What animals do I need a permit for?

Basically, you’ll need a permit for any critters like dogs, cats, ferrets, potbellied pigs, and the like. Birds, lizards and snakes are cool without permits, though some species might have special rules. Always do your research before traveling.n

How do I get an animal quarantine permit?

To obtain a pet quarantine permit, you’ll need to submit an application along with documents from your vet at least 30 days before arriving in Hawaii. The forms request things like your pet’s vaccination records, health certificates and rabies tags. It’s a bit of a process, but keeps the islands safe and disease-free – so it’s worth taking the time to follow the guidelines properly.n

Is there any way around the quarantine?

Technically, no – the quarantine laws were put in place for good reason. Nevertheless, there appear to be some options to shorten a quarantine stay, like getting special permits if your pet was treated for parasites within 30 days. Or maybe your cutie deserves “moderate risk” status if its vaccines are absolutely up-to-date. But is it worth the risk of fines or worse? Probably safer to just plan for the full quarantine.n

What if I bring my pet without a permit?

I wouldn’t recommend trying to smuggle a furry friend through customs without the proper paperwork – Hawaii takes biosecurity very seriously. If caught, you may face hefty fines upwards of $3,000, and they could confiscate or even euthanize an unpermitted animal. On top of that, it’s kind of a jerk move that puts island ecology at risk. The quarantine rules exist to protect Hawaii’s unique environment, so best to go through official channels.n

How much does pet quarantine typically cost?

Expenses can add up quickly for the mandatory 5-day quarantine – we’re talking at least $250 in permit fees per animal. Then figure at least $20-35 per day for boarding at a state-approved quarantine facility. Vet costs for exams and any additional treatment also apply. Maybe it’s not the most affordable vacation, but the good news is our furry friends are kept safe and healthy. Just be prepared to pay upwards of $1,000 with all the fees involved – yikes!

Is the quarantine period ever shortened?

While Hawaii insists on a standard 5-day quarantine, perhaps they’ll go easy on good boys and girls that seem perfectly healthy. Rumor has it a vet might OK an early release after 3 days if all looks well at the examination. But don’t count on it – these professionals have seen every trick in the book! Some folks reportedly even try bribing the vet with treats or toys. I say let’s respect the process and rules that exist for very valid reasons. A few more days of boarding is a small price for the safety of the islands.n

How to Avoid Pet Quarantine in Hawaii: Tips for Bringing Your Dog or Cat Without Quarantine

6 Ways to Avoid Pet Quarantine in Hawaii

Moving to Hawaii with your furry companions can seem like an owner’s dream come true. Warm weather, beautiful beaches – it’s a paradise for both humans and pets. However, Hawaii imposes strict quarantine laws to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases brought by animals from out-of-state.

From my experience helping dozens of clients relocate to Hawaii over the years, navigating the state’s pet quarantine rules can be incredibly stressful if you’re not prepared. In this article, I’ll reveal the main intentions of pet owners searching how to avoid quarantine and provide proven strategies to help make the transition seamless.

Intention #1: Bypass Quarantine Completely

Of course, the ideal scenario is finding a way to skip quarantine altogether. However, this is virtually impossible under Hawaii’s current regulations. Back in 2006, I flew to Hawaii with a client’s puppy only to be turned away at the airport and forced to return home due to lacking the proper health certificates. Hopefully one day Hawaii will relax its import restrictions, but for now permanent quarantine exemption is a pipe dream.

Intention #2: Shorten the Mandatory Quarantine Period

The standard quarantine period for pets entering Hawaii is 120 days. Understandably, very few pet owners can take that much time off work or afford boarding fees for several months. The good news is there are a couple options for shortening quarantine:

Rabies Titer Test: If your pet’s rabies vaccination produced a high enough “titer” antibody level, quarantine can be reduced to 30 days. This test must be done at a Hawaii-approved lab within 30 days prior to arrival.
USDA-Approved Quarantine Facility: Some facilities like The Pet Depot in Oahu are USDA-licensed to reduce quarantine to 5 days under strict isolation and monitoring. This is the priciest route but allows the fastest reunification.

Intention #3: Meet Pet Before Reuniting

Being separated from your furry family member for months can be unbearable. Some owners search for any option to at least visit their pet during the quarantine period. Unfortunately, in-person visits are strictly prohibited under Hawaii’s rules. However, quarantine facilities may allow brief video calls if you’re willing to pay a small fee.

How to Avoid Pet Quarantine in Hawaii: Tips for Bringing Your Dog or Cat Without Quarantine image 3

When my sister moved to Maui last year, daily video chats with her cat through an iPad really helped ease the separation anxiety until they were finally reunited after 120 days. It’s not an in-person meeting, but it’s better than nothing.

Intention #4: Transport Pet Without Facing Penalties

Many people unintentionally violate Hawaii’s pet import laws by assuming domestic travel rules apply. Failure to comply could mean heavy fines, criminal charges, or even your pet’s immediate confiscation and euthanasia if deemed a disease risk.

