What is required to import an assistance dog from the continental U.S. to Hawaii?

Answer 1

"For a service dog, there must be a physician's statement which certifies as to the disability, and that the service dog provides assistance having to do with that disability and documentation of training, or a certificate of training as a service dog by a training program accredited by Assistance Dogs International, Inc., or a service Dog Training program with equally rigorous administrative, operational and training standards."

Please note that the doctor cannot certify as to the dog's training. You'll need separate documentation for that.

Hawaii is rabies free. The purpose of the original 120 day quarantine was to protect the state from the import of rabies into the state. An alternate method to protect the state from the import of rabies has been established. It typically requires 6 or more months of preparation.

The exact same procedure is required of all dogs entering Hawaii, regardless of whether they are pets or service animals. The only differences between pets and service animals is that pets MIGHT be held up to 5 days and service animals are typically released the same day, and the import fee is waived for qualified service animals.

Emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals are often not accepted as recognized service animals, so make arrangements establishing whether your dog will be accepted before departure.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Animal Quarantine Station

99-951 Halawa Valley Street

Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602

Telephone (808) 483-7151

FAX (808) 483-7161

E-mail: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov

NOTE: Failure to meet all of the requirements can result in a 120 day quarantine at a fee of $17.80 per day.

You will need (for pets OR for service animals):

1. Rabies vaccinations: Pet must have been vaccinated at least twice in its lifetime against rabies. Vaccinations must have been administered at least 90 days apart. The most recent vaccination is current and was not administered less than 90 days before entry to Hawaii. The date, brand, and lot number of the vaccine must be indicated on the pet's vaccination certificate and health certificate. You need the two most recent rabies certificates.

2. Microchip: The animal must be microchipped, verified by a veterinarian.

3. OIE_FAVN blood test: The animal must have an OIE-FAVN rabies blood test no more than 36 months old or less than 120 days old. The result must be greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml and must have been done at either Kansas State University or the DOD Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory in Texas. A copy of this test result must be presented that shows the pet's microchip number.

4. Documentation: you'll need to submit documentation that arrives in Hawaii at least 10 business days prior to your animal's arrival. This documentation includes an import permit, rabies vaccination certificates (2 most recent) and blood test results, with the appropriate fee.

You'll also need to plan to arrive at an airport that accepts animal imports, such as Honolulu International Airport.

Read complete details in the two official links below.