Hawaii Neighbor Island Permit PDF Form

1. What is the Hawaii Neighbor Island Permit form?

   The Hawaii Neighbor Island Permit form is a required document for pet owners who wish to bring their dogs or cats to the neighbor islands of Hawaii, such as Kona, Kahului, or Lihue. This form ensures that all pets meet the necessary health and vaccination requirements to enter these locations without undergoing quarantine.

2. What documents do I need to submit for the Neighbor Island Permit?

   To obtain the Neighbor Island Inspection Permit, you must submit several documents to the Animal Quarantine Station at least 30 days before your pet's arrival. These include:

   • A completed and notarized Dog & Cat Import Form (AQS278).
   • Original rabies vaccine certificates for the two most recent vaccinations.
   • A payment of $145 via cashier’s check or money order made out to the Department of Agriculture.
   • Your flight information, including the airline, flight number, and date and time of arrival.
   • A note indicating "Neighbor Island Inspection Permit $145" on the Dog and Cat Import Form or a separate note requesting the NIIP.
3. How do I arrange for my pet's inspection?

   You must contact and make reservations with a veterinary hospital approved for inspections. Some options include:

   • Alii Veterinary Hospital for Kona arrivals.
   • At Home Animal Hospital & Mobile Veterinary Services for Kahului arrivals.
   • Kauai Humane Society for Lihue arrivals.

   These hospitals will confirm to the Animal Quarantine Station that they will perform the inspection and release procedure for your pet.

4. What happens if I do not follow the procedures?

   If you do not follow the required procedures, your pet may be denied entry at the airport. In such cases, pets will either be transported to Honolulu for inspection or sent out of state, and the owner will be responsible for these costs. It is crucial to adhere to all guidelines to ensure a smooth arrival for your pet.

5. How will I receive the Neighbor Island Inspection Permit?

   The Animal Quarantine Station will mail the permit to you once they have received all required documents, confirmed that your pet meets the necessary requirements, and received confirmation from the veterinary hospital. If you prefer faster delivery, include a prepaid self-addressed envelope from an overnight carrier with your submission.

6. Is a health certificate required?

   Yes, an original health certificate dated within 14 days of arrival is required. The inspector will collect this certificate upon your pet's arrival in Hawaii. Some airlines may have stricter requirements, so it is advisable to check with your airline to confirm their specific rules regarding the health certificate.

Understanding the Hawaii Neighbor Island Permit form is essential for pet owners planning to travel with their dogs or cats. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Below are nine common misconceptions about the permit process, along with clarifications for each.

1. All airlines participate in the Neighbor Island Permit process. Many pet owners assume that all airlines allow pets to travel under this program. In reality, some airlines may not participate, so it is crucial to verify with your airline well in advance.
2. The permit can be obtained upon arrival in Hawaii. Some people believe that they can secure the Neighbor Island Inspection Permit upon landing. However, the permit must be obtained before arrival, and all required documents must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the flight.
3. Only one vaccination certificate is needed. It is a common misconception that only one rabies vaccination certificate is necessary. In fact, owners must provide original certificates for the two most recent vaccinations.
4. Payment can be made with a personal check. Some pet owners think that personal checks are acceptable for the permit fee. This is incorrect; payment must be made via cashier’s check or money order made out to the Department of Agriculture.
5. Any veterinarian can perform the inspection. Many believe that any veterinarian can conduct the required inspection. However, only specific veterinary hospitals listed in the permit guidelines are authorized to perform this service.
6. The Neighbor Island Inspection Permit is not necessary for all pets. Some owners think that only certain pets need the permit. In reality, every dog or cat traveling to Kona, Kahului, or Lihue from the Continental US must have a valid Neighbor Island Inspection Permit.
7. Once submitted, the documents are guaranteed to be approved. There is a misconception that submitting the required documents guarantees approval. The Animal Quarantine Station must review and confirm that all requirements are met before issuing the permit.
8. Health certificates are not necessary if the pet is healthy. Some pet owners believe that a health certificate is optional if their pet appears healthy. However, an original health certificate dated within 14 days of arrival is mandatory and will be collected upon arrival in Hawaii.
9. The Neighbor Island Inspection Permit will be delivered immediately. Many expect to receive their permit quickly after submission. The Animal Quarantine Station typically sends permits via regular mail, and owners must provide a prepaid self-addressed return envelope if they desire faster delivery.

Being aware of these misconceptions can help pet owners navigate the permit process more effectively, ensuring a smoother journey for both themselves and their pets.