TAX & LICENSE / PET LICENSING

Newcomers to Hawaii must complete a cat and dog import form through the Department of Agriculture. Hawaii has never experienced an indigenous case of rabies and the state operates a quarantine of all dogs, cats, and other carnivores to maintain this rabies-free status. Replacing a former 30-day quarantine program, a new five-day-or-less program went into effect in 2003. Pets can even be directly released at the airport if the owner follows strict procedures prior to the pet’s arrival in Hawaii. Qualifying an adult pet that has at least one rabies vaccination takes four months; at least 10 months would be required to qualify a newborn puppy or kitten. Dogs and cats that do not meet strict requirements prior to their arrival may be quarantined for up to 120 days.

Once in Hawaii, the animal control laws are mandated by each county. The City & County of Honolulu requires that dogs four months of age and older be licensed every two years. Cats more than six months of age on Oahu must have identification and are required to be spayed or neutered if allowed outside. Other regulations cover barking dogs and leashes for dogs on public property as well as rules for other types of pets. Consult the most appropriate Humane Society for details on your own area.

Animal Quarantine Branch
Department of Agriculture
Honolulu, Oahu 808-973-9560
www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs

Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Oahu 808-483-7151
www.hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info

Hawaii Humane Society
2700 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, Oahu 808-946-2187
www.hawaiianhumane.org

Hawaii “Big island” Humane Society
Kona 808-329-1175
Keaau 808-966-5458
Waimea 808-885-4558
www.hihs.org

Kauai Humane Society
3-825 Kaumualii Highway
Lihue 808-632-0610
www.kauaihumane.org

Maui Humane Society
Mokulele Highway 311
Puunene 808-877-3680
www.mauihumane.org