Moving to Hawaii

Moving can be stressful, we know it is compounded when you involve relocating your furry family members. We have complied a list of things to help you prepare for this new adventure.

1)TAKE A DEEP BREATH we are here to help. You may have a lot of questions on how to prepare your pet's for the trip. The requirements to move to Hawaii can seem daunting and the time frame in which everything has to happen can be frightening. The best way to start this process is to print out the check list from the State Website. hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info

2) READ THE FINE PRINT. You can't believe how often people miss a very simple, but important detail simply because they didn't read the fine print. Everything you will need to know about the direct release program is included in this State Form.

Check List

Dog/Cat Import Form

3) TIMING IS EVERYTHING. If you can start at least 6 months prior to your move. You need plenty of time for all of the test and vaccines to be given and to be up to date. Get your paper work submitted to the State sooner than later. Remember if you are coming directly into Kona to have your flights made 45 days in advance so we can make sure your permit gets to you before your departure date. Schedule your inspection with us at this time. You can not get your permit for Kona with out this very important step.

4) DOCUMENTATION!!! Get copies of all of your pets records when you you go in for your health certificate with in 10 days prior to your flight. Get any medications you may need refilled, remember you are going to be busy setting up the house when you arrive. The last thing you want is to be scrambling trying to get medication for your pet when you arrive. Make sure your vet on the mainland applies the proper tick preventive to your pet in their office prior to travel. Make sure they documented this on the Health certificate. Keep all Original documents with you at all time. Put COPIES only on your pets carrier.

5) TRAVEL IN STYLE. Make sure the carrier you use can properly accommodate your pet. Make sure it is an airline approved carrier.Your pet needs to be able to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. Remember to have 2 bowls that attach to the cage door, make sure you put a zip tie on the cage door so that the door does not come open. That way we know that your pet has not been tampered with. Make sure they have something soft to lay on like a towel that can also absorb any mess should they need to use the bathroom during their trip.

6) ALL AIRLINES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL: Not all airlines allow direct release, make sure if you are applying to come directly into Kona that the carrier you chose is familiar with the rules and the regulations before your flight. We work with some airlines more often then others. Carriers like UNITED and HAWAIIAN do this everyday so make sure to get a copy of the guidelines and read all of them carefully for your particular airline carrier. All inspections Monday - Friday 7:30am- 5pm are charged at regular rate. All inspections outside of normal business hours and on weekends are considered after-hours and will be charged at a higher rate. There is an additional pet discount for animals arriving together on the same flight. This fee is separate from the fees charged by AQS.

7) TEMPERATURE MATTERS: Please check with Airline and find out about the temperature from your departure and the temperature at your final destination. Cargo holds can get very cold during flight and very hot when they are sitting on the tarmac.

moving pets to hawaii 8) PHONE A FRIEND: We are here to help. Please call us if you have questions or concerns. We can help you navigate through the paperwork. Our fax number is 808-322-2303 if you need to have records faxed to us. We will scan them into our computer system so that any of our highly trained staff will be able to look up all of your information should you need assistance at any time.

9) CHECK THE LIST AGAIN: A couple days before your flight go through the check list again. Do you have your pets Health Certificate, the state issued permit, have you called the airline to confirm your flight and your pets flight? Call us and let us know you are still coming or let us know if there are any changes in your plans. Do you have your pets medications? Are you smiling yet?

10) ALOHA: Say goodbye, and hello to your new adventure. We will be there at the airport to meet you and your pets flight. We will inspect your pet and collect your paperwork, and then you can let your new adventure begin...... E KOMO MAI, Welcome to Hawaii.

*DISCLAIMER* Please note that the information provided here is not to be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. The information provided in the content on this website is for informational purposes only, always contact your veterinarian for medical advice.*