Importing Pets to Hawaii

Our experience

I did exactly as indicated below. However we did not leave anywhere near on time so I kept them posted as to our changes in plans. The day we finally left the coast, before my cell phone went dead, I called to say we were actually leaving and expected to arrive in 21-25 days. A few days before my earliest arrival prediction, when it was clear we'd be late, I emailed from sailmail to let them know our new expected arrival and to assure them we'd call as soon as it was feasible. My cell phone started working about six hours from Hilo so as soon as their offices opened at 8 am I let them know I expected to arrive in Radio Bay at noon or one pm and that my Health Certificate was out of date but that I had not stopped at any ports outside the US since it had been signed. They said they'd alert the local contract vet and to call them again when I was anchored. I called again from Radio Bay and they gave me the number of the contract vet who I then called. We made an appointment for 4 pm that afternoon at dockside. We put the dinghy together, and rowed in with the dog and all our paperwork. The vet arrived, checked over Willow and signed off on the paperwork. Willow was then authorized to freely visit Hawaii!

Basic Rules

  • Domestic Dogs and Cats only (no non-domestic crosses such as wolves etc); no puppies or kittens - don't attempt to bring in a pet that is less than 10 months old
  • Microchip required
  • Pet must have had at least 2 rabies vaccines administered more than 3 months apart
  • Current rabies vaccination must be verified by blood test mailed off to testing agency
  • Health Certificate by vet at previous port before entering Hawaii
  • Major arrival ports supported by prior arrangement

Useful Links and Information

Read the information given at the links below. Yes, it's a little overwhelming so I've summarized it in the 10 Recommended steps, but here's where the actual requirements are.

Ten recommended steps to begin six months before arrival

Disclaimer: this attempts to be a useful summary of the requirements of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for importation of cats and dogs. However the real information is above and that's what you are responsible for. Note that the dates I give are not the minimums but are intended to give you ample time to fulfill the requirements.

  1. Make sure your pet has a working microchip implant and that you know the number.
  2. At least six months before arrival: get a rabies vaccination if your pet's current vaccination will not be good on your arrival in Hawaii then wait at least 3 weeks before proceeding to next step
  3. Five months before arrival: have your vet send a certified blood sample to the KSU or DOD testing laboratory with Blood Testing Form above. This costs $45 currently but your vet may have additional costs. Most vets are familiar with this process but if not give them the Instructions for Blood Test above.
  4. After you receive the blood test results put together the following paperwork including:
    1. Cover letter:
      • estimate your arrival date
      • indicate your landfall point - best if you know the actual marina such as "Radio Bay in Hilo, Big Island"
      • let them know that you're traveling by sailboat and cannot exactly predict your arrival but that you will notify them when you leave and as soon as you can make phone contact and know your exact arrival.
      • include pet's microchip number (this seems to be how they file the paperwork, also by your last name)
      • include your name and boat's name
    2. Completed copy of AQS 278 Dog and Cat Import Form
    3. Originals of last 2 rabies vaccination certificates (get signed originals from vet if you don't have them)
    4. Copy of blood serum results from KSU or DOD
    5. Cashier's check for fees ($165 at time of writing for "direct airport release" i.e. no quarantine - see Checklist for current fees)
  5. Keep the originals to bring with you and make a copy of this paperwork
  6. Mail the COPY to:
    Hawaii Department of Agriculture
    Animal Quarantine Station
    99-951 Halawa Valley Street
    Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602
  7. For dogs: acquire heartworm pills and flea treatment or collars. Start them on this medication as you leave and continue to apply monthly as recommended throughout your stay. This is not required by Hawaii but will keep your pet healthy. Heartworm is a serious issue in Hawaii.
  8. Immediately before you leave - get Health Certificate from vet. This is technically required 10 days or less before your arrival, but if you have not visited any non US ports between the time you got the Health Certificate and the time of your arrival you may be ok. Worst case - you'll have to pay a vet to issue a new one on arrival. We did not have to do this, despite a delay of more than six weeks between receiving the Health Certificate and arriving in Hawaii.
  9. Call Hawaii Dept of Agriculture as you leave to let them know your best estimate of arrival.
  10. One or two days from arrival at port - warn them of your arrival. Call if your cell phone is in range or email via ham/sailmail to update your arrival time and date. Mention your pet's microchip number, boat name, as well as your name. Call again when you know what time you'll be able to meet the vet.