How Much Does It Cost to Bring a Dog or Cat to Hawaii? Direct Release at $185 vs. the $244 Late-Paperwork Fee

The four fees on the state's own page

The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity lists these per animal: direct airport release in Honolulu $185, the 5 Day Or Less program $244, a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit $165, and a $98 re-entry fee for qualifying pets. Its FAQ says there are no multi-pet discounts.

Direct release is $185 only if documents arrive 10 days early

Original paperwork must reach the Animal Quarantine Station at least 10 days before arrival. If it does not, the fee rises from $185 to $244. That $59 gap is the cheapest mistake to avoid.

Arrival time and early arrival add charges

Honolulu inspections run 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the state advises landing by 3:30 p.m. A pet held overnight must be picked up by 10:00 a.m., or $59 more applies. A pet arriving before its 30-day waiting period ends pays $14.30 per day early, plus the $244 fee.

Neighbor islands: $165 permit plus the clinic's fee

Flying into Kona, Kahului or Lihue requires the permit, with documents and payment due 30 days ahead, and a booking with an approved private vet on that island. The state says owners pay the contractor's separate fees and publishes no figure, so get that quote first.

When the pet misses the program

A pet that does not qualify is held at the state station. The $244 covers up to five days, then $17.80 per extra day applies. The Quarantine FAQ lists the 120-day program at $1,080 per pet, though pages carry different update dates, so confirm totals with the station.

The costs the state does not collect

Qualifying takes two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart, a passing FAVN blood test, a health certificate, and a tick treatment within 14 days of arrival. Those are vet and lab bills. Labs can take one to two months to report, so test early. See what a titer test costs, how a health certificate is priced, and core vaccine costs.

Returning later costs less

A pet previously released under the program that returns while its FAVN result (valid 36 months) and three-year rabies vaccination are still valid can pay $98, or $130 if documents are late. Airline charges are separate; see what flying with a pet costs.

A budget order that avoids the expensive outcomes

• Check vaccination dates, then book the FAVN draw first.
• Send originals so they arrive more than 10 days early.
• Land in Honolulu before 3:30 p.m.

This article covers costs only and is not veterinary advice. Fees and rules are set by Hawaii's Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and can change, so confirm them with its Animal Quarantine Branch. Checked October 2026.