How to fly your dog to hawaii?

• Completed Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-279).
• Original rabies vaccine certificates for the 2 most recent vaccinations.
• Payment of $165 in cashier's check or money order made out to the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture (no personal checks).

If you’re planning to travel to Hawaii with your dog, whether it’s for a holiday or you are moving with pets to Hawaii, here are all the steps that you need to follow, to ensure that your pet is allowed in without any quarantine. I’ve also detailed the pet policies of airlines flying to Hawaii, including which ones allow pets to fly in the cabin to Hawaii.

Hawaii by far has the strictest rules in the United States for pets travelling to the state, with far more preparation required than any of the other 49 states. The reason for this is that Hawaii is rabies-free (like many island nations, such as Australia and New Zealand), and they want to keep it that way.

The only other part of the US that is as difficult to travel to with a pet is Guam. This is because Guam is, you guessed it, also rabies-free.

There is a chance that pets arriving in Hawaii may be quarantined for up to 120 days. This is what would apply if you arrived in Hawaii without any preparation (or if you missed some of the steps). This also applies to pets with failed blood tests and puppies or kittens that aren’t old enough to complete all the steps.

However, there is a newer “5 Days or Less” quarantine program that pets may qualify for, if you complete all of the required steps. In particular, pets following this program may qualify to be released directly to you at the airport (“Direct Airport Release”), with no quarantine period at all, if all steps are followed, including submitting paperwork in time.

Looking for dog-friendly beaches on Oahu? Check out this list by the Hawaiian Humane Society

To ensure that you dog or cat qualifies for the Hawaiian “5 Days or Less” quarantine program (and ideally Direct Airport Release), start preparing well in advance. The following steps are required. For the full details of these requirements, see the government checklist, plus the latest information page, including warnings of any delays.

Have your dog or cat implanted with a microchip. This doesn’t need to be done before the rabies vaccine (although that’s a good idea, if you later want to travel to the EU with your pet), but needs to be done before the rabies titre test.

Vaccinate your dog or cat for rabies. This needs to be done at least twice, more than 30 days apart. The most recent rabies vaccine needs to be have been administered more than 30 days before you arrive in Hawaii, plus still be current. Your veterinarian should give you a rabies vaccination certificate for each vaccine; see the checklist for the full requirements of this certificate.

Do a FAVN rabies antibody titre test for your dog or cat. There is no government requirement to wait a set number of days after the rabies vaccination, but ideally it should be done around 30 days or later after the vaccine, no earlier than 3 weeks after a rabies vaccine for a successful result.

Your veterinarian will take a blood sample from your pet, then needs to send it to one of three laboratories for testing (Auburn University, Kansas State University or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas). The day after the laboratory receives the blood sample must not be more than 36 months and not less than 30 days before your arrival date in Hawaii.

The result of this blood test must be greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml. This blood test result will then be directly accessible by the authorities in Hawaii (as long as the destination is listed as “Hawaii” on the lab submission form). You can also check the status of the test here.

Note that in the last couple of years, delays in processing rabies titre tests have been experienced, so allow plenty of time. As of May 2023, delays of up to 1 to 2 months were being experienced.

You are then required to mail or courier all the required documents to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) in Hawaii, to be received at least 10 days before your arrival date. The following documents are required:

Note that if your paperwork is not received by the authorities at least 10 days before your arrival date, your pet’s release could be delayed. Plus, you will be charged the higher fee of $244.

There is no requirement to only have the rabies titre test after the 2nd rabies vaccination, instead it can simply be done after just the 1st rabies vaccination. This means the minimum preparation time is around 60 days, if you firstly vaccinate your dog or cat, wait nearly 30 days, have the rabies titre test plus a 2nd rabies vaccination, then wait the additional 30 days.

However, you also need to send in your paperwork at least 10 days before arrival (otherwise your pet’s release could be delayed). With the delays recently experienced for rabies titre tests of 1 to 2 months, it is likely your paperwork will not be ready in time.

If you are travelling directly to Hawaii with a pet from the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand or Guam, there are less steps required (including no rabies titre test), as these locations are also free of rabies.

Pets are exempt from quarantine, and will be released immediately, if they are certified to have been resident of the country for at least 6 months, the animal is transported in either a single aircraft or only transferred between aircraft under strict conditions, and there are no signs of disease on arrival. An original official health certificate within 14 days of transport is still required.

For more information, see here.

