Take Your Pet to Hawaii Like Paris and Oprah Do

Paris Hilton and Oprah Winfrey are known to love their pet dogs and travel everywhere with them -- even to Hawaii.

It is not as easy as buying a ticket for you and your pet and showing up at the airport. First you need to know the rules and regulations for pet travel on your chosen airline carrier; second, you need to follow the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Laws or Hawaii Pet Quarantine Laws which happen to be VERY strict.

The reason the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Laws are so strict is that Hawaii is rabies-free, and the state wants to keep it that way. There are serious health problems for people and animals associated with the introduction and spread of rabies.

For decades all animals coming to Hawaii had to be quarantined for months regardless of how healthy they were. Today, pets can still be quarantined for up to 120 days, but now there is also a speedy "5 Day Or Less Program" for animals that meet a very strict criteria of having their rabies vaccinations, microchip, blood test, and other required documents.

Chapter 4-29 Hawaii Administrative Rules, governs the importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawaii. This law states that dogs and cats meeting specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for 5-day–or-less quarantine program, which has a provision for direct release at Honolulu International Airport after inspection. (See “Checklist For 5-Day-Or-Less Program” for details.)

Furthermore, the law requires dogs and cats not meeting all of the specific 5-Day-Or-Less program requirements to be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival In Hawaii. (See “Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Information Brochure” for details on 120-day quarantine.)

A few years ago after the 5 Day or Less Program became law, I remembered seeing our Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle on the local television news. She said she had just received a call from Oprah Winfrey congratulating her on passing the law, and that Oprah told her she would be visiting Hawaii more often.

Oprah Winfrey really meant it and now has a reason to visit Hawaii more often. Oprah has built a beautiful home retreat in Maui.

You may be interested in reading our related posts:
Take Your Whole Family on Vacation -- Pets Included

The Most Popular Dog Names in Hawaii

Comments

[Sheila]

I better not let Bonnie Lass know about this or she'll insist on going and getting a massage and "pawdecure" by the pool at some swank hotel. ;-)

[HawaiiVacationGifts]

I wouldn't be surprised! She would also enjoy swimming in the ocean:)

[Mauigirl52]

Thanks for the info! We want to eventually move to Hawaii so would need to bring our dog!

[HawaiiVacationGifts]

Mauigirl, of course Diva would love to retire in Hawaii too!