Sachin Walls
Hawaii is a rabies-free state with strict quarantine laws for animals entering the state. The direct airport release program is designed to allow pets to quarantine at home. To qualify for the program, pets must meet specific pre- and post-arrival requirements, including receiving all necessary vaccines and passing the OIE-FAVN Rabies Test. Owners must also obtain the necessary permits and complete the required paperwork. The process can be complex and time-consuming, and failure to meet all the requirements can result in the pet being denied entry or subjected to an extended quarantine period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow pets to do their quarantine period at home |
| Eligibility | Dogs and cats that meet specific pre- and post-arrival requirements |
| Requirements | All required vaccines, including rabies; blood drawn and sent to Kansas State University or Auburn University for OIE-FAVN Rabies Test |
| Timeframe | Test takes 30 days; results valid for 3 years; waiting period of 5 days or less |
| Fees | Vary based on the airport, number of pets, and additional services; range from $100 to $365 |
| Documents | Neighbor Island Inspection Permit, Health Certificate, Rabies Vaccine Certificate |
| Process | Complete checklist, submit required information, receive permit, present originals upon arrival for inspection |
| Restrictions | Certain approved laboratories and airlines only |
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What You'll Learn
Direct airport release at Kona, Kahului and Lihue Airports
Hawaii is a rabies-free state, and its quarantine law protects residents and pets from the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats must comply with Hawaii's import requirements. The law states that dogs and cats that meet specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for the 5-Day-or-Less quarantine program, which provides for direct release at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) after inspection.
Owners wishing to fly their pets 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. 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 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.
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 Hawai'i And Returning For The 5 Day Or Less Program." The length of the waiting period after a successful rabies blood test must be completed before leaving Hawaii.
For pets re-entering Hawaii after completing a Hawaii rabies quarantine program, a reduced "Re-entry" fee for Direct Airport Release or a 5-Day-or-Less quarantine may apply. As of July 1, 2021, the NIIP will be emailed to the primary owner's email address listed on the AQS-279 form once the documents are received, and the pet qualifies. Owners are required to print the copy of the NIIP and present it to the airlines. No permits are required to fly a dog or cat into Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
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Rabies-free Hawaii
Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the USA. The state's quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from the serious and often fatal health risks associated with the spread of rabies. The Animal Quarantine Branch has the mission of preventing the entry of rabies into the state. Hawaii has never had an indigenous case of rabies and operates a quarantine of all dogs, cats, and other carnivores to maintain its rabies-free status. The rabies quarantine program was established in 1912 when the disease was declared endemic in California, and it was feared that carnivorous animals imported from that state could transmit the disease to Hawaii.
The quarantine program initially consisted of a 120-day quarantine period. In 1997, a 30-day quarantine alternative was approved, which was later abolished in 2003. Currently, a "
For pets re-entering Hawaii after completing a rabies quarantine program, a reduced "Re-entry" fee for Direct Airport Release or a 5-day or less quarantine may apply. The direct release program allows pets to complete their quarantine period at home. After receiving the required vaccines, including rabies, the pet's blood is tested, and results are sent to the state of Hawaii, initiating the 30-day waiting period.
It is important to note that there are exceptions to the quarantine requirements for animals originating from other rabies-free areas with prevention and surveillance methods that meet or exceed those of Hawaii. These areas currently include the British Isles, Australia, Guam, and New Zealand. Animals native to or residing in these areas for six months prior to travel may enter Hawaii without quarantine, provided they meet strict transportation requirements.
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Required vaccines for pets
Hawaii is a rabies-free state, and its quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats, regardless of age, must comply with Hawaii's import requirements.
To enter Hawaii, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784 pet microchip. The certificate from your veterinarian must state the number of the microchip, and they must scan the chip successfully. The microchip must be implanted before your pet's rabies titer test (FAVN). All documents required for import must reflect your pet's microchip number.
Your dog or cat must be vaccinated for rabies at least twice, with a minimum of 30 days between vaccinations. The second vaccination must be administered more than 30 days before entering Hawaii. The veterinarian should issue a rabies certificate or record the vaccination information in a government-issued vaccination booklet or EU Pet Passport. Original certificates must be available upon entry.
Other routine vaccinations are also required and must be administered twice before entry. A rabies titer test, also known as a rabies antibody test or rabies serology test, measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet's blood. The most accepted rabies titer test is the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test, and this is the recommended test for pets entering Hawaii.
