It’s travel season and Hawaii is the perfect destination for the summer. Kids are out of school, the weather is warm, and the tropical paradise known as Hawaii is a tourist destination fit for everyone. Even dogs! This blog post will give you some guidelines and information on bringing your pet to the most traveled vacation destination in North America. Make sure to read up on our previous post and get tips and more information about flying with your dog.

Hawaii has strict guidelines when it comes to bringing animals into the state and the ones that do not have proper documentation could be quarantined for months with the cost shouldered by the animal’s owner. However, the state extends consideration for people with special needs or disabilities who will need to travel with a pet companion. Remember to follow the guidelines and contact your local airline for any additional requirements for flying with your animal.

Service Dogs Flying to Hawaii

Individuals with service dogs will have to enter Hawaii through Oahu, where all animal inspections are facilitated, so make sure to have transfer arrangements if you need to be in another Hawaiian destination. However, in some cases, inspection may be facilitated at the Honolulu International Airport but only on specific times, per the Hawaii Animal Industry Division. For this to happen, arrangements should be made ahead of your travel plans.

Requirements for Traveling to Hawaii with your Dog

As with all other pets coming to Hawaii, your service dog, regardless if it’s large or small, is also required to submit the following:

A documentation that the dog has been vaccinated and is up-to-date on these vaccinations. Proof that the dog has passed a rabies test, which must be done before traveling to Hawaii. Inquire from your veterinarian about this. Implantation of an electronic microchip, which you can also inquire from the vet. Health certificate from the vet to attest that the dog has been treated for ticks. Disclosure of tasks expected of the service dog for the disabled or person with special needs.

A possible problem with large service dogs might occur with the airline itself, especially if you’re traveling via Hawaiian Airlines. According to their website, “Service animals must be small enough and confined to sit in the lap of a Qualified Individual with a Disability or in the space under the seat without invading another passenger’s seat area.” In this case, you can contact the airline and inform them about your large dog for a more suitable arrangement. The airline can provide the seat next to yours for the pet or book you at a different flight.

Puppies and Kittens Traveling to Hawaii

According to the State of Hawaii website, puppies and kittens are not able to meet all of the requirements for the 5-Day-Or-Less program will be quarantined for 120 days. Due to the minimum amount of time needed to prepare a puppy or kitten to meet the requirements of the 5-Day-Or-Less program, a puppy or kitten will be about 10 months of age by the time the preparations are completed.