Hawaii pet travel: plan months ahead
Hawaii is rabies-free, so its entry rules are strict. Plan backward from your flight date, because the process starts months earlier than most people expect.
Why Hawaii is different
A rabies blood test, then a waiting period
Most destinations need an exam close to departure. Hawaii needs a blood test months before departure.
Hawaii requires a rabies antibody blood test (the FAVN titer), which must be performed months before travel — and there is a mandatory waiting period after the sample is drawn before your pet is allowed to enter. If the timing is missed, you will have to change your flight, because the rule cannot be changed.
The exact waiting period, the validity window and the paperwork deadlines are set by Hawaii’s Animal Industry Division and they do change. We check the current rules against your travel date rather than working from memory.
- A rabies antibody blood test (FAVN titer), sent to an approved laboratory
- Rabies vaccination history, with dates and product details
- Microchip information, recorded before the titer sample is drawn
- A health certificate completed within the time window Hawaii requires
- Advance paperwork sent to Hawaii before you fly
What we do
