MauiMovingSource.org - Pets - How to Get Your Pet to Maui

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Getting Your Pet Here:

Dogs, cats and other carnivores are subject to quarantine laws in order to keep Hawaii rabies free. If you arrive at a Hawaiian airport with your pet, it will be subject to a 120 day quarantine in Honolulu. This is a very traumatic experience for both pet and owner. The good news is that the quarantine laws were recently changed and if certain requirements are met, the quarantine can be reduced to 5 days or less. Essentially the requirements revolve around your pet having had a thoroughly documented series of shots that assure the state that he or she doesn't have rabies. This is a process that you'd do well start 6 months before departing for the islands.

Some pets like snakes will not be allowed to enter the islands.

Please visit the Hawaii Ag web site for details.

Once Here:

If you own a house, you'll live happily ever after. If you are going to rent you'll find that owning a dog or cat will reduce your ability to rent a place by 80% - 90%. Because of fleas and damage to property, the vast majority of landlords do not allow pets inside. You can find pet friendly landlords, but they are the minority. And once you find one, should you have to move, you're back to looking for that diamond in the rough landlord who will allow you to keep your pet. Imho, this is a major drawback to living on Maui.

You may be able to persuade a landlord to accept your dogs and cats by offering to add a clause in your lease in which you agree to have the dwelling professionally flea treated every 6 months by a company like Flea Busters; the carpets professionally cleaned every 6 months, and the whole place professionally cleaned when you leave.

If you are going to live near sea level (down country), please don't bring a husky or some other dog that is built for cold climates, they'll be miserable. Down country (Pukalani or lower) you also need to watch out for centipedes and scorpions. Centipede packs enough punch to kill a small dog.