Hawaii 5 Day or Less Program: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Tina Haines who has made this move both directions.

There are three different programs related to pet quarantine in Hawaii. The Hawaii 5 Day or Less program is one of them. Pets usually end up routed to this program when all rabies requirements are met but paperwork wasn’t submitted on time.

This guide will explain how the program is triggered, what happens with each step, and how to get your pet back as soon as possible. If you want a broader overview, you can check out our Hawaii dog quarantine post. Otherwise, stick around to get specific details on the 5-Day-or-Less program and how it differs from Direct Airport Release and the 120-day quarantine for moving with your pet.

Quick Answer

The Hawaii 5 Day or Less program is triggered when required documents aren’t submitted on time to the Animal Quarantine Station. Documents should be received at least 10 days before arrival. Even if your pet meets the vaccinations and blood test requirements, they will be routed to the 5-Day-or-Less program. This program costs $244 per pet.

Key Takeaways

• The 5 Day or Less program costs $244 per pet
• Any days beyond the five will cost $17.80 per day
• Late paperwork is the most common reason to trigger the 5-Day-or-Less program
• Pets will be held at the Animal Quarantine Station, 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, Hawaii 96701
• Pet owners are responsible for any transport of their pets from the facility

Why Pets Are Routed to the 5 Day or Less Program

The most common reason a pet is routed to the 5-Day-or-Less program is because documents were not submitted at least 10 days before arrival. Regardless if your pet has met vaccination and blood test requirements, they will be placed into this program if the Animal Quarantine Station has not received all required documents on time.

What that means is don’t expect to get a waiver or appeal because you’ve brought the documents with you. The process for pets entering Hawaii is strict. This program is also triggered if a pet isn’t picked up the same day it arrives during normal release hours.

The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Complete All Core Requirements

There are some core requirements that must be met before even beginning the checklist found on the Hawaii Animal Quarantine information page. The first requirement is your pet having an ISO-compliant microchip. This needs to be done before anything else. Next are two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart. The last core requirement is your pet passing the OIE-FAVN blood test. These requirements are the same for the Direct Airport Release program. The 5-Day-or-Less program isn’t a lower option. It only differs in terms of paperwork timing.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents to the Animal Quarantine Station On Time

When you follow the checklist for the Direct Airport Release and 5-Day-or-Less program, there will be details for when to submit your documents. The Animal Quarantine Information page does state that documents can now be submitted online. However, hard copies can still be mailed in and will be accepted. The completed AQS-279 Dog and Cat Import Form, vaccination certificates, and blood test results can be sent by mail with return receipt or by tracked overnight carrier to the Animal Quarantine Station at 99-951 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, Hawaii 96701. They will not accept faxes or photocopies.

Step 3: Pay the $244 Fee

You will need to pay the $244 fee in full at the time your pet enters Hawaii or goes into quarantine. This payment is made out to the Department of Agriculture and should include your pet’s microchip number with your payment to ensure you receive credit.

Be sure to read the checklist instructions on how to submit payment. I do recall having to get a money order or cashiers check. Things may have changed since then so double-check the payment details.

Step 4: Arrival and Pet Transfer to Halawa Valley

When pets do not meet the requirements for the Direct Airport Release program and trigger the 5-Day-or-Less program, they will be transferred to the Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa Valley.

Step 5: Review and Verification of Documents

When you arrive at the facility, the staff will review all of your submitted documents. Processing time will vary based on how complete your paperwork is. Paperwork that is incomplete will prolong the hold. Those who have submitted everything correctly in advance will be given priority.

Step 6: Pickup After Clearance is Received

When you finally have your documents verified and clearance is given, your pet can be picked up at the Animal Quarantine Station during normal office hours. Pet owners are responsible for arranging the transportation of their pets from the facility including travel to an interisland terminal.

What Happens If It Takes More Than 5 Days for The Hold?

There is the possibility that document verification can take longer than 5 days. It is uncommon, but in the event that it does, expect any additional time to be billed at $17.80 per day in addition to the $244 flat fee. Keep this in mind for your budget if you do run into paperwork issues.

Resident Pets Leaving and Returning to Hawaii

For residents of Hawaii who are traveling with their pets for a mainland trip and returning, there will be a related process for pets re-entry to Hawaii. You’ll use either Checklist 3 for Honolulu entry or Checklist 4 for neighbor-island entry. Both of these options still require your pet’s Hawaii-issued departure health certificate to qualify for the reduced re-entry requirements. Since island choice affects which checklist that you use, it may be worth reviewing which Hawaiian island you’re moving to in order to help with pet traveling logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

From our own experience, preparing our pet for the move to Hawaii was one of the most overwhelming parts of our transition. We had no idea what it entailed and it pushed our move date back by about 3 months. It’s ideal to begin prepping at least 4 to 5 months before your move.

In order to qualify for the Direct Airport Release program, it’s important to follow the checklist that you’ll download from the Hawaii Animal Quarantine information page. I read that checklist almost every day so that I would understand it and to keep on track with timelines. Once we went to the vet, it helped us to stay on track with timelines because the vet was familiar with the process of moving pets to Hawaii.

Check with the airline you’re flying with for carrier size and weight limits. Be prepared to remove your pet from its carrier when you are at the airport and going through TSA. It is a bit stressful, but focus on holding on to your pet and getting through the process.

Moving off island is a far easier process. The only thing required is your pet’s health certificate which is obtained from your vet. Schedule this appointment ahead of time as the certificate must be issued within 10 days of your flight.

Stay organized and meet all of the requirements and deadlines. Your transition should be a smooth process if you stay on top of the process.