A licensed veterinarian must complete a pet health certificate for Hawaii in English, issued no more than 14 days before your pet's arrival. This certificate should identify your pet, the dates of vaccination, the manufacturer and expiration date of the rabies vaccine, and all other necessary vaccinations. The veterinarian must also state that your pet is not originating from an area with rabies restrictions.
Additionally, there are specific requirements for direct airport release at Kona International Airport in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. This program allows pets to complete their quarantine period at home. After your pet receives the required vaccines, their blood must be drawn and sent to Kansas State University for a specialized test to measure rabies titers. A 30-day waiting period begins after the university sends the results to Hawaii.
For pets arriving from Guam, an "Affidavit for Export From Guam to the State of Hawaii [IC-5]" is required. It is strongly advised to obtain a passing FAVN test result before requesting a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit, as failing to do so may result in not obtaining the permit in time for the flight.
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Quarantine at home
Hawaii is a rabies-free state, and it has strict quarantine laws to protect residents, pets, and animals from the introduction and spread of rabies. All dogs and cats entering the state must comply with Hawaii's import requirements. Animals that do not meet the specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may be denied entry and will be transported for inspection or out of the state at the owner's expense.
The 5-Day Or Less quarantine program allows for direct release at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) after inspection. This program requires pets to undergo a rabies blood test with a 30-day waiting period. The test must be performed by an approved laboratory, such as Kansas State University or Auburn University. The passing test is valid for 3 years.
To qualify for Direct Airport Release at Kona International Airport in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, pets must meet all the state's requirements. This includes receiving the required vaccines, such as rabies, and completing the necessary paperwork. The direct release program allows pets to quarantine at home instead of at the airport or an approved veterinary facility.
To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to start making preparations 4 to 6 months in advance, especially considering the strict enforcement of rabies-free rules by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Any companion animal, including service and emotional support animals, must go through the direct release process. Failure to provide the required documentation, such as the original Health Certificate and the Neighbor Island Inspection Permit, will prevent the release of the animal.
Organizations like the Maui Humane Society and Kaua'i Humane Society provide guidance and support throughout the quarantine process, ensuring that pet owners can navigate the requirements and timelines successfully. These organizations also offer competitive pricing and dedicate service fees to caring for homeless pets.
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The OIE-FAVN Rabies Test
Hawaii is a rabies-free state with strict import rules for pets due to its delicate island ecosystem. The OIE-FAVN Rabies Test is a mandatory blood test for all pets entering Hawaii to ensure they do not bring rabies to the island. The test must be administered by an approved lab, with Kansas State University being the most commonly used.
The process begins with the pet receiving its first and second rabies vaccinations, with the shots given at least 30 days apart and the second vaccine administered at least 30 days before entering Hawaii. After the second vaccination, pet owners must wait at least three weeks before taking their pet to the veterinarian for the OIE-FAVN test. The veterinarian will draw blood, which will be sent to the chosen lab for testing. The waiting period for the test results is a minimum of 30 days, starting the day after the lab receives the blood sample.
Pet owners are advised to complete the OIE-FAVN test well in advance to ensure they obtain a passing result before requesting a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP). The NIIP is required for pets entering any neighbor island from the mainland and must accompany the pet each time they travel. To obtain the NIIP, the AQS must be in possession of the two most recent rabies vaccination certificates, a passing OIE-FAVN test result, the completed AQS-279 Dog and Cat Import Form, and payment via cashier's check or money order.
Pet owners should be diligent in completing the required steps and gathering the necessary documentation, as Hawaii's Department of Agriculture is strict in enforcing the rules. Failure to follow the direct release process may result in the animal being denied entry to the island.
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Frequently asked questions
Direct airport release is a program that allows pets to do their quarantine period at home instead of at the airport.
All animals entering Hawaii must pass the OIE-FAVN Rabies Test to ensure they do not bring rabies to the state. This test is valid for three years. Other requirements include having all the necessary vaccines, blood tests, and health certificates.
The cost of direct airport release varies depending on the number of pets and whether you are a first-time or returning client. The Maui Humane Society charges $365 for the first pet and $105 for each additional pet. The Keauhou Veterinary Hospital charges $300 for first-time clients and $200 for returning clients, with an additional pet discount of $100 per pet.
The following airports in Hawaii offer direct airport release: Kona International Airport, Kahului Airport, Lihue Airport, and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
