Rabies vaccine requirements in Hawaii

Official source

The rule is published by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s animal quarantine branch: Hawaii Department of Agriculture: animal quarantine. Counties can add stricter local rules, so check yours too.

Hawaii is rabies-free. Bringing a pet in means meeting the state’s import program, which includes rabies vaccination and a titer test in advance; otherwise the animal is quarantined.

Proof accepted

The vet-signed rabies certificate: the animal, the vaccine and lot number, the date given, the date next due, and the vet’s name, license and signature. A clear photo or PDF is accepted by most kennels, groomers and landlords; airlines and border officials may want the original.

The metal tag on the collar is not proof on its own. See is a rabies tag proof of vaccination?

Dog license requirements in Hawaii

Most counties and cities in Hawaii license dogs, and many license cats, and they issue the license from a current rabies certificate. Licenses usually renew yearly or with the rabies booster. Your county or city animal control office has the fee and the deadline for new residents.

Boarding and travel

• Kennels and daycares add DHPP and Bordetella for dogs, and FVRCP for cats, given at least a week or two before the stay. See what vaccines does my dog need for boarding?
• Groomers check rabies at booking and often Bordetella. See groomer vaccine requirements.
• Flying needs a health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, typically within 10 days of travel. See flying with a dog.
• Moving to Hawaii from another state? See moving to a new state with pets.

Keep it ready

Photograph the certificate into PawPass once, set a reminder a few weeks before the next due date, and show a QR code the next time a kennel, groomer or landlord asks. Free for your first pet.