BRINGING YOUR DOG MAINLAND > HAWAI'I Everything you need to know!

🐶🌺 HOW WE MOVED OUR 2 DOGS FROM MARYLAND TO HAWAII First, a disclaimer: this was OUR experience moving dogs to Hawaii in March 2026. Requirements can change, so always verify everything directly with Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Program before making plans. Official website: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/ Here’s the simplified timeline we followed: 📅 4–6 MONTHS BEFORE MOVING ✅ Make sure your dog has a microchip. ✅ Make sure rabies vaccinations are current and properly documented. Hawaii generally requires two rabies vaccinations administered according to program requirements. ✅ Schedule the FAVN rabies antibody test with your veterinarian. The FAVN is a blood test that measures rabies antibodies and is one of the most important parts of the process. ⏳ AFTER THE FAVN TEST ✅ Wait the required period after the blood sample is received by the approved laboratory. This timeline requirement is what surprises most people, so start early. ✅ Gather all records and forms required by Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Program. ✅ Pay the required fees. ✅ Mail the paperwork to Hawaii. Do NOT wait until the last minute. ✈️ AS SOON AS YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT Call your airline and reserve a pet spot immediately. Many airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight. Our dogs flew with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Other airlines may have different requirements. 🐾 IMPORTANT FOR SHORT-NOSED BREEDS If you have a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, contact airlines early. Some airlines restrict or refuse transportation for certain breeds. In some situations, you may need to use a professional pet shipper. 🏥 ABOUT 10 DAYS BEFORE THE FLIGHT Schedule your veterinary appointment. ✅ Health Certificate ✅ Final paperwork review ✅ Verify that all requirements have been completed correctly 🌺 ARRIVAL IN HAWAII If everything is completed correctly, your dog may qualify for Direct Airport Release and avoid quarantine. After landing in Honolulu, our paperwork was reviewed and we had both dogs with us approximately 30–40 minutes later. Hopefully this helps anyone planning a move to Hawaii with pets! And remember: always verify requirements directly through Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Program because rules can change at any time. 🌺🐶