Announcing Mister and Misses… and Spot, too!

Your wedding day is the biggest day of your life. It’s only natural that you’ll want to have your loved ones, two-legged and four-legged, there by your side. For destination brides traveling to Hawaii for their tropical wedding, fear not, your “baby” is invited too! With complicated quarantine laws, traveling regulations and vaccination rules galore, we’ve gathered some important info to share with you to help make your wedding day all the more ter-RUFF-ic!

Photo Credit :: Visionari

Hawaii is a rabies-free state and the quarantine laws are designed to protect residents and pets from serious health problems associated with the spread of rabies. Domestic dogs and cats over 10 months of age are welcomed to the Aloha State. If you’re bringing your pet to Hawaii for 5 days or less, please follow this checklist (http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqs-checklist-5%209%2013%2011b.pdf). All steps must be completed to successfully bring your loveable furry friend into the islands, if you are unable to meet the requirements, your pet will be quarantined for up to 120 days.

1. Rabies Vaccinations
• Vaccinated at least 2 times in its lifetime
• Vaccines must have been administered at least 30 days apart
• Pet must have current vaccine upon arrival into Hawaii
• Last vaccine must be administered at least 90 days before arriving in Hawaii
2. Working Microchip – this will be scanned upon arrival and if it does not work the pet is subject to the full 120 day quarantine stay.
3. Passing blood - test results must be from either the Department of Defense VetLab in Texas or the Kansas State University Lab.  Other labs can perform these tests but they are not valid for bypassing quarantine.
• Blood sample must be sent via overnight shipping
• Blood sample must arrive at test facility between 120 days and 36 months in advance of arrival in Hawaii
• Must fill out Hawaii as pet destination on the forms
• Official copy of test results sent directly to the quarantine office
• Check the website (http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/microchip) for passing test result of 0.5IU/ml
4. Waiting Period – your pet must wait at least 120 days following successful testing results before arriving in Hawaii.
5. Fipronil Application – administered by Vet and noted on health certificate within 14 days of travel.  Must be a product containing Fipronil to be accepted.  Fipronil is the active ingredient in Frontline.  Other forms of flea/tick medication are NOT accepted.
6. Documents – all documents must be received by the Rabies Quarantine Branch more than 10 days before your pet arrives in Hawaii.
• Completed, notarized Dog & Cat Import Form
• 2 original rabies vaccination certificates (signed in ink, no copies allowed
• Health certificate certifying pet is safe for travel
• Cashiers check with appropriate payment
• All documents must be in English
• Documents must be sent 10 days in advance of pets arrival to:
  Animal Quarantine Station
  99-951 Halawa Valley Street
  Aiea, Hawaii 96701
• Bring a copy of all documents with you

Photo Credit :: Visionari

Travelling with your pet:

• All airlines have different rules so check with your carrier.
• Separate reservations are required for your pet to travel on the plane so call in advance as the airlines have a limited number of pets allowed on each flight.
• Fees can range from $35 to over $200 depending on distance travelled, pet weight and airline.
• When coming into Hawaii from the mainland, pets must be taken directly to airport quarantine facility by the airlines.
• Hawaiian Airlines requires pets travelling to Hawaii to ride in the cargo hold.
• Soft carriers or open cage-style carriers are not allowed for travel to Hawaii (when your pet will be in the cargo hold).
• Carriers that are composed of a separate top and bottom should either be zip-tied together or connected securely with nuts and bolts to avoid damage which could allow the pet to escape under high stress.
• Hand-releasable zip ties (found at Home Depot) can be used to secure the door to the crate to ensure your pet cannot get out.  Use hand-releasable cable ties so humans can easily open the door should the need arise.
• Crate training is highly recommended so the pet is use to remaining in the crate for long periods of time.
• You will not get to see your pet once it is checked in with the airline so make sure it has been given the opportunity to drink some water and potty right before check-in.
• Allot extra time when checking in with your pet to allow for filling out any additional paper work, payment of fees and any inspections that the airline may require.
• There are certain breed restrictions by most airlines so confirm the rules in advance of travel.

 
Photo Credit :: Kai-photo

Helpful Tips:

• Arrange for your pet to arrive at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility during normal inspection hours between 8a – 5p. To be safe, plan for your flight to arrive before 3:30p.
• Expect to wait 30-90 minutes for your pet once they are unloaded from the cargo hold to be transported to the quarantine facility, to be inspected and your paperwork to be verified.  This can vary depending on the number of animals waiting to be picked up.
  • If you are traveling with other persons, we recommend having one person go directly to quarantine to check in and let them know that you are there to pick up your pet.
    • Make sure to have a copy of all the documents you sent into Quarantine with you.
• Pets are not allowed out of their crate on airport property… even to pee.
• Remember the weather change between your pet’s home and Hawaii… appropriate grooming is a must.
• Fly direct if at all possible…extra stops means extra risk to your pet.
• Most airlines have temperature restrictions at both the departing and arrival airport.  They typically must be between 40 and 85F to travel.
• Properly label your pet’s crate with stickers that say “live animal” and indicate which way is up.  Also indicate your name and your cell phone number so you can be reached directly should airline personnel need to.  This website has a labeling set: http://www.dryfur.com/live_animal_labels.htm but something can be homemade using a word processing program, a printer and some clear packing tape for much less.
• Most rental car companies allow pets in their cars but they must remain in their carriers.  Also keep in mind that excessive damage or odors will result in additional cleaning charges.
• Your pet should wear a collar with the pet’s name, your phone number and the current rabies vaccination information while in their carrier, even if they normally do not wear a collar.
• When boarding the plane to Hawaii, let the airline staff know that you are traveling with a pet and ask that they also let the pilot know.
• Your pet will only need to fly in cargo coming into Hawaii.  When flying interisland and back to the mainland, your pet can fly in the cabin with you under your seat in a soft kennel bag so long as they meet airline restrictions for cabin pets. (YAY!)

Photo Credit :: Dave Miyamoto & Co.

If you’re getting ready to say “I Do”, plan ahead so your precious baby can come to Hawaii too.  A tropical wedding with your paws (or toes!) in the sand is truly amazing, and it’ll be even better if your whole family can be there! Woof!

Photo Credit :: Kai-photo

(Thank you to bride, Melisa Wong, for this detailed, spot on information!)