If you are wanting to fly directly to the islands of Hawaii, Maui or Kauai, then the steps are slightly different and more onerous. A slightly different set of documents are required to be sent in at least 30 days in advance, and you need to request a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit. See the full checklist.

Out of the airlines that fly from the continental USA to Hawaii, many have different pet policies when it comes to flying a dog to Hawaii.

If you’d like to fly to Hawaii with your pet in the cabin, choose from these airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines is one of the best airlines to fly to Hawaii with your pet dog. Hawaiian Airlines permits pets to fly both in the cabin and as checked baggage, with only a few restrictions.

Pets are permitted to fly in the cabin on flights both to and from Hawaii, except for flights from or to JFK (New York City), BOS (Boston), AUS (Austin) airports and international destinations. A maximum weight of 25 pounds (11.3kg) applies. The carrier should be no larger than 16″ x 10″ x 9.5″.

Alternatively, when flying as checked baggage, the maximum combined weight for your pet and their kennel is 70 pounds (31.7kg), with a maximum carrier size of 36″ x 25″ x 28″. Otherwise, they’ll need to fly as cargo.

In either case, book your pet at the same time as your own booking, with availability information available by calling Hawaiian Airlines Reservations. Hawaiian Airlines also accepts pets on inter-island flights.

Alaska Airlines also allows pet dogs and cats to fly to and from Hawaii, both in the cabin and as checked baggage.

Pets are permitted to fly to Hawaii in the cabin year-round, but there are seasonal restrictions on the number of pets who can fly as checked baggage, due to strong headwinds at times. No pet dogs or cats can fly as checked luggage to or from Hawaii during February, with reduced numbers from November to 1st April.

Call their call centre to make a booking and double check the full rules.

None of the other USA airlines that fly to Hawaii currently allowed pets in the cabin, although they may allow pets as checked baggage or as cargo. These are the policies of other airlines:

American Airlines: American Airlines does not fly pets in the cabin to or from Hawaii. However, they will fly pets as checked baggage to and from Hawaii, but only on flights to Honolulu or connecting via Honolulu. Pets are also not accepted on departures out of Honolulu before 8am from 5th March to 1st November.

Delta Air Lines: Delta does not fly pets in the cabin to Hawaii, although it’s not clear if they prohibit pets on flights leaving Hawaii. There is the alternative option to fly pets as cargo.

Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines doesn’t transport pets to or from Hawaii, although they will fly pets on inter-island flights.

Sun Country Airlines: Sun Country only permits pets in the cabin on flights on the 48 contiguous states.

United Airlines: United Airlines doesn’t allow pets on flights to, from or through Hawaii.

It’s best to ensure that your pet arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu between the hours of 8am to 3:30pm. It takes up to an hour for pets to then be transferred to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (AAQHF), and their inspection hours are 8am to 5pm daily (including weekends and holidays).

At the AAQHF your pet will be inspected, including checking for ticks and other parasites. If all paperwork was received on time and is in order, plus no ticks, parasites or signs of disease are discovered, your pet should be eligible for Direct Airport Release.

Direct Airport Release means that you are able to pick up your pet from AAQHF immediately after their inspection is complete (about 1 to 2 hours after arrival, although delays have been common in the last couple of years, due to the coronavirus pandemic). AAQHF is located in between Terminals 1 and 2, only 120 yards from baggage handling.

Just ensure that you have proper transportation for your pet, especially large dogs, as your pet must stay securely in its container until you leave airport property.

If your pet arrives after 4:30pm, it will be held at least overnight, until inspections are completed the following morning. You then need to pick up your pet from AAQHF between 8am and 10am the next morning, otherwise it will be transferred to the “5 Days or Less” program and taken to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS).

If you’re planning on immediately flying to another island, it’s important to note these hours. Note also that if Federal airport security advisories prohibit Direct Airport Release, then you will need to pick up your pet the following day from AQS even if everything else is in order.

Ideally your pet is eligible for Direct Airport Release. However, there are some circumstances where this doesn’t apply, and instead the “5 Days or Less” animal quarantine program applies:

Additionally, if yourself or an authorized person is not able to pick up your pet on the arrival date (e.g. if you are flying to Hawaii a couple of days later), you can elect to use the “5 Days or Less” program.

A longer stay in Hawaii pet quarantine is required if your pet arrives earlier than permitted (based on their latest rabies vaccination or rabies titre test), their rabies titre test result is not successful, or a tick, other parasite or sign of disease is discovered.

