Pet Import Laws in Hawaii: What Every Pet Owner Must Know Before Arriving

Hawaii is the only U.S. state that has never had a documented case of rabies — and the state intends to keep it that way. That single fact shapes every rule, deadline, and fee you will encounter when bringing a pet to the islands. Miss one step, and your dog or cat could spend up to 120 days in a quarantine facility at your expense.

Whether you are relocating permanently, serving on a military assignment, or visiting with your pet, this guide walks you through exactly what Hawaii requires, species by species, so you can arrive prepared and get your animal home with you as quickly as possible.

What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into Hawaii

Before you book a flight, you need to understand that Hawaii has the unique distinction of being the only U.S. state free of rabies, and that status makes traveling to or relocating with pets more complex than any other domestic move. The documentation package you assemble is the difference between walking out of the airport with your pet and watching them be taken to a quarantine facility.

All required documents must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity at least 10 days prior to arrival. Required paperwork includes one Dog and Cat Import Form per pet, two rabies vaccination certificates, a health certificate, and payment of all fees. The only exception is the health certificate, which must be issued within 14 days of arrival and may not be available in time to submit with the rest of the paperwork.

In that case, the original health certificate should be hand-delivered to the inspection station upon arrival. Photocopies are never accepted in place of originals.

Here is a summary of the core documents required for dogs and cats entering Hawaii:

• Completed Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) — one per pet
• Two original rabies vaccination certificates, signed in ink by a licensed veterinarian
• Passing FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) rabies titer test results
• Health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival
• Proof of ISO-compliant microchip implantation
• Payment of applicable import fees

Important Note: All pre-arrival documents must be received no less than 10 days before your pet arrives in Hawaii to qualify for the 5-Day-Or-Less or Airport Release programs. Submitting late disqualifies your pet from these options entirely.

Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) requires all pet owners to complete and submit the Dog and Cat Import Form AQS-279, two rabies vaccination certificates, FAVN test results, and payment of import fees — $185 per pet for airport release or $244 for the 5-Day-Or-Less program. The 120-day quarantine program, which applies when requirements are not met, costs $1,080 per pet.

If you are moving to or from Colorado, Texas, or any other mainland state, note that Hawaii’s requirements are far more involved than standard interstate pet travel. Start gathering documents as early as possible.

Dog Import Requirements in Hawaii

Hawaii’s quarantine law is designed to protect residents and animals from rabies. All dogs and cats, regardless of age — puppies and kittens included — or purpose, must comply with Hawaii’s dog and cat import requirements. That includes short-term visitors, not just people relocating permanently.

The process must be completed in a specific order, and the microchip must be in place before any of the subsequent steps — vaccinations given before the microchip was implanted do not count.

Here is the correct sequence for qualifying your dog for the 5-Day-Or-Less or Direct Airport Release program:

1. Implant an ISO-compliant microchip. Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit, 134.2 kHz frequency). Many standard U.S. microchips use a different frequency (125 kHz) that may not be reliably scanned by Hawaii’s equipment. Confirm compatibility or implant a second compliant chip to be safe.
2. Complete two rabies vaccinations. Pets must have two current rabies vaccinations, no less than 30 days apart, with the most recent vaccine at least 30 days before the pet arrives in Hawaii. The original certificates must be signed in ink by a licensed veterinarian. Copies are not accepted.
3. Pass the FAVN rabies titer test. The FAVN test measures your pet’s antibody response to the rabies vaccine to confirm sufficient immunity. Hawaii requires a result of 0.5 IU/ml or higher. The FAVN test must be performed at least 90 days before your pet’s arrival in Hawaii — this waiting period is non-negotiable regardless of how high the titer is. The test must be conducted at a USDA-approved laboratory.
4. Complete tick treatment. Dogs and cats must be treated by your veterinarian with a long-acting oral or topical product labeled to kill ticks that is equivalent or better than Fipronil within 14 days prior to arrival, and the treatment must be documented on the health certificate.
5. Submit the AQS-279 form and all documents. The ideal time to submit the paperwork is at least 30 days in advance and no less than 10 days before the animal’s arrival.

Pro Tip: Planning ahead is critical because the process can take 3–6 months depending on your pet’s vaccination history. Kittens and puppies must be at least 6 months old to complete both vaccine doses. Importing younger animals is possible but will result in a 120-day quarantine.

Approved labs for the FAVN test are limited. Auburn University (AU), Kansas State University (KSU), and the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas (DOD) are the approved labs for the test.

If you are flying into a neighbor island rather than Honolulu, there is an additional step. Flying directly into Kona, Kahului, or Līhuʻe takes extra planning when traveling with a pet. Travelers must secure a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit before boarding. As of January 12, 2026, owners can apply for a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) online at hipop.ais.hawaii.gov.

Regarding breed restrictions, non-domestic dogs, cats, and hybrids such as wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, and Savannah are prohibited under Plant Quarantine Branch laws. No exceptions exist for these hybrid breeds.

For more on how Hawaii’s rules compare to those of other states, see the pet import laws in Georgia and pet import laws in Washington.

