It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

An import permit number is required.

To obtain an import permit number, exporters should contact the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture:

Email

rabiesfree@hawaii.gov or

Phone

808-483-7151 or 808-837-8092​

The following information must be provided:

• full name and address of the Hawaii owner
• contact phone number
• pet’s details, including species, age, sex, breed, and colour
• planned date of arrival
• country of origin​
  

Information about the process required to import animals into the State of Hawaii can be found on the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s website. There is a checklist for pets arriving from Australia.​​

The requirements to import live animals into the State of Hawaii are additional to those of continental United States​ and prospective exporters should also check these.

Note

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

Some animal breeds are not permitted to enter Hawaii under Plant Quarantine Branch jurisdiction and administrative rules. These include, but are not limited to, non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf, wolf cross, Dingo, Bengal, Savannah.

As required by the State of Hawaii ​​and continental United States.​

Transport requirements

The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.

If your animal is returning to Australia, you should make yourself familiar with the Department of Agriculture's requirements for importing live animals  into Australia. This is important as your animal may have been exposed to diseases that do not occur in Australia.

Based on importing country website and information.

Entry last reviewed 10 June 2025.​