My puppy is moving to Maui!

All I need to do is put her on a plane to Maui, right?  Ah, nope.

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the U.S. and there are specific requirements to bring any pet to Maui.  When you first look at the requirements, it is a bit overwhelming.  However, if you utilize your resources AND allow enough time, it is possible to have a successful entry. There is no ASAP in this process.

Here’s our tips for bringing your pet to paradise.

Follow the Right Checklist for Your Island and Specific Pet 

Most people will need to use Checklist #2

Owners wishing to fly their pet directly to the Kahului Airport (OGG) must obtain a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) from an approved vet located on-island.

Give Yourself a 2-3 Month Window 

Your pet must have been vaccinated at least twice for rabies in its lifetime. These rabies vaccines must have been administered more than 30 days apart. The pet’s most recent rabies vaccination must not be expired when your pet arrives in Hawaii. If arrival in Hawaii occurs before 30 days has elapsed from the most recent rabies vaccination, the animal is subject to quarantine until the 30 days are completed.

An approved FAVN Rabies Antibody Test lab must not receive your pet’s blood sample more than 36 months and not less than 30 days before the date of arrival in Hawaii.

A confirmation must be sent by a veterinary inspector to the Animal Quarantine Station 30 days or more ahead of the planned arrival. 

Owners must submit the following documentation so it is received by the Animal Quarantine

Station 30 days or more ahead of the planned date of arrival:

• Completed and signed Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-279). (Does NOT have to be notarized.)

• Original rabies vaccine certificates for the 2 most recent vaccinations.

• Payment of $165 by cashier’s check or money order.

• Flight information (i.e. Airlines, flight number, date, and time of arrival).

• Check “Neighbor Island Inspection Permit $165” on the program applying for section of the Dog and Cat Import Form AQS-279.

Make Sure You’re Using Approved Labs and Veterinary Inspectors 

The FAVN Rabies Antibody Test Approved Labs: 

• Auburn University (AU)

• Kansas State University (KSU) 

• DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas (DOD)

Approved Veterinary Inspectors on Maui: 

• At Home Animal Hospital & Mobile Veterinary Services (808) 873-0102

• Central Maui Animal Clinic (808) 893-2380

• Kahului Animal Hospital (808) 871-7387

• Kihei Veterinary Clinic (808) 879-5777

• Makawao Veterinary Clinic (808) 572-9003

• Maui Humane Society (808) 877- 3680

• South Shore Veterinary Care (808) 874-3422

• West Maui Animal Clinic (808) 662-0099.

Don’t Forget to Get Chipped! 

You’ll need to get this done before the FAVN Rabies Antibody Test because it helps track results. 

Check Your Airline’s Requirements

In most cases, booking a flight for your pet means an approved CRATE in the air-conditioned cargo hold. Booking that trip is dependent on the FAVN Rabies test being approved.

Reminder: Owners wishing to fly their pet directly to the Kahului Airport (OGG) must obtain a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP). A Neighbor Island Inspection Permit must be presented to all airlines prior to boarding. 

Stay Organized

I am bringing Lani, my own 10-month-old female puppy, over to Maui from Idaho. I recommend making a chart to help keep track of everything. Here’s what mine looks like so far: 

Stay tuned for an update in May!!

Information obtained from the State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division 

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