Real Estate for sale on Maui

Hawaii Animal Quarantine Laws


Dept. of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Branch

99/951 Hawa Valley St. Aieia, HI, 96701-5602
Rabiesfree@hawaii.gov OR Hdoa.info@hawaii.gov
Telephone: 808-483-7151
Fax: 808-483-7161

Importation of dogs, cats, and other carnivores into Hawaii is governed by chapter 4-29 of the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture administrative rules. The law states that these animals are required to complete a 120-day confinement in the state Animal Quarantine Station. Willing participants that meet with specific pre-arrival and post-arrival requirements for their animals may qualify for 30-day quarantine or a 5-day or less quarantine.

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the United States. Hawaii’s quarantine law is designated to protect pets and residents from potentially serious health risks associated with the presence and spread of rabies. Success of the quarantine program is dependent on maintaining the isolation of your pet from other animals for the required quarantine period. The animal quarantine program began in 1912 with a quarantine period of 120 days. A 30-day quarantine alternate program was approved in 1997, and the 5-day or less program was approved in June of 2003.

Exemptions from quarantine: After meeting shipping requirements, animals entering Hawaii on direct flights from the British isles, Australia, Guam, and New Zealand. Contact the animal quarantine station for instructions regarding pre-entry requirements if you are planning to import animals from this area.

Pets en route to other destinations: Pets passing through Hawaii are required to be quarantined at the state facility for transit layover periods of more than 24 hours. If the layover is longer than 24 hours, the animal quarantine station needs to be provided with a complete itinerary at least 72 hours prior to departure from Hawaii.

Guide and service dogs: Guide and service dogs that meet certain definitions can come into Hawaii without quarantine provided they follow the steps outlined by the animal quarantine station.

Resident dogs and cats: owners wishing to leave the state of Hawaii with their pets, and return, must meet all requirements for 5-day or less quarantine program to return without extended quarantine. The 120 days “pre-arrival” waiting period after successful rabies blood test can be done prior to leaving the state or can be in combination with time spent out of the state before re-entry.