Cat Import Requirements in Hawaii

Cats must meet nearly identical import requirements as dogs when entering Hawaii. The same microchip-first sequence, dual rabies vaccinations, FAVN titer test, tick treatment, health certificate, and AQS-279 form all apply.

One practical difference involves travel logistics. Small cats may qualify for cabin travel on select routes, though many Hawaii-bound flights have stricter pet policies than mainland domestic travel. Always confirm your airline’s specific policies before booking, as carriers vary significantly in what they allow in-cabin versus cargo.

Requirement	Details	Deadline
ISO-compliant microchip	15-digit, implanted before vaccinations	Before any other step
Two rabies vaccinations	At least 30 days apart; most recent 30+ days before arrival	Ongoing — must be current
FAVN titer test	Result must be 0.5 IU/ml or higher; approved lab only	At least 90 days before arrival
Tick treatment	Fipronil-equivalent product applied by vet; noted on health certificate	Within 14 days of arrival
Health certificate	USDA-endorsed; confirms pet is disease-free	Within 14 days of arrival
AQS-279 import form	One per pet; submitted with all other documents	At least 10 days before arrival
Import fee	$185 (Direct Airport Release) or $244 (5-Day-Or-Less)	Submitted with documents

To avoid your animal being placed into quarantine, proof of two rabies vaccinations within the required timeframe and a passing FAVN test are required for all dogs and cats entering the State of Hawai’i.

Common Mistake: Missing even one step in the 5-Day program can trigger the full quarantine. This is why careful preparation months in advance is so important. Do not assume that a high FAVN titer score will waive the 90-day waiting period — it will not.

Cat owners relocating from the Midwest should also review pet import laws in Illinois, pet import laws in Ohio, and pet import laws in Michigan for context on how mainland requirements differ from Hawaii’s.

Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in Hawaii

Hawaii has strict laws regarding the importation of animals. Some animals that may be allowed as pets in other states or countries may be restricted or prohibited in Hawaii. Importing an illegal animal carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and fines up to $500,000.

Birds face some of the most detailed requirements of any species entering Hawaii.

The Honolulu International Airport is the only entry port for birds, and all shipments are subject to inspection at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility prior to release. You cannot fly birds into Kona, Maui, or Kauai directly.

Birds other than budgerigars require a pre-arrival seven-day (168 hours) isolation from mosquitoes under the supervision of an accredited veterinarian and must enter the state within 36 hours of completing isolation. In addition, a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must state that birds were not vaccinated for any disease with a vaccine containing a live agent within 60 days of shipment.

As of October 2002, all poultry, birds, day-old chicks, and hatching eggs require a Poultry and Bird Import Permit (West Nile Virus Import Permit) through the Livestock Disease Control Branch, Department of Agriculture.

A permit is required for importation of allowed species, with a fee of $5 for a single shipment or $50 for multiple shipments per year. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, issued by an accredited vet within seven days of shipment, is typically required.

For exotic pets beyond birds, the rules are equally strict:

• Some non-domesticated animals are allowed to be imported to Hawaii. These are listed on the List of Conditional Approved Animals. Common animals on the Conditional Approved List include guinea pigs, domesticated rats and mice, chinchillas, some species of turtles, and certain types of aquarium fish.
• Ferrets are illegal to own or import in Hawaii.
• Hamsters and gerbils are restricted species due to potential environmental impacts.
• All snakes are banned, with no exceptions for private ownership. Penalties include up to $200,000 in fines and/or imprisonment.
• Many small pets are prohibited, including ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, hermit crabs, and certain reptiles and birds like toucans and lories.

Any animal that is not found on any of the lists is considered prohibited. If you are uncertain about your specific animal, contact the Plant Quarantine Branch at (808) 832-0566 before making any travel plans.

Rabbits must receive a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Hawaii and can only enter through the Honolulu International Airport.

Key Insight: Hawaii has a very delicate ecosystem with almost 400 endangered animal species, many of which are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Escaped pets may overwhelm local ecosystems via overpredation, overpopulation, or spreading diseases. These restrictions exist to protect that ecosystem, not just to create paperwork.

If you own backyard birds or roosters, Hawaii also has specific local ordinances worth reviewing. See the guides on backyard chicken laws in Hawaii and rooster laws in Hawaii for more detail.

Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States

If your pet is traveling to Hawaii from another country, the process involves both U.S. federal requirements and Hawaii’s state-level quarantine rules. You must satisfy both sets of requirements before your pet can be cleared for entry.

Your pet’s documentation package will be comprised of an import permit, proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, spay/neutering certificate, a rabies titer test, and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.

There is one notable exception to Hawaii’s standard quarantine requirements for international arrivals. Quarantine requirements do not apply for your pet if it is originating from the British Isles, Australia, Guam, or New Zealand when all of the following apply: your pet’s flight is direct, or your pet has evidence in writing from the officer in charge that your pet was not in contact with any other animal during transit; your pet’s crate was sealed by veterinary authorities at the point of origin; your pet is accompanied by a declaration by the owner that your pet resided in one of those countries since birth or for a period of at least six months prior to entry; and your pet is accompanied by a health certificate and proof of parasite treatment within 14 days of entry.

