Tips For Traveling to Hawaii With Your Dog

Last week: 4 Hotel Chains Where Dogs Stay for Free

If you’re planning to visit the Aloha state, just remember that there are some pretty strict rules for traveling with your pooch to this tropical paradise, especially since Hawaii is currently rabies free and wants to stay that way.

But the state is quickly becoming a much more dog-friendly destination. Just recently, Alaska Airlines added a new policy that allows you and your pooch to fly there together.

So pack up your hula skirt and check out these hot tips from the Animal Quarantine Services (AQS) on what to do to ensure that you and your pooch are Hau’oli (happy).

Rabies Documentation – Your dog must have been vaccinated at least twice for rabies in his lifetime, administered more than 30 days apart, and the most recent vaccination must be current when your dog arrives in Hawaii. The date and type of vaccine must be indicated on your dog’s vaccination and health certificates.

Microchip – Your dog must have an electronic microchip implanted, and have your vet verify that it is working. If your dog cannot be identified by scanning his microchip, he will not qualify for either direct airport release or the 5-day-or-less quarantine, and will be assigned to 120 days quarantine.

OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Test – A sample of your dog’s blood must be sent to an approved lab (either Kansas State University or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory). Make sure your veterinarian indicates “HAWAII” as your dog’s destination on the blood test submission form. KSU and DOD will then automatically send the results to Hawaii.

 Waiting Period – Your dog must complete the 120-day waiting period before arriving in Hawaii or he won’t qualify for either direct airport release or the 5-day-or-less quarantine program. The waiting period begins the day after KSU or DOD receives the blood sample for the OIE-FAVN test.

Documents – The original ink signature or carbon copy rabies vaccination certificates for your dog’s two most recent vaccinations are required. A vet must treat your dog for ticks with a product containing Fipronil or an equivalent long-acting product labeled to kill ticks (Revolution® is not acceptable) within 14 days of your dog’s arrival in Hawaii, and the product name and date of treatment must be recorded on your dog’s health certificate.

 Submission Of Documents –  Send the Dog Import Form, two rabies vaccination certificates and your payment to the AQS no fewer than 10 days before your arrival in Hawaii. Mail these documents and your payment to Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, HI 96701.

Final Details – It is highly recommended that you check your pet’s blood test results for the 5-day-or-less program at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website.

Fees – You will be charged $165 per dog for direct airport release, or $224 per dog for the 5-day-or-less program each time your dog enters or returns to Hawaii. You will be charged an additional $17.80 for each day your dog remains at the AQS beyond his scheduled release date.

Dogs on direct flights from the British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand may be exempt from quarantine if specific requirements are met.

Be sure to review all of the information provided by the AQS so your pup doesn’t get stuck at the airport without you. After all, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than a sad dog stuck in a crate, especially when he’s supposed to be a pooch in paradise!

Next week: What to Take When You Take Your Dog to College

PHOTO: Richard Monteverde

Kara Ogushi

Contributing writer Kara Ogushi is a pet mom to two dogs and five rabbits. When she isn’t writing travel tips for pooches, she’s exploring new ways to share and create media.

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Category : International Travel &TRAVEL TIPS