Shipping Dogs to Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

Shipping a dog to Hawaii can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you'll be well on your way to making it happen. The state of Hawaii has strict regulations regarding the importation of animals, so it's essential to understand the requirements before proceeding.

To ship a dog to Hawaii, you'll need to obtain a health certificate for your pet within 14 days of travel. This certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and includes a physical examination, vaccination records, and other relevant information.

The cost of shipping a dog to Hawaii can vary greatly depending on the airline, route, and type of transport used. On average, expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000 or more for a one-way flight.

The journey itself will take around 10-14 hours, depending on the flight schedule and layovers.

A fresh viewpoint: Hawaii Health Certificate Dog

Kittens and puppies must wait until they're at least 10 months old to receive both rabies shots, which is one of the requirements for pets moving to Hawai'i.

To prepare your dog or cat to travel to Hawaii, you'll need to follow four steps: providing required documents, ensuring your pet meets the vaccination requirements, obtaining a health certificate, and paying the necessary fees.

For the full details of these requirements, see the government checklist, plus the latest information page, including warnings of any delays.

You'll need to mail or courier all the required documents to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) in Hawaii at least 10 days before your arrival date.

The following documents are required:

If your paperwork is not received by the authorities at least 10 days before your arrival date, your pet's release could be delayed, and you'll be charged the higher fee of $244.

Alaska Airlines allows pet dogs and cats to fly to and from Hawaii in the cabin year-round, but has seasonal restrictions on checked baggage due to strong headwinds.

If you're planning to fly your dog to Hawaii with Alaska Airlines, be aware that no pets can fly as checked luggage to or from Hawaii during February, and reduced numbers are accepted from November to 1st April.

Alaska Airlines is one of the airlines that allows pets in the cabin to Hawaii, making it a great option for pet owners.

Hawaiian Airlines is another airline that permits pets to fly both in the cabin and as checked baggage, with only a few restrictions. You can fly your pet in the cabin on flights to and from Hawaii, except for flights from or to JFK, BOS, AUS, and international destinations.

Hawaiian Airlines has specific size and weight limits for in-cabin pets: the carrier should be no larger than 16″ x 10″ x 9.5″ and the pet should weigh no more than 25 pounds.

If you need to fly your pet as checked baggage, the maximum combined weight for your pet and their kennel is 70 pounds, with a maximum carrier size of 36″ x 25″ x 28″. If these limits are exceeded, your pet will need to fly as cargo.

Southwest Airlines doesn't transport pets to or from Hawaii, but they do fly pets on inter-island flights, which might be an option if you're traveling within the Hawaiian islands.

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American Airlines will fly pets as checked baggage to and from Hawaii, but only on flights to Honolulu or connecting via Honolulu, and they don't accept pets on departures out of Honolulu before 8am from 5th March to 1st November.

Delta Air Lines doesn't fly pets in the cabin to Hawaii, but you can fly your pet as cargo or use their checked baggage service.

Hawaii has strict rules for pets entering the state, and it's essential to understand the quarantine and regulations before shipping your dog to Hawaii. The state is rabies-free, and they want to keep it that way.

Pets arriving in Hawaii may be quarantined for up to 120 days if they don't meet the required steps or have failed blood tests. However, there's a newer "5 Days or Less" quarantine program that pets may qualify for if all steps are followed.

Ideally, your pet should be eligible for Direct Airport Release, but there are circumstances where this doesn't apply. These include if the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) didn't receive your paperwork at least 10 days in advance, or if you submit paperwork only on arrival.

A longer stay in Hawaii pet quarantine is required if your pet arrives earlier than permitted, their rabies titre test result is not successful, or a tick, other parasite, or sign of disease is discovered. Pets are housed in individual kennels at the AQS, which is located about 4 miles from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Additional charges will apply for longer quarantine stays, so be sure to check with the AQS for the latest information. Visits are allowed at the AQS, generally in the afternoon, except for Mondays, Fridays, and state holidays.

Here are the circumstances where the "5 Days or Less" program applies:

Special exemptions apply for animals from specific rabies-free countries, such as New Zealand, Australia, Guam, and the British Isles. These animals can enter Hawaii without an import permit number and don't need to complete the standard requirements.

Moving to Hawaii with your furry friend can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right planning, it can be a breeze. Research is key, so be sure to do your homework and book at least 20 to 30 days in advance, or even up to 45 days in advance, to ensure a smooth flight.

Some airlines offer pet transportation services with climate-controlled, pressurized, and comfortable areas for your pet. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are great options for transporting pets from the Continental U.S. to Hawaii, while Hawaiian Airlines is recommended for inter-island flights.

You'll need to get your pet's kennel ready for the flight, and it's essential to prepare your pet for traveling in a kennel. Don't worry, most airlines successfully fly pets to Hawaii every day, and their staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here are some airline requirements for pet crates:

Remember, sedation is not recommended for your pet before the flight, as it can create a dangerous cocktail that prevents your pet from regulating their body temperature and controlling their stress. Instead, consider booking a direct flight or a private jet service if you can afford it.

Moving to Hawaii with your pet can be a complex process, but there are several options to consider. You can use a Pet Shipping Service like Pet Express, which takes the stress out of relocation and provides a customized travel plan for your furry family members.

There are three options for bringing a pet to Hawaii: Direct Airport Release, 5-Day-or-Less Program, and Full 120-day Quarantine. It's essential to comply with the regulations and follow the required steps to avoid quarantining your pet for up to 120 days.

Direct Airport Release is a convenient option, but it requires specific documentation and a veterinary inspection at the airport. You'll need to submit a completed Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS-279), original rabies vaccine certificates, and payment of $165 in cashier's check or money order.

Here are the required documents and steps for Direct Airport Release at each airport:

It's crucial to contact the listed veterinary hospitals at least 30 days in advance to ensure they can perform the inspection and release procedure. The additional fees for this service will be your responsibility.

If you're planning to fly with your pet, be sure to book at least 20 to 30 days in advance with an airline that offers pet transportation services to Hawaii. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are commonly recommended for inter-island flights.

Airline requirements for pet crates are a must, so make sure you have one that meets the airline's standards.

Only service animals, not emotional support animals, can travel in the cabin with their owners, and they usually need to be under a certain weight.

It costs around $900 to bring your animals back to the Big Island, with prices varying depending on the airline and type of pet.

Vets are no longer meeting at off-island airports, so all animals have to fly to Oahu.

Many airlines don't accept snub-nosed dogs, so check with your airline before booking.

A private jet or charter flight can be arranged for special flights, but it's a pricey option.

If you're looking for a pet-friendly boat cruise from Los Angeles to HI, you might need to search for a different company.

A rabies titer is required for all three moving options: Direct Release, Five Day Quarantine, and 120 Day Quarantine.