Are you planning a trip to Hawaii from Japan and want to bring your beloved pet along? If so, you'll need to be aware of the restrictions and requirements for bringing pets into the state. Fortunately, Hawaii has a “designated agreement” with Japan on the importation of dogs or cats, so if you comply with the regulations, you can import your pet without having to quarantine it. To begin, you must have a microchip and have lived in Hawaii for at least 180 days. You must also fill out Form AQS-279 for the import of dogs or cats and send the original form along with two original signed vaccination certificates to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Station at least 10 days before your pet's arrival.
When your pet arrives in Hawaii, it must go through an inspection at the Animal Quarantine Center (AQF) at Honolulu International Airport (HNL). If your pet arrives before the 30-day waiting period from the blood test, it will be subject to quarantine. To avoid this, make sure you have a valid Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) issued by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture if you're flying directly from the continental U. S.
If you don't follow the rules for direct delivery to the airport or if your pet's microchip cannot be read upon arrival, it will be subject to a maximum of 120 days of quarantine, at your expense. It's important to note that if your pet does not meet all specific program requirements of 5 days or less, it will be required by law to be quarantined for up to 120 days. To maintain this situation, the state of Hawaii has strict rules and regulations that must be met before traveling. Make sure you make an appointment with your veterinarian 10 days before your trip and mail the original signed health certificate to Hawaii before your pet arrives. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pet is able to travel safely and legally from Japan to Hawaii.
