Hawaii's Animal Quarantine Laws
Hawaii is a rabies free state. Hawaii's quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from potentially serious
health problems associated with the presence and spread of rabies. Success of the quarantine program is dependent on
maintaining isolation of your pet from other animals for the required quarantine period.
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. This law says that these animals are required to complete a 120-day confinement in the
State Animal Quarantine Station. If specific pre-arrival and post-arrival requirements are met, animals may qualify for a 30-day
quarantine or a new 5-day-or-less quarantine that became effective on June 30, 2003. Qualifications for Hawaii residents with
pets and reduced "re-entry" fees became effective on February 12, 2004.
Hawaii Resident Pets:
Owners wishing to leave the State of Hawaii with their pets, and return, must meet all
requirements on the "Checklist for Hawaii Resident Pets" to return without extended quarantine. The 120 day "pre-arrival"
waiting period after a successful rabies blood test is modified prior to leaving the State or can be in combination with time
spent out-of-state before re-entry depending on circumstances.
If you would like to view the forms required for bringing pets into Hawaii, please click on the following links brought to
you by the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Also, please feel free to contact us anytime if you had any questions
or would like us to fax the documents over to you.
Another wonderful source for our clients and ourselves as well comes from the Hawaii Humane Society, their website offers
some great information on pets here in Hawaii. A useful resource is their database of pet-friendly buildings in Hawaii. Many
times listings might not know whether the building is pet friendly or not and do not specify on the fact sheets, this website
will help you get a better idea if a particular condominium will allow pets. Please note, that the information is dated in
some instances and it would still be a good idea to contact the resident manager or property management company to verify the
House Rules.