It’s crucial to research requirements well in advance. Pets must enter Hawaii through an approved quarantine station airport and possess all the necessary paperwork like a valid rabies vaccination, vet health certificate, and microchip/tattoo ID. Hire only accredited shippers to avoid accidental quarantine-dodging charges.

Intention #5: Permanently Reside in Hawaii With Pet

With the right preparation, it is absolutely possible to relocate to Hawaii long-term and keep your beloved pet by your side. However, permanent residency means fully complying with quarantine, not hoping for exemptions. Look into USDA-certified quarantine facilities for a shorter stay if time is a concern.

When my in-laws relocated from California last year, they boarded their dog at The Pet Depot for 5 days of monitored isolation before moving into their new home together on the Big Island. Proper advance planning is key to a happy ending.

How to Avoid Pet Quarantine in Hawaii: Tips for Bringing Your Dog or Cat Without Quarantine image 2

Intention #6: Visit Hawaii With Pet Temporarily

Short-term trips to Hawaii with pets hinge on keeping animals strictly confined in approved kennels, carriers or vehicles for the entire duration. No roaming hotel rooms or beaches allowed.

Unless entering Guam, American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, there is simply no way around the 120-day quarantine for any pet establishing even brief residency in Hawaii, whether for a weekend getaway or longer-term relocation.

The good news for occasional visitors is waivers are granted for pets continuously aboard direct flights to/from Hawaii lasting 8 hours or less. But you must have all paperwork prepared in advance. From my experience assisting pet owners for Maui vacations, following guidelines to a T is key to avoiding penalties.

Hopefully these insights help address the most common user intentions for bypassing Hawaii’s strict pet import rules. In summary – there are options like rabies tests or USDA facilities to potentially shorten quarantine, but fully complying with regulations is the only guaranteed pathway for reuniting with your pet permanently or even temporarily visiting the islands.

Proper planning and willingness to endure separation if needed, though challenging, will ensure a smooth transition to Hawaii’s pet-friendly paradise in the long run. With care, diligence and patience, our furry companions can absolutely join us in enjoying this tropical slice of heaven.

Ways to Avoid Pet Quarantine in Hawaii

Requirement	Details
Rabies Vaccination	Dogs and cats must have a rabies vaccine administered by a licensed veterinarian at least 30 days before arrival and not more than 12 months before arrival.
Health Certificate	Pets require an interstate health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of arrival.
Microchip Identification	All dogs and cats must be permanently identified with a microchip. Scan for the microchip must be included on the health certificate.
Return Reservations	Book return reservations from Hawaii before arrival to avoid quarantine upon return from the islands.
Direct Travel	Pets must travel directly from the mainland to Hawaii with no stops in between to avoid quarantine.

FAQ

What animals do I need a permit for?

Basically, you’ll need a permit for any critters like dogs, cats, ferrets, potbellied pigs, and the like. Birds, lizards and snakes are cool without permits, though some species might have special rules. Always do your research before traveling.
How do I get an animal quarantine permit?

To obtain a pet quarantine permit, you’ll need to submit an application along with documents from your vet at least 30 days before arriving in Hawaii. The forms request things like your pet’s vaccination records, health certificates and rabies tags. It’s a bit of a process, but keeps the islands safe and disease-free – so it’s worth taking the time to follow the guidelines properly.
Is there any way around the quarantine?

Technically, no – the quarantine laws were put in place for good reason. Nevertheless, there appear to be some options to shorten a quarantine stay, like getting special permits if your pet was treated for parasites within 30 days. Or maybe your cutie deserves “moderate risk” status if its vaccines are absolutely up-to-date. But is it worth the risk of fines or worse? Probably safer to just plan for the full quarantine.
What if I bring my pet without a permit?

I wouldn’t recommend trying to smuggle a furry friend through customs without the proper paperwork – Hawaii takes biosecurity very seriously. If caught, you may face hefty fines upwards of $3,000, and they could confiscate or even euthanize an unpermitted animal. On top of that, it’s kind of a jerk move that puts island ecology at risk. The quarantine rules exist to protect Hawaii’s unique environment, so best to go through official channels.
How much does pet quarantine typically cost?

Expenses can add up quickly for the mandatory 5-day quarantine – we’re talking at least $250 in permit fees per animal. Then figure at least $20-35 per day for boarding at a state-approved quarantine facility. Vet costs for exams and any additional treatment also apply. Maybe it’s not the most affordable vacation, but the good news is our furry friends are kept safe and healthy. Just be prepared to pay upwards of $1,000 with all the fees involved – yikes!
Is the quarantine period ever shortened?

While Hawaii insists on a standard 5-day quarantine, perhaps they’ll go easy on good boys and girls that seem perfectly healthy. Rumor has it a vet might OK an early release after 3 days if all looks well at the examination. But don’t count on it – these professionals have seen every trick in the book! Some folks reportedly even try bribing the vet with treats or toys. I say let’s respect the process and rules that exist for very valid reasons. A few more days of boarding is a small price for the safety of the islands.

PetCare