Bringing Your Cat, Dog, or Other Pets to Hawaiʻi: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a move to Hawaiʻi — or bringing a furry family member to your new home on Kauaʻi — it’s essential to understand the state’s pet import requirements. Hawaiʻi is the only rabies-free state in the country, and protecting that status is a top priority. Because of this, the entry process for pets is more involved than on the mainland, and it must be planned well in advance.

The good news? With the right preparation, most pets can qualify for Direct Airport Release (DAR) and go home with you the same day you arrive. No traditional quarantine required.

Below is a clear, updated overview to help you get started.

Why Hawaiʻi Has Strict Animal Import Rules

Hawaiʻi’s rabies-free environment is critical for public health, local wildlife, and the safety of other animals. To maintain this, the state requires all pets entering Hawaiʻi to meet a series of veterinary, testing, and documentation steps to ensure they’re free of rabies.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in quarantine of up to 120 days — something no pet owner wants — so preparation and timing are absolutely key.

Start Early — Earlier Than You Think

Depending on your pet’s vaccination history and current status, completing the entire pre-arrival process can take 4 months or more. From experience helping relocating clients, I always recommend planning for at least 6 months.

This allows enough time for:

• Updated rabies vaccinations
• Waiting periods
• The required FAVN rabies antibody test
• Processing of documents by the State of Hawaiʻi
• Obtaining your Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) for Kauaʻi

Key Requirements for Pets Entering Hawaiʻi

While each pet’s situation may vary slightly, the major steps generally include:

1. Microchip Identification

Your pet must have an implanted microchip before any rabies testing or vaccinations are administered. The microchip number must appear on all lab results and documentation.

2. Rabies Vaccinations (Two Required)

Hawaiʻi requires two rabies vaccinations administered at least 30 days apart.

• The most recent vaccination must be given more than 30 days before arrival.
• Both vaccinations must be from licensed, inactivated vaccines.

3. FAVN Rabies Antibody Blood Test

A passing FAVN test (rabies antibody test) is required.

• Your veterinarian sends the sample to an approved lab.
• Your pet must wait at least 30 days after the blood is received by the lab before arriving in Hawaiʻi.

Without this test — or without sufficient lead time — your pet will not qualify for Direct Release.

4. Required Documents & Fees

These must be sent to the State of Hawaiʻi’s Animal Quarantine Station 30 days or more before arrival for Neighbor Island Direct Release, including Kauaʻi.

The packet typically includes:

• Completed dog/cat import forms
• Original rabies vaccination certificates
• Microchip verification
• FAVN results
• Payment for processing fees
• NIIP application (Neighbor Island Inspection Permit)

5. Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP)

If you are not arriving into Honolulu first, you must obtain a NIIP authorizing your pet to be inspected and released on Kauaʻi.

• This permit must be approved before your flight is booked.
• Only certain airlines participate in Neighbor Island Direct Release programs.

Arriving on Kauaʻi With Your Pet

If all documents are approved, your pet has a valid NIIP, and your flight arrives on an approved airline, your pet can be directly inspected upon landing and released to you immediately.

For Kauaʻi arrivals, inspections are typically coordinated through the Kauaʻi North Shore Animal Clinic, which is a great local resource for both guidance and on-island procedures.

👉 For detailed checklists and up-to-date requirements, visit the Kauaʻi North Shore Animal Clinic’s pet travel page or the State of Hawaiʻi Animal Industry Division website.

A Few Additional Tips for Pet Owners Moving to Kauaʻi

• Work closely with your veterinarian early, especially if your pet has only one rabies vaccine on record.
• Triple-check all dates — the state of Hawaiʻi is extremely strict about timing.
• Book pet-friendly flights well in advance, especially if you’re traveling with larger dogs or need cargo accommodations.
• Ask your Realtor (me!) for local pet resources, including vets, groomers, pet sitters, and pet-friendly rental options if needed.

If you’re relocating to Kauaʻi and bringing a pet, I’m always happy to help you plan the smoothest possible transition — for you and your furry family members. A bit of early prep goes a long way in making Homecoming Day on Kauaʻi as stress-free as possible. 🐾