Quick Answer: Moving your pet to your second home on the Kona-Kohala Coast requires careful planning, often beginning 6 to 12 months in advance, to qualify for Hawaii’s 5-Day-Or-Less program. This program allows direct airport release at Kona International Airport (KOA) if all Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) requirements are met, including specific rabies vaccinations, microchipping, a FAVN blood test, and a valid health certificate.
Key Takeaways: Ensuring a Smooth Pet Relocation to the Big Island
- Start Early: Begin planning 6 to 12 months before travel to accommodate vaccination schedules and testing timelines.
- Qualify for the 5-Day-Or-Less Program: This allows direct airport release and avoids extended quarantine if all requirements are met.
- Follow HDOA Guidelines Precisely: The Hawaii Department of Agriculture is the official authority for all regulations.
- Direct Release at KOA Is Possible: With advance notification and complete documentation, pets may be released upon arrival.
- Budget Accordingly: Veterinary services, testing, airline fees, and processing charges can be substantial.
How Can I Bring My Dog or Cat to the Big Island Without Quarantine?
Quick Answer: Your pet must qualify for the HDOA 5-Day-Or-Less program by meeting all vaccination, testing, identification, and documentation requirements.
Hawaii maintains strict animal import laws to protect its rabies-free status. The 5-Day-Or-Less program is designed to allow pets to be released within five days or directly at the airport if all conditions are satisfied. This requires strict adherence to vaccination schedules, proper microchipping, successful completion of the FAVN rabies antibody test, and submission of required paperwork.
Planning ahead is essential. Required intervals between rabies vaccinations and the FAVN blood test must be observed precisely. Missing a deadline may require restarting portions of the process and could result in quarantine.
What Are the Required Steps for the 5-Day-Or-Less Program?
Quick Answer: The process includes microchipping, two qualifying rabies vaccinations, a FAVN blood test, a health certificate, document submission, and advance notification to the Animal Quarantine Branch.
The required sequence is critical:
- Microchip Implantation: A 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted before qualifying rabies vaccinations.
- Two Rabies Vaccinations: Administered more than 30 days apart.
- FAVN Blood Test: Performed at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination and no more than 13 months before arrival. The result must meet minimum antibody levels.
- Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of arrival in Hawaii.
- Advance Notification: Required submission of forms and fees to the Animal Quarantine Branch before arrival.
Each step must be completed in the correct order to remain eligible for direct airport release.
Can My Pet Be Released Directly at Kona International Airport (KOA)?
Quick Answer: Yes, direct release at KOA is possible if all 5-Day-Or-Less requirements are met and the Animal Quarantine Branch is notified at least 14 days before arrival.
Direct airport release eliminates the need for quarantine holding. However, it requires that all documentation be complete and submitted in advance. The health certificate must clearly state that the pet is free of infectious diseases. Upon arrival, officials will verify the microchip and review documentation before releasing the animal.
What Are the Costs and Timeline for Relocating a Pet?
Quick Answer: Costs typically range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000 or more per pet, with a recommended preparation timeline of 6 to 12 months.
| Item | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Microchip | $50 – $100 |
| Rabies Vaccinations (Two Doses) | $100 – $200 |
| FAVN Blood Test | $250 – $400 |
| Health Certificate | $100 – $200 |
| HDOA 5-Day-Or-Less Review Fee | $165 |
| Direct Airport Release Fee (KOA) | $224 |
| Airline Pet Travel Fee | $150 – $1,000+ |
| Airline-Approved Carrier | $50 – $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,089 – $2,689+ |
Additional costs may include extra veterinary visits or special travel arrangements. Beginning the process early helps avoid expedited fees or quarantine expenses.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes?
Quick Answer: The most common mistakes involve timing errors, incomplete documentation, and failure to follow HDOA requirements precisely.
- Starting Too Late: The process requires months of preparation due to mandatory waiting periods.
- Incorrect Microchip Timing: The microchip must be implanted before qualifying rabies vaccinations.
- FAVN Test Errors: Testing too early, too late, or through an unapproved laboratory may invalidate eligibility.
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing forms, incorrect fees, or late submissions can delay release.
- Improper Health Certificate Timing: The certificate must be issued within 14 days before arrival.
Strict compliance with official guidelines is essential to prevent quarantine or additional delays.
The Bottom Line
Relocating a pet to the Kona-Kohala Coast requires careful planning and precise execution. By following the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s 5-Day-Or-Less program requirements and observing all vaccination, testing, and documentation deadlines, pet owners can achieve a smooth transition and direct airport release. Early preparation and close attention to official guidelines are the keys to a successful relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move a pet to Hawaii?
Preparation typically takes 6 to 12 months to meet all 5-Day-Or-Less program requirements.
What is the FAVN test?
The FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) test measures rabies antibody levels to confirm adequate immune protection.
Can any veterinarian handle the process?
Any licensed veterinarian may administer vaccines and complete documentation, but they must follow Hawaii’s specific import regulations and approved laboratory requirements.
What happens if requirements are not met?
Pets may be subject to quarantine for up to 120 days or may be denied entry if regulations are not satisfied.
Are certain airlines better for pet travel to KOA?
Major carriers offer pet travel programs, but policies vary. Confirm all airline requirements regarding pet size, breed restrictions, carrier specifications, and temperature limitations well in advance of travel.
