Maybe you have heard of the strict regulations that Hawaii imposes on pets coming from the mainland or other countries/continents. Rightfully so, as the Hawaiians are simply trying to protect the beauty of the islands. While it is important it can also be very confusing as well as pretty expensive for pet owners particularly if you have several animals in your family.
Before you even consider taking your pet to Hawaii, make sure that your pet is allowed on the island, make sure your pet is not one of them:
Non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah, etc are prohibited under Plant Quarantine (PQ) law. Refer to Plant Quarantine’s animal guidelines for importation.
What are on base housing regulations? http://www.armyhawaiifamilyhousing.com or USMC
Generally: You may keep up to two pets in family housing. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, domestic rabbits, white mice, rats (U.S origin only), most common cage birds, fish and cold blooded animals purchased commercially in Hawaii may be kept as pets.
Many animals are prohibited in Hawaii in order to protect the environment. Others are prohibited in family housing. You may not keep any of the following animals in base housing:
- - Gerbils, hamsters, mongooses, monkeys, rats (except as noted above), wild rabbits, ferrets, horses and ponies or animals normally considered livestock.
- - Game or hunting birds, pigeons, doves, poultry, Aztec dwarf parrots, monk parakeet and certain species of mynah.
- - Staffordshire Terriers, Pitbulls, Rottweilers and canid/ wolf hybrids or any mixed breed thereof.
- - All types of snakes and iguanas are prohibited in Hawaii.
- - Bees may not be kept in housing
- - Wildlife-many species of birds and wildlife, including their eggs, are protected endangered species. You may not handle them without a special permit.
Flight information: Exciting news - Alaskan Airlines now allows cats and dogs in cabin. All normal requirements for in-cabin pets will have to be met,they would also still have to meet Hawaii’s quarantine requirements (see below)— the airline provides helpful links to quarantine information.
The Hawaiian government has listed all information on their website. While the task seems daunting, taking your pet is absolutely possible.
While the 5 day or less program does not decrease YOUR stress, it decreases the animals’ stress and keeps your wallet from decreasing. Quarantining your dog for 120 days is quite expensive so going through this program would seem the better choice. Service pets fall under different regulations.
“This law states that dogs and cats meeting specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for 5-day–or-less quarantine program, which has a provision for direct release at Honolulu International Airport after inspection.”
- Find the very intimidating, yet tremendously helpful checklist for this program here: “Checklist For 5-Day-Or-Less Programâ€
- Read up on the 120 day quarantine “Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Information Brochureâ€
- If you already live in Hawaii but want to travel with a pet this information is helpful: “Checklist Only For Resident Dogs And Cats Located in Hawaii that are Departing and Returning to Hawaii under the 5-Day-Or-Less Programâ€
- Direct Release on Neighbor Islands: Pets may now qualify for direct release at Kona Airport (Big Island), Kahului Airport (Maui) and Lihue Airport (Kaua`i). See “Checklist for Requesting Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports.”
Contact Info:
- E-mail us: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov
- Animal Quarantine Station phone:Â (808) 483-7151
(Due to the large volume of calls, the best way to contact the Animal Quarantine Station is via the e-mail address above.)
