Bringing a Pet to Maui
Moving Your Pet to Maui
The process to get your pet to Maui has more bark than bite.
When you’re planning on moving to Hawai’i, your focus tends to be on where you’ll live and how to get all your belongings there. One of the last things on your mind is how moving to Hawaii with pets changes your plans. As long as you get all the paperwork done in a timely fashion (start working on it at least six months before your move), you can avoid the infamous Hawai’i pet quarantine, which can last up to 120 days.
This quarantine, and Hawai’i’s strict animal import policies are because there is no existing rabies in Hawai’i and rightfully, want to keep it that way. Thankfully, since June 2003, pets arriving in Hawai’i can participate in a direct release program, which requires planning and paperwork, instead of the 120 day Hawaii pet quarantine of the past.
Whether you’re moving to, or just visiting, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or Hawai’i island, we’ve got some tips on how to get your dog or cat to the islands from the mainland and how to avoid the Hawaii pet quarantine. Read on or go straight to the Hawai’i state website for more information on moving to Hawai’i with pets.
Plan ahead. At least 4-6 months before moving to Hawai’i, start prepping for your pet’s big change. There are two main options: Direct Airport Release and 5 day or less quarantine. Make sure you follow all instructions to avoid an up to 120-day Hawai’i pet quarantine for your beloved animal! Also check with your vet about getting everything all set for moving to Hawai’i with pets and ensure your airline allows your furry critter to come along for the ride.
Really, plan ahead. For immediate animal snuggles after you land (Direct Airport Release or DAR), you must complete this entire checklist (summarized below) and turn in all required documents 30 days or more (definitely choose MORE) before your arrival.
Make sure to microchip. This is a safety precaution that isn’t optional. Your cat or dog will need to have an electronic microchip implanted before they can get the FAVN rabies antibody blood test, which is another requirement. Your vet will be able to scan the microchip to make sure that it’s still working and double check that the number is correct. If your pet can’t be identified by scanning a microchip, they will be assigned up to a 120-day Hawai’i pet quarantine on Oahu.
Rabies vaccination. The requirement is that your little furry friend has had two rabies vaccinations in its lifetime more than 30 days apart. The more recent of those shots needs to be more than 30 days before your move. If not, your pet may be up for a 30-day quarantine. Be sure to have copies of all the paperwork indicating the date and type of vaccine on your fur baby’s vaccination and health certificates.
FAVN Rabies Antibody test. Ask your vet about this one. Important note: know that “HAWAII” is listed as the destination on your vet’s lab submission form when you do the FAVN Rabies Antibody Test (and make sure your pet already has a valid microchip).
Get all your docs in a row. Submit your paperwork at least 30 days in advance* of moving to Hawai’i (we suggest at least 4 months). Send your paperwork (check that checklist!) into the veterinary inspector (see #7) and they will meet you at the airport on the island that you’re planning on moving to. Turn these in 30 days or more before the big day that you’re moving to Hawai’i with your pet.
• Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-279) filled out and signed
• Rabies vaccine certificates (originals) for the two most recent vaccinations
• Money order or cashier’s check for $165 for payment
• Your flight details (i.e. Airline, flight number, date and time of arrival)
• Be sure to mark “Neighbor Island Inspection Permit $165” on the Dog and Cat Import Form AQS-279
• Submit all paperwork to:
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602*NOTE: The Animal Quarantine Branch website states that COVID-19 is impacting processing times, so be sure to pad extra months onto your estimate to allow for slow paperwork and keep your fur baby from the Hawaii pet quarantine when you move to paradise.
Make reservations for the airport inspection. Call one of these numbers (best choice is the closest one to where you’re moving to) and make a reservation for the inspector to meet you at the airport for your pet’s arrival.
MAUI: Kahului (OGG)
At Home Animal Hospital & Mobile Veterinary Services (808) 873-0102
Central Maui Animal Clinic (808) 893-2380
Kahului Animal Hospital (808) 871-7387
Kihei Veterinary Clinic (808) 879-5777
Makawao Veterinary Clinic (808) 572-9003
Maui Humane Society (808) 877- 3680
South Shore Veterinary Care (808) 874-3422
West Maui Animal Clinic (808) 662-0099KAUAI: Lihue (LIH)
Kauai Humane Society (808) 632-0610
Kauai North Shore Animal Clinic (808) 755-8728BIG ISLAND/HAWAII: Kona (KOA)
Alii Veterinary Hospital (808) 329-8999
Keauhou Veterinary Hospital (808) 322-2988
The confirmed vet you contact will send notice to the Animal Quarantine Station that your pet has been registered for inspection and release. You will be responsible to pay for the vet fees for the service.Wait. After you get the negative FAVN Rabies Antibody test results, your pet needs to wait at least 30 days before traveling to Hawaii, so be patient and count down the days before you move to Hawaii with pet in tow. If 30 days haven’t passed before you arrive, your pet may end up in a 30-day Hawaii pet quarantine, so do your due diligence to keep your pet from the pound.
Your golden ticket; the permit. Once all your paperwork has been accepted, you’ll get a “Neighbor Island Inspection Permit” (NIIP). This means all your paperwork and payments have been turned in, there’s been confirmation that your pet meets all the 5 Day or Less program and neighbor island inspection and release, and received confirmation from one of the listed veterinary facilities that they will meet you at the airport for inspection upon arrival. Be sure to submit paperwork in time to allow for processing and mailing. In a hurry? Include a prepaid overnight envelope for FedEx/UPS). You MUST have the permit to travel with your pet on the plane and check with your airline to see where your furry friend will be sitting for your flight.
This all may seem strict and complicated, but when you break it down, it’s only a few simple steps. Check your paperwork, get that microchip and rabies test and vaccination (all at least 6 months before you move), book an inspection for when you arrive, and bring your permit.
Most importantly, try not to stress. You’re moving to Hawaii, the world’s most beautiful place on earth. Even if your pet has to go through the Hawaii pet quarantine, it’s temporary and you’ll be reunited with your beloved pet soon. Good luck on your move to Maui with your pet and reach out to Maui Humane Society or the Animal Quarantine Branch at (808) 483-7151 if you have any questions.
Ready to move, but still haven’t found the perfect home? Contact Li Hay, Maui’s most real Realtor®, today!