Emma · with Luna (Tabby cat, 4kg) “I made a spreadsheet of every airline's pet policy before booking.” Meet all guides →
About this guide ↓
This guide was generated by Pawgo's AI using verified data from official sources. Emma is a fictional persona — the data is real.
Hawaii is a spreadsheet destination — one of the strictest arrivals in the United States, and rewards travelers who actually enjoy the checklist. There are two paths: the 5-day-or-less program if every date lines up perfectly, or up to 120 days at the airport quarantine if any of them slip. Luna and I are cabin people, but the same document rules apply either way. Read the dates twice.
Bringing a pet to Hawaii requires three documents in the right order: a microchip, a rabies vaccine within the destination's wait window, and a government-endorsed health certificate. The table below lays out exactly what's required, what's not, and where each rule comes from.
How Hawaii handles your pet
Send all documents (Dog & Cat Import Form, two rabies vaccination certificates, payment) in as a set more than 10 days before arrival.
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-31
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved labs list
Kansas State University, Auburn University, University of Missouri, DOD Laboratory
verified 2026-08-31
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml0.5verified 2026-08-31
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Test validity months36 monthsverified 2026-08-24
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-16
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days30 daysverified 2026-08-16
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Test must follow vaccination days14 daysverified 2026-08-24
Tick treatment · Required✓ Yesverified 2026-07-15
Tick treatment · Timing notesWithin 14 days prior to arrival; the product name and date of treatment must be recorded on the health certificateverified 2026-08-16
Tick treatment · Drug acceptedFipronilverified 2026-07-15
Health certificate · Issueran accredited veterinarianverified 2026-08-26
Health certificate · Endorsed byVeterinary Servicesverified 2026-08-28
Health certificate · Validity days14 daysverified 2026-08-31
Health certificate · Original required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-28
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required✓ Yesverified 2026-07-14
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved labs list
Kansas State University, Auburn University, University of Missouri, DOD Laboratory
verified 2026-08-31
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml0.5verified 2026-08-31
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Test validity months36 monthsverified 2026-08-24
Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-16
Tick treatment · Required✓ Yesverified 2026-07-15
Tick treatment · Timing notesWithin 14 days prior to arrival; the product name and date of treatment must be recorded on the health certificateverified 2026-08-16
Tick treatment · Drug acceptedFipronilverified 2026-07-15
Health certificate · Issueran accredited veterinarianverified 2026-08-26
Health certificate · Required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-27
Health certificate · Validity days14 daysverified 2026-08-31
Health certificate · Original required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-16
Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination30 daysverified 2026-08-25
Other rules
Pets accepted✓ Acceptedverified 2026-08-16
Carrier required✓ Yesverified 2026-08-31
Timing chain
Day -90 microchip implant · Day -30 rabies vaccine deadline · Day -14 health certificate issued · Day 0 arrive at customs
Breed restrictions
Banned breeds: wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah verified 2026-08-16
Ports of entry
the Airport
verified 2026-08-31
The Hawaii health certificate has a 10-day window: it must arrive at the Animal Quarantine Station 10 days or more before the flight, alongside the rest of the documents. If that window slips, the original certificate has to be handed to the inspector at arrival instead. Book the vet appointment so the packet ships with weeks of margin, and courier — do not mail — the paperwork to the station.
When the documents arrive at the Animal Quarantine Station 10 days or more before the flight, the release fee at the airport is 185 USD per dog or cat; when they arrive later than that 10-day window, the fee rises to 244 USD per animal. Send the packet early to hit the lower fee, and keep the courier tracking number handy at check-in.
Hawaii's 120-day quarantine program at the state facility costs 1080 USD per animal — the sticker price when a pet does not qualify for the shorter release. Confirm the paperwork will arrive at the Animal Quarantine Station 10 days before the flight to avoid the 1080 USD full-program cost. Every date is checked against that 10-day margin.
Hawaii is not the destination for winging it, but it is the destination that pays off when the checklist is followed. Enter your flight date and your rabies titer date into Pawgo, and the plan tells you exactly which document must be at the Animal Quarantine Station by which day. Get that right and Kona greets you at the gate.
ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
FAVN
Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
Brachycephalic
Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
AVIH
Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: August 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii require rabies vaccination for dogs?
Yes, Hawaii requires a rabies vaccination for imported dogs. There is a 30-day waiting period after vaccination. Exact timing depends on your origin country — compute your timeline at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Is there a quarantine period for pets entering Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires quarantine for imported pets. The quarantine period is 120 days. Exemptions may apply based on your origin country. Check your specific case at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Hawaii require a microchip for pets?
Yes, Hawaii requires an ISO-compliant microchip. The microchip must typically be implanted before rabies vaccination. Get your full checklist at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Hawaii require a rabies titer test?
Yes, Hawaii requires a rabies titer test (FAVN). There is a 30-day waiting period after the test. Results must show ≥0.5 IU/ml. Plan your timeline at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does Hawaii have breed restrictions for pets?
Yes, Hawaii has breed-specific restrictions. Restricted breeds include: wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah. Check if your breed is affected at www.pawgo.fr.Build my pet's travel plan →
Does my pet need a microchip for Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii requires an ISO-standard microchip, and it must be fitted before the rabies vaccination to be valid.Build my pet's travel plan →
How long before travel must the rabies vaccine be given for Hawaii?
The rabies vaccine must take effect at least 5 days before entry. Travelling before that window makes the vaccination invalid at the border.Build my pet's travel plan →
What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.Build my pet's travel plan →
What happens if I forget a document?
At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.Build my pet's travel plan →
Traveling to Hawaii?
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