Moving Your Pets to Hawaii

Hawaii Dogs on BeachConsidering a move to Hawaii?

If you're planning on bringing along "Scruffy" or "Bubbles", here are the general pre-arrival requirements for moving your cats and dogs to Hawaii.

First, they'll need a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 14 days prior to arrival.  The health certificate must be written in English, be an original document (no photocopies or faxes), and bear an original or carbon signature and legible name, address and telephone number of the certifying vet.  The certificate must also include a complete description of the pet, including age, sex, markings, breed and identifying characteristics (does your beagle have any tattoos?).  The issuing vet must declare that the pet was treated to kill all ticks and other external parasites within 14 days prior to arrival with the names and dates of treatment.  The vet must certify that the pet is free of any evidence of infectious or contagious disease, and must certify to the accuracy of the information stated on the certificate.  A record of all vaccinations must be included.  Finally, the microchip number and date of implantation.  

Your pet must be implanted with an electronic microchip for purposes of identification.  It's a simple, painless, inexpensive procedure.  The microchip, obtained from your vet, must be readable with a standard AVID scanner.  Your vet will be able to answer any questions you might have.  

All dogs and cats entering Hawaii must receive vaccinations for common infectious agents.  There's a number of vaccinations distinct to dogs and cats that you will have to obtain for your pets (within specific timeframes).  The common vaccination is, of course, the rabies vaccination.  

Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. that does not have any cases of rabies.  And Hawaii would like to keep it that way.  Thus, a rabies blood test is used to determine if dogs and cats have responded adequately to the rabies vaccinations.  Your vet will need to submit a sample of your pet's blood to a laboratory at Kansas State University for testing.  The lab will submit the test results directly to the State of Hawaii.  But you should retain a copy of the test results from your vet for your records.  

Here are some final tips:

(1) Remember to start the process early.

(2) Find yourself a good vet, knowledgeable about the process of moving pets to Hawaii.  

(3) Set aside at least $750 or add it to your moving budget.  

(4) Keep meticulous records and a checklist, and pay close attention to detail.  

(5) Call the Rabies Quarantine Station when in doubt.  Better safe than sorry.

Yes, it's a long, tough process.  But consider your alternatives: leaving your pet behind on the mainland, or not moving to Paradise at all.  Good luck and aloha!

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Aloha ~

Ali



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  • December 20, 2008 Going2Oahu Hawaii Travel Blog wrote:
    This is very cute...Do you want to give your pet a Hawaiian name? To find a Hawaiian name for your pet, simply type it in the space provided below and press the find button. If the database does not return your name, try a variation of your name if possible. (example: Instead of Laury, try Laurie.)Have fun! ...
  • December 20, 2008 Going2Oahu Hawaii Travel Blog wrote:
    This is very cute...Do you want to give your pet a Hawaiian name? To find a Hawaiian name for your pet, simply type it in the space provided below and press the find button. If the database does not return your name, try a variation of your name if possible. (example: Instead of Laury, try Laurie.)Have fun! ...
  • January 13, 2009 Going2Oahu Hawaii Travel Blog wrote:
    Are you an Entrecard Dropper?I just wanted to show some link love and say mahalo to my top Entrecard droppers for December, 2008. Comedy Plus 26 DedeAndroâ„¢ 23 Wishing On A Falling Star 23 Make Money Online 23 Start Your Own Blog 23 Cheapest Airfare 22 Mariuca's Perfume Gallery 22 Money Maker Times 22 Rental Car Bargains ...
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