Hawaii is a rabies free state. Hawaii's quarantine law is designed to protect residents and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies. Success of the quarantine program is dependent on maintaining isolation of your pet from other animals for the required quarantine period.

Importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawaii is governed by Chapter 4-29 of the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture Administrative Rules. This law states that these animals are required to complete a 120-day confinement in the State Animal Quarantine Station. If specific pre-arrival and post-arrival requirements are met, animals may qualify for a 30-day or a five-day-or-less quarantine. A 5-Day-Or-Less checklist shown below has been developed to assist pet owners with that process (also available as a PDF at www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info).

Hawaii Resident Pets: Owners wishing to leave the State of Hawaii with their pets, and return, must meet all requirements for five-day-or-less quarantine program to return without extended quarantine. The 120 days "pre-arrival" waiting period-after a successful rabies blood test-can be completed prior to leaving the State or can be done in combination with time spent out-of-state before re-entry.

Military pet owners can provide their pets with their own four-star accommodations at the MWR Kennel Facility located at the former Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station, which is one of just three facilities under military control in the world. It fulfills a need for a place for military members to house their dogs and cats during PCS ins and outs, TDYs, and emergencies.

Each dog kennel is approximately 6x14 feet. The entire kennel is covered and fenced and includes separate run and bedding areas. Cat kennels are about half the size of the dog kennels and feature a climbing apparatus and sleeping ledge.