Hawaii, in an effort to remain rabies-free, has a strict policy with regard to the importation of pets from most other parts of the world, including the continental United States and Alaska. Residents of Hawaii who want to travel with their pets and then return with them to Hawaii also must meet the requirements for the importation of pets.
The importation of dogs or cats into Hawaii is governed by Chapter 4-9 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules that provides for quarantine of arriving pets unless certain requirements are met. Although the program for early release is called the 5-Day-or-Less-Program, usually qualifying animals are released to their owners upon arrival at the airport.
Because it takes time to satisfy the requirements for quick admission, puppies and kittens younger than 10 months usually will not qualify. Hawaiian authorities hold young puppies and kittens for the full 120-day period reserved for older animals that do not meet quick-entry criteria,
In order to qualify for the 5-Day-or-Less program, animals must have been tested for rabies and vaccinated for rabies at least twice. The most recent vaccination must have been within 90 days of your pet's arrival in Hawaii. In addition, your pet must have an implanted microchip that has recently been scanned by a veterinarian to assure that it is working. In addition, your pet must have passed successfully a blood test performed at an approved lab.
In addition to documentation related to rabies, owners pf pets entering Hawaii through the quick-release program must provide appropriate vaccination certificates, a health certificate in proper form and proof of treatment for ticks by a veterinarian using approved medications. Hawaiian authorities require that these documents arrive at the Pet Quarantine Branch at least 10 days in advance of the pet's arrival. Regardless of whether you have met documentation requirements, your pet will not be allowed quick entry if a physical inspection reveals the presence of fleas, ticks or other parasites.
Aside from the fees paid to veterinarians and testing labs in order to meet the qualification for entry into Hawaii, the state charges administrative fees as well. As of 2010, the fee for entry under the 5-Day-or-Less program was $224 per pet. Other fees apply depending on whether your pet is quarantined or released to you at the airport.
Animals imported from the British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand are exempt from these regulations. In addition, pets traveling between Hawaiian islands may be exempt from importation regulations.
