or Auburn) at least 30 days before arrival. Results are valid for 3 years.
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2. Send Documents to Honolulu Mail the AQS-279 Form + Original Rabies Certs + $165 fee to the Quarantine Division. They must receive this 30 days prior to landing.
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3. Veterinary Health Cert Get a health certificate from your mainland vet within 14 days of your flight. Treat for ticks/fleas at this appointment.
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4. Arrival in Kona Have the "Neighbor Island Inspection Permit" (NIIP) printed. Meet the Kona inspector at the airport (must be booked in advance).
⚠️ CRITICAL: You must schedule the Kona Airport inspection yourself. The state does not do this for you. Contact Alii Vet or Keauhou Vet at least 30 days before flying.

Airline Restrictions (The "Heat Embargo")

Most airlines stop shipping pets in cargo if the temperature exceeds 85°F at any stopover. This makes summer travel risky.
Best Airline: Alaska Airlines is widely considered the most pet-friendly carrier for West Coast to Kona flights.

Moving Horses?

Horses are easier than dogs but still require an Equine Infectious Anemia test (within 90 days) and a specific flight via Pacific Airlift.

We Know Pet-Friendly Kona

Kris Hazard has helped dozens of families (and their fur babies) relocate successfully. We know which HOAs allow German Shepherds and which beaches are dog-friendly.

Find a Dog-Friendly Home

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