Whether you’re just taking a trip or moving back to the mainland, traveling to and from Hawaii with your animal family members takes some time and preparation—and Pilina Vet is ready to help!
There and Back Again
If you are traveling out of Hawaii with your animal and returning to Oahu via HNL, here’s what you’ll need:
- Microchip: The microchip must be implanted before FAVN testing and recently scanned to verify that it’s working and the number is correct.
- Rabies Vaccinations: Your animal must have two rabies vaccinations administered more than 30 days apart in their lifetime. The most recent vaccination must have been administered in Hawaii. Rabies certificates are required.
- FAVN Rabies Antibody Test: This measures the response of your animal’s immune system following the rabies vaccines and must be sent to an approved lab. The original results are sent to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and a copy is sent to the clinic. Results take 4-6 weeks to return.
- Health Certificate: An accredited veterinarian must perform a comprehensive physical examination and complete an APHIS 7001 Health Certificate. Generally, these must be completed within ten days of your flight. However, please confirm with your airline what timeline they require, as they differ between companies.
For a complete checklist of requirements, please refer to CHECKLIST 3 on the State of Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Information Page.
Moving to Hawaii
Requirements for moving to Hawaii are generally very similar to the steps and flowchart shown above. Luckily, because rabies vaccinations are required by law in the continental United States, your animal family member may be ready to complete a FAVN titer! Confirm that your dog or cat's microchip can be read by a scanner before updating any vaccinations or submitting a sample for the titer. Verify the expiration date of your dog or cat's last rabies vaccination with your veterinarian, and discuss whether updating a rabies vaccination prior to the FAVN titer is necessary.
For a complete checklist of requirements, please refer to CHECKLIST 1 on the State of Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Information Page.
Moving to the Mainland
If you are moving back to the mainland permanently, the requirements you must satisfy will depend on both your destination and the airline you’ll be traveling on with your animal. Please consult the USDA Pet Travel website to find out what’s required for your destination state, and contact your airline to determine their requirements. Once you’ve researched what your animal will need, contact us for further assistance in getting your animal family member ready to hit the road.
We can issue health certificates on a case-by-case basis— Visit our Domestic Health Certificates page, or please contact us to learn more.
If you have any questions or would like to book a travel consultation for your animal family member, call us today at (808) 509-2874!
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