Checklist for Moving to Hawaii With Pets

Hawaii is the only state that is free of rabies, and the laws about introducing new animals to Hawaii are therefore a bit more comprehensive than some other states, as it would like to protect its residents, visitors and animals. With a little preparation, your animal could be quarantined only a few days, but some animals may be quarantined for up to 120 days. All animals, even puppies or kittens, must fully comply with Hawaiian laws.

1. Five-Day-or-Less Quarantine Qualification

   • 1
     Make the necessary preparations for your pet to qualify for the Five-Day-or-Less quarantine program. A comprehensive checklist is available at: http://Hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/aqs-checklist-5.pdf.
   • 2
     Have your animal vaccinated for rabies at least twice previously, with the vaccinations occurring more than 30 days apart. The most recent vaccination must have taken place 90 days before your arrival in Hawaii, and cannot have expired. Original ink signature documentation (not a photocopy) is required as proof.
   • 3
     Have a microchip put into your pet. If your pet already has a microchip, it must be tested by your veterinarian. If the microchip is not working, your pet may have to stay quarantined longer.
   • 4
     Have the OIE-FAVN rabies blood test performed on a sample of your pet's blood. The microchip is required before this test can be performed. Obtain a copy of the results of this test. Let the lab know that Hawaii is your destination, and it will send the results there as well.
   • 5
     Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian with a record of all vaccinations and procedures, including treatment for ticks, which is also required for entry. Also fill out the Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-278, available on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website: http://Hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info.
   • 6
     Wait 120 days after meeting all requirements before you arrive in Hawaii. This waiting period is mandatory, and arriving early could disqualify your pet from the shortened quarantine program.
   • 7
     Mail all documentation and applicable fees to Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, Hawaii 96701. The information must be received at least 10 days prior to your arrival in Hawaii, so be sure to leave plenty of time for it to get there. Keep copies of the documentation in your possession as a backup.

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Posted in: Hawai,Pets

Cruise Liners That Allow Pet to Sail

1. • Including a beloved pet in a vacation is commonplace these days. There are many hotels, motels and resorts that allow animals. When it comes to cruising the high seas, however, the options for setting sail with Fido or Fuzzy are much more limited. Only one major cruise line--Cunard--allows pets to sail with their owners.

   Cunard Cruise Line

   • Out of all of the major cruise lines, the one exception to the "no pets" rule is Cunard. Cunard Cruise Line allows pets on their transatlantic voyage on the "Queen Mary 2." The sole pet-friendly run is between New York City and Southampton, England, or vice versa. While the "Queen Mary 2" provides accommodations for pets, space is limited so passengers should book early to ensure a spot.

     Cunard Cruise Line

     24303 Town Center Drive, Suite 200

     Valencia, CA 91355

     800-728-6273

     cunard.com

   Pet Accommodations

   • If you have a vision of your dog or cat lounging in your cabin with you, that will not happen. All pets traveling on Cunard's QM2 are housed in spacious kennels where they must stay. Pets are attended 24/7 by a kennel master whose duties include cleaning the kennel, feeding your pet and seeing that it gets plenty of exercise and playtime. Visiting time is scheduled regularly throughout the day and owners are free to request special instructions to make their little ones as comfy as possible.

   Pet Amenities

   • Although pets must be confined to a kennel during Cunard's QM2 cruises, they travel as luxuriously as the human passengers. Pets are gifted with a name tag, their own bowl, a photo of them with their owner, gourmet treats and other items. Quality beds and blankets are provided, or you can bring your own. Scratching posts and private litter boxes are provided for feline voyagers.

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Posted in: Cruises and Ferries,Pets