Whether your pet is participating in the “5 Days or Less” program or a longer stay in quarantine is required, they are transferred to the AQS. This is located in Aiea, about 4 miles from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Additional charges will apply for longer quarantine stays; check with AQS.

Pets are housed in individual kennels, suitable for their breed and size. Generally dog kennels are outdoor, except for a sheltered area, suitable for a bed. You need to provide bedding for your pet. Visits are allowed, generally in the afternoon, except for on Mondays, Fridays and state holidays. Check the visiting hours on the AQS website.

Following a stay at the AQS, you will be required to pick up your pet from the facility, on the required date, during the pick-up hours.

For further information on all aspects of travelling to Hawaii with a pet, including Hawaii pet quarantine, head to the Animal Quarantine Information Page.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu is one of the most pet-friendly airports anywhere in the USA, let alone the world. Unlike most airports where you’re stuck inside once you go through security, the main overseas terminal has outdoor areas, perfect for both human and four-legged enjoyment.

Follow the signs to the Cultural Gardens, where you can enjoy a wander through a series of Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian-influenced gardens, complete with ponds, waterfalls and real grass. Yes, you take your dog for a walk on real grass after security. Of course, make sure you clean up!

There are also multiple service and transit animals relief areas at the overseas terminal at Honolulu Airport. One is located downstairs next to the Cultural Gardens (where there is also a handy poop bag dispenser), while there is also a second relief area next to Gate B1.

Feeling inspired? Pin this to your Pinterest board!

NOTICE: After signing release documents at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (AAQHF) animals in crates, including dogs and cats will be released to the owner or handler to load into their vehicle or onto their luggage cart at the AAQHF.  The AAQHF will deliver and off load crated animals to only to the sidewalk area in front of the AAQHF. Owners are solely responsible for lifting the crates into vehicles or onto luggage carts.

A Neighbor Island Inspection Permit issued by the Department must be presented to the airline prior to boarding and is required to fly a cat or dog directly to an approved neighbor island airport.

Arrivals on neighbor islands require prior reservations with an approved private veterinary facility (see the appropriate checklist). Please make arrangements well in advance of the flight. Neighbor Island permits WILL NOT be issued without confirmation with those facilities.

Before booking your flight, refer to the appropriate checklist based on where your pet is located, either:

“Checklist 2 – for Requesting Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports”

or

“Checklist 4 – Only for Dogs and Cats Located in Hawaii that are Departing and Requesting Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports on Return.”

All procedures must be followed or the dog or cat will be denied entry at Kona, Kahului or Lihue Airport. Pets that are denied entry will be transported to Honolulu for inspection or transported out of the state at the owner’s expense.

As of July 1, 2021, the Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) will be emailed only to the e-mail address of the primary owner listed on the AQS-279 form once documents are received and the pet qualifies.

Owners are required to print the copy of the NIIP emailed to them to present to the airlines.

No permits are issued or required to fly a dog or cat into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

Owners must contract with and make reservations for inspection with the following approved clinics:

These contractors will send a confirmation to the Animal Quarantine Station that they have agreed to perform the inspection and release procedure. Owners are responsible for the additional fees to the contractor for this service.

Inspection hours for dog and cats at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) are between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays.  This information is particularly important for those who are qualifying their pets for direct release in Honolulu.

Pet owners should be sure to arrange for their flights to arrive by 3:30 p.m. because it may take up to one hour for the airlines to transport a pet to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility and animals not arriving at the facility by 4:30 p.m. will not be released at the airport that day.

Pets arriving in the late afternoon and evening will be held overnight until inspections are completed the following morning. Pets qualified for direct airport release that are held overnight for release in the morning at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility must be picked up by 10:00 a.m. or an additional $59 will be charged.  Pet owners who are arriving in Honolulu and connecting to neighboring islands should pay particular attention to the inspection hours.

Hawaii is rabies-free. Hawaii’s quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats, regardless of age (puppies and kittens included) or purpose, must comply with Hawaii’s dog and cat import requirements.

Chapter 4-29 Hawaii Administrative Rules, governs the importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawaii. 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 Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) after inspection.

Furthermore, the law requires dogs and cats that do not meet all of the specific 5 Day Or Less program requirements to be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival in Hawaii.  Please read thoroughly the following documents containing details on the rabies quarantine programs for importing dogs and cats.

