Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

Moving pets is usually a straightforward business. All you need to do is to put it in a kennel, get its documentation and you will be more or less done. However, that isn’t the case if you are moving your pet to Hawaii. Given the fact that nature in Hawaii is so much different from the nature in mainland USA, your pet will need to meet certain criteria in order to get to live on the island with you. Long distance moving companies Hawaii have all the knowledge on how to do it and what you need to do in order to make it happen. Therefore, it’s our friendly advice to hire one of them to help you with the move. In case that you are determined to do it yourself, or you just want to get informed on what needs to be done in this case, read on.

Setting off on a right foot when moving your pet to Hawaii

First of all, it is important to know that your pet is going to have to spend some time in quarantine once you arrive in Hawaii. This is due to the fact that Hawaii is the only US state that is rabies-free. In order for it to remain like this, pets must pass a rigorous control before they are allowed to roam the islands.

Small dog

Bring your pet with you to Hawaii and enjoy its wonderful nature together

However, the good news is that it is up to you do decide how much. Alright, nobody is going to ask you how much time you thought your pet should be in quarantine. Still, there are certain steps that you can take in order to make sure your pet spends as least amount of time in quarantine as possible.

5-day-or-less” program

5 day-or-less is a program that allows you to complete moving your pet to Hawaii without having to leave it in quarantine for an extended period of time. Every pet that arrives at the islands needs to meet the requirements in order to be let to roam free with you. One option is to qualify for this program and leave your pet in quarantine no longer than 5 days. Another option is to not meet the requirements. This, however, means that your pet can stay in quarantine for up to four months. While this will surely not make your pet happy, it is also going to be expensive. Therefore, start preparing for moving your pet to Hawaii on time.

A cat lying down

Cats will have amazing time chasing insects in Hawaii

Requirements that your pet should meet in order to qualify for the 5-day-or-less program

According to the Animal Industry Division of Hawaii, here is what you need to do in order for your pet to qualify for the 5-day-or-less program:

  • The pet must have been administered at least two rabies vaccines in its lifetime. The second vaccination must have been administered no less than 30 days after the first vaccination. Additionally, the most recent vaccination should have taken place no less than 90 days and no more than a year prior to arriving in Hawaii. This is in case that you are applying for a 12-months license. In case you would like to be allowed to keep your pet on the island longer, up to three years, then the vaccination should have taken place no less than 90 days and no more than 36 months prior to arriving on Hawaii.
  • Your pet needs to have a microchip. A blood sample of your pet needs to be deposited in order for the lab to be able to match it in case the pet gets lost.
  • A blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory for the OIE-Fluorescent Antibody Serum Neutralization Test (OIE-FAVN), which tests for the adequate response to the rabies vaccine. A test result >0.5 IU/ml is required;
  • The pet must complete the required waiting period from the date the laboratory receives the blood sample before it may enter the state under the following programs:
    • 5-day-or-less quarantine – requires a 120-day pre-arrival waiting period.

If the pre-arrival requirements are not met, then the pet will not qualify for the program. Then it must complete a more lengthy quarantine program. For more info on this subject take a look at the animal quarantine manual. Here you will find all the information in detail.

Where should you send your pet to

Honolulu coastline, the only place for a legitimate arrival when moving your pet to Hawaii

Honolulu airport is the only place where pets may enter Hawaii

The only airport where pets may enter Hawaii is Honolulu. Therefore, yours should arrive here as well. In case you need help with moving to Honolulu, make sure that you contact Honolulu long distance movers.

Picking up your pet

Once your pet has cleared quarantine, the time will be right for you to come to pick it up. In order to do so, you will need to fill in the Dog & Cat Import Form. Make sure that your name is written on this form since the State allows only people named here to pick the pets up. Also, every pet is going to have to remain in a kennel while it is at the airport. Therefore, you might want to pick up a trolley on the way. It should help you carry it.

Enjoying your stay with your pet in Hawaii

Turns out that moving your pet to Hawaii is a complicated procedure. However, do not let that get to you. Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit and live there. In fact, Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. Just imagine what it would be like to be there. Don’t you think that your dog or cat would appreciate being in such a place? Surely they would.

Therefore, go ahead and plan your move. Do it on time and follow the guidelines set above. From the moment you get into the process until its end, almost a year will have passed. Your kitty or a puppy will be much older by then. This makes moving your pet to Hawaii one of the most difficult moves. Still, if case you do it responsibly, you will move there quite easily. Should any complications arise, do not worry. It will make it even sweeter once you get there.