For all other countries, the standard FAVN titer test and vaccination requirements apply. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) also prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets, which adds another layer of compliance for certain exotic species coming from abroad.

If the import regulations are not met, your pet will be denied entry or subjected to quarantine or returned to the origination country. All steps required to conform to Hawaii pet import requirements must be completed in the origination country.

Military families on overseas PCS orders should note that the U.S. Department of Defense may reimburse active duty military members with dogs or cats up to $550 per family for quarantine expenses. Military members should check with their command on whether this allotment is available to them.

For comparison, see how other states handle out-of-state pet arrivals in the guides for pet import laws in North Carolina and pet import laws in New Jersey.

How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move

Many of Hawaii’s pet import requirements must be completed by a federally accredited veterinarian — not just any licensed vet. Understanding the difference matters, because using the wrong type of vet for certain steps can invalidate your documents.

A USDA-accredited veterinarian is a licensed vet who has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue official health certificates and other federal documentation. All pets entering Hawaii must have a USDA-endorsed health certificate completed by a veterinarian no more than 14 days before arrival. For international travel, the endorsement requirements are even stricter.

To find a USDA-accredited veterinarian in your area, use the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Accredited Veterinarian Search tool on the official APHIS website. You can search by state, county, and species to find a vet near you who is authorized to complete the necessary federal paperwork.

When contacting a vet for Hawaii-specific travel, ask specifically whether they have experience with Hawaii’s import process. Even small documentation errors can lead to unexpected quarantine. That is why many families choose professional assistance when learning how to ship pets to Hawaii safely and efficiently.

For the FAVN titer test specifically, your vet must draw the blood sample and send it to one of the three approved laboratories. Your veterinarian will draw a blood sample and send it to one of the approved laboratories. The test takes anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, and the clock starts when the blood is received at the laboratory.

Pro Tip: Some Hawaii-based veterinary practices specialize in helping incoming pet owners navigate the quarantine process, particularly on neighbor islands. If you are flying directly to Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, contact a local vet clinic at your destination in advance. They can coordinate the Neighbor Island Inspection Permit process and be present at the airport for your pet’s arrival inspection.

If you are moving from the Northeast, the pet import laws in Pennsylvania guide provides useful context on how mainland health certificate requirements work before you layer on Hawaii’s additional steps.

Who to Contact in Hawaii Before You Arrive With a Pet

Knowing exactly who to contact — and how — can save you significant time and prevent last-minute problems. Hawaii’s animal import system involves multiple agencies depending on the type of animal you are bringing.

For dogs and cats:

The Animal Quarantine Station phone number is (808) 483-7151. Due to the large volume of calls and the time zone difference, the best way to contact them is via email. The quarantine office is located at the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Hālawa Valley Street, ʻAiea, Hawaiʻi 96701. The email address for the Animal Quarantine Station is rabiesfree@hawaii.gov.

For birds and exotic animals:

If you are not sure about the import status of animals other than dogs and cats, contact the Plant Quarantine Branch at (808) 832-0566. For bird and poultry import permits specifically, accredited veterinarians or agents needing import requirements can contact the Livestock Disease Control Branch, Import and Compliance Section at (808) 837-8092 at least 10 days prior to the scheduled shipping date.

For neighbor island arrivals:

If you are flying directly to Kona, Kahului, or Līhuʻe, you must obtain a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit before boarding your flight. Due to the large volume of requests for Neighbor Island Inspection Permits, owners must ensure the following documentation is received by the Animal Quarantine Station 30 days or more ahead of the planned arrival: a completed Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279), original rabies vaccine certificates for the two most recent vaccinations, and payment of $165 in cashier’s check or money order made out to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (no personal checks).

Contact	Purpose	Phone / Email
Animal Quarantine Station (AQS)	Dogs and cats — all quarantine and import questions	(808) 483-7151 / rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
Plant Quarantine Branch	Exotic animals, non-domestic species	(808) 832-0566
Livestock Disease Control Branch	Birds, poultry, and import permits	(808) 837-8092
HIPOP Online Portal	Submit dog/cat import applications and NIIP requests	hipop.ais.hawaii.gov

You can also find answers to many common questions directly on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Animal Quarantine Information page, which is updated regularly and includes all current forms, checklists, and fee schedules.

Effective January 1, 2019, it is a violation of state law to misrepresent an animal as a service animal. Under the new law, civil penalties may be assessed. Do not attempt to bypass the quarantine process by falsely claiming a pet is a service animal — Hawaii enforces this strictly.

Hawaii has some of the most involved pet import rules in the country, but the process is entirely manageable when you start early and follow each step in order. Give yourself at least four to six months of lead time, work with a USDA-accredited vet experienced in Hawaii travel, and confirm your documents have been received and approved before you ever set foot on a plane. Your pet will thank you for it. For additional Hawaii animal law topics, explore the guides on hedgehog ownership laws in Hawaii, goat ownership laws in Hawaii, and dolphin interaction laws in Hawaii.