Why it is important that rabies be kept out of Hawaii: See CDC report: Rabies: A Forgotten Killer (June 2019)

Prohibited Animals:

The regulation of animal breeds and species that are permitted to enter Hawaii is under Plant Quarantine Branch jurisdiction and administrative rules.  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.

Puppies and Kittens:

Due to the minimum amount of time needed to prepare a puppy or kitten to meet the requirements of the 5 Day Or Less program, a newborn puppy or kitten will be about 6 months of age by the time the preparations are completed. Puppies and kittens not able to meet all of the requirements for the 5 Day Or Less program will be quarantined for 120 days.

Pets Located in Hawaii:

Owners wishing to leave Hawaii with their pets and return without extended quarantine must meet all requirements listed on the “Checklist Only For Resident Dogs And Cats Originating From Hawaii And Returning For The 5 Day Or Less Program.” The length of the waiting period after a successful rabies blood test is modified and must be completed before leaving Hawaii.“Checklist 3 – Only for Dogs and Cats Located in Hawaii that are Departing and Returning for Direct Airport Release and the 5 Day Or Less Program” (Updated 7/2019)

Re-Entry Fee Requirements:

For pets re-entering Hawaii after completing a Hawaii rabies quarantine program, click here for requirements when a reduced “Re-entry” fee for Direct Airport Release or 5 Day Or Less quarantine applies.

Direct Release on Neighbor Islands:

Owners wishing to fly their pet directly to Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), Kahului Airport (OGG) or Lihue Airport (LIH) must obtain a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP).

NIIPs require prior reservations with an approved private veterinary facility (see the appropriate checklist). Please make arrangements well in advance of the flight. Neighbor Island permits WILL NOT be issued without confirmation with those facilities.

Refer to either “Checklist 2 – for Requesting Direct Release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports (7/2021)

Or for pets located in Hawaii use:  “Checklist 4 – Only for Dogs and Cats Located in Hawaii that are Departing and Requesting Direct Airport Release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports on Return.” (7/2021)

Note that one of the requirements to obtain a NIIP is that owners must contract with and make reservations for inspection at these airports with one of the veterinary hospitals listed on the checklist. These contractors will send a confirmation to the Animal Quarantine Station that they have agreed to perform the inspection and release procedure. Owners are responsible for the additional fees to the contractor for this service.

Contact a listed veterinary hospital before booking your flight to see if they are able to perform the inspection. (See Checklist above)

Pets from Areas Exempted from Rabies Quarantine: For pets arriving from exempt areas follow:

Note for Guam:  See FORMS section below for the Affidavit for Export from Guam to Hawaii.

OIE-FAVN Testing Forms – All posted laboratory fees and documents are subject to change by the laboratory without notice. Make sure “HAWAII” is listed as the Destination on the FAVN lab submission form for Kansas State University, DOD Lab and Auburn University.

It is strongly advised that the FAVN test be done well in advance so that a passing FAVN is obtained before requesting a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit. Failing to do so has resulted in pet owners not obtaining a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit in time for their flight.

Kansas State University FAVN Testing information:

KSU “Micro Screen Rabies Screen Test” also known as “Micro RFFIT” and “MRS” IS NOT ACCEPTED!

DOD Laboratory Testing information (Department of Defense):

Auburn University

Contact Auburn University for information on tests, fees, sample submission, etc. at: 261 Greene Hall Auburn University Auburn, AL 36849-5519 Phone: 334-844-2659   Fax: 334-844-2652 Email: 

The State of Hawaii will only provide microchips for requests outside of the 50 States of the United States.

For pets arriving from Guam see required affidavit for export IC-5 in the preceding “Forms” section.

Pets owners do not need to present a hard copy of test results to the Rabies Quarantine Branch, as KSU and DOD will send results directly if “Hawaii” is listed as the destination on the lab submission form.  Owners can obtain pre-arrival OIE- FAVN test results from the veterinarian that submitted the sample or on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website (see below).  Please do not call laboratories directly for test results!

For those qualifying for the direct release or 5 Day Or Less you may check online for your pre-test results and when the 30-day waiting period will be completed:

For information on requirements for allowing guide dogs and service dogs to enter Hawaii without quarantine click HERE .

NOTE:  Effective January 1, 2019, it is a violation of state law to misrepresent an animal as a service animal. Under the new law, civil penalties may be assessed.

If you have questions after reviewing our brochure and forms, please contact us at:

Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Station 99-951 Halawa Valley Street Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602