Up until 2003 it was very difficult for pet owners to bring their pets to Hawaii or for locals to travel outside the country with their pets due to the pet quarantine system. However, that changed along with the rules. It shortened the quarantine time to 5 days instead of the original 30-120 days which prolonged the stay of visitors and their pets. 
State officials are afraid of a possible rabid animal entering the state and if they come in contact with an animal such as a mongoose that it may spread the disease throughout wild. Currently Hawaii is the only state free of rabies.

The five day quarantine period does come with standards that must be met by the petís owners. Pets that do meet the state requirements must be immediately turned over to their owners at the airport or stay a minimum of 5 days at one of the local quarantine stations. The owners will be required to show proof that their pet has had 2 rabies vaccinations, clean results of blood serum tests, and microchip implantation for identification. If the pet is held for 5 days at one of the quarantine stations the cost will be $224.00 or if you choose to pick your pet up at the airport the cost will be $165.00.

Rule Change Summary

If you wish to qualify or apply for the 5 day pet quarantine you will want to prepare a minimum of four months in advance by completing the following:

- Pets will need to have a microchip implanted to be used in identifying them.
- All pets will be required to have a booster shot and a rabies shot, which must be no shorter than 3 months apart and 1 year apart.
- Pets will be required to successfully pass a blood serum test which must be emailed to Hawaii state officials by the testing lab that completed the tests. Also pets are not allowed to enter until after 120 days has passed since the blood sample was received by the state.
- In order for the pet to be allowed to enter the state and to prevent fraud state officials must receive a health certificate and all test results directly from the petís veterinarian.
- All pets will be inspected including chip check to confirm the identity of the pet before releasing them to the owner.
- Contact Info:

Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley St. 
Aiea,Hawaii 96701-5602
Phone ñ (808) 483-7151
Web Site www.hawaiiaq.org/hdoa/ai_ags_info.htm