Transporting pets on an airplane can be a stressful and daunting task for both the pet and the owner. When transporting a pet to Hawaii, you must carefully consider the pet's health status. According to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, "Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that is rabies-free." As such, all pets entering the state must meet strict health and vaccination requirements. Upon arrival in Hawaii, all pets are subjected to a quarantine period to ensure all requirements are met. To ensure a quick and easy process, you must thoroughly understand how to transfer pets to Hawaii.
Determine whether your pet is physically fit enough to handle transport to Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture explains that the following pets may not handle the move well: pets that are very old, very young, ill or injured. Additionally, pregnant pets past 40 days gestation are not allowed to enter Hawaii.
Schedule an appointment for your pet's rabies vaccination. The state of Hawaii requires that all pets entering Hawaii receive two rabies vaccinations more than 30 days apart. Pets must wait at least 90 days after their last rabies vaccination to arrive in Hawaii.
Complete all necessary vaccinations for your pet, as explained by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture "Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Information Brochure" (see Resources). Additionally, all pets must have an implanted electronic microchip. The microchip must be in working condition and should properly identify the pet's identity.
Obtain an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test from an approved veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian to submit the blood test to one of Hawaii's approved laboratories, listing "Hawaii" as the final destination. The pet must arrive in Hawaii between 120 days and 36 months after the blood test results reach the laboratory.
Gather documents for submission to Hawaii's animal quarantine station. Complete the Dog and Cat Import Form. Obtain original signed copies of the two rabies vaccination certificates and a complete health certificate. Submit all documents, along with appropriate fees, via mail to the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station. All forms must be received at least 10 days prior to your pet's arrival in Hawaii.
Contact your airline and ask whether they are accepting pets on your flight. Some airlines allow passengers to carry pets into the cabin of the plane, while other airlines transport pets in a special pressurized and temperature-controlled compartment. Rather than carrying animals into the stress of a cabin, animaltransportation.com recommends using the specialized compartments. The company also discourages the use of tranquilization, which often has a negative effect on animals.
Prepare your pet for travel by gradually reducing the food quantity the day before and the day of. Allow the pet an opportunity to evacuate his bladder and bowel one to two hours before the flight. Mark the crate with your name, address, telephone number, arrows indicating the top of the crate and a message indicating that the crate contains a live animal. Dried food and necessary medications must be securely attached to the crate.
Ask a flight attendant for confirmation that your pet has been boarded onto the airplane as soon as you board the plane. By requesting this confirmation early, you have a better chance of correcting any problems.
