Everyone wants to relax and have a good time while they travel with pets to Hawaii. It brings a different level of happiness and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you want to travel with pets to Hawaii, you should know whether it is allowed or not.
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Some travelers don’t do their research before they travel with their pets. Yes, it is possible to take your cats or dogs on the plane to travel to Hawaii. But take note that it won’t be easy. On the other hand, if you want to take other types of animals, there’s a low chance of taking it with you for the trip.
It is important to do your research before you purchase your trip-to-Hawaii tickets. This is because some airlines restrict their passengers not to take their pets inside the plain. Aside from that, if the airlines allow their passengers to bring their furry friends, there are still some regulations the pet owner should follow.
Reasons not to take your pet on your trip to Hawaii.
Hawaii is one of the countries with the most strict quarantine rules and regulations intended to keep the pets and residents protected against the possible harms of health problems because of the spread and introduction of pet rabies.
Compared to other countries, Hawaii is the safest area against pet rabies because of the enforced quarantine law. In addition to that, it is the only state in the US where pets and humans are free and safe from rabies. This is the reason why bringing pets in this state is quite hard.
Before, Hawaii was scared by the possible entry of rabies. Way back in 1991, a bat was found in a container of one of the passengers that come from California. According to the staff of the airline, the bat found had rabies. Luckily, it was captured safely without causing harm to the people and animals in Hawaii.
To bring or not to bring your pet.
As mentioned, Hawaii has the most complicated quarantine rules and regulations. Aside from that, it would also cost you a lot if you insist on taking your pets on your trip. But let us set aside the quarantine thing. In most cases, passengers who have decided to take their pets with them are required to put their cats or dogs in a cold compartment for about five hours. On the other hand, if you are hailing from the east coast countries, you need to place your pets for about ten to twelve hours.
Besides, Hawaii does not feature a lot of pet-friendly hotels and restaurants. Well, there are some and rare to find if you are in a particular town in Hawaii. In this case, we recommend you to leave your furry friends at your parent’s house or consider hiring a pet sitter.
Taking a Long-Vacation to Hawaii?
If you plan to extend your planned vacation in Hawaii, it is important to keep in mind that you need to comply with the things needed to complete the quarantine procedure. In this case, it would be a great idea to do these things four to five months before your preferred date.
You might be thinking that five months is quite long for processing all the documents. Just remember the quarantine laws enforced by the Hawaii government. Take note that the laws in Hawaii are not designed for your convenience. As mentioned, the rules and regulations are designed for Hawaii’s animal and people’s safety.
What are the Revised Quarantine Laws in Hawaii?
August 31, 2018, the revised quarantine rules and regulations in Hawaii entailing the Rabies Quarantine Program were launched. The following are the different changes included;
- If you stay in Hawaii for five days, you need to pay 224 US Dollars.
- Before, to comply with the Direct Airport Release, you need to pay 165 US Dollars. But now, it was increased to 185 US Dollars. This cost will continue to increase to about 244 US Dollars for every pet you take if you will not comply with the documents ten days before you arrive.
- Before, it would be best if you waited three months before your pet is released from rabies vaccination. But currently, it was cut down to one month.
- Before you arrive in Hawaii, you need to wait a month for the FAVN rabies antibody test, three months during Hawaii’s old quarantine law.
Home Prep: things to keep in mind.
Before you enjoy your trip to Hawaii, your pet should go through two injections of rabies vaccines. This should be done three months before you arrive in the said state. Aside from that, the experts should implant an electronic microchip in your pets. Aside from that, your dog or cat should undergo an OIE-FAVN Rabies Blood Tests less than 36 months before you arrive.
As mentioned, you need to comply with a lot of things before your trip, and you should take note of that. Besides, the necessary documents signed by you as the owner and your pet’s vet should have complied with Hawaii.
Conclusion
When you plan to travel with pets to Hawaii, make sure that you won’t forget to work all the necessary documents a few months before your set date. Considering that Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US, it is expected that the government enforces a strict and complicated set of quarantine laws. These rules and regulations are intended to protect not only Hawaii’s human population but also the animals.
As you can see above, insisting on taking your pets with your Hawaii trip is costly and takes a lot of effort. With that in mind, we recommend you not to take your furry friends on your trip to Hawaii. It would be a good idea to leave it at your house with your family members who will take care of it for the days you are not home.
Do you think you need a vacation? Check out our list of signs that you definitely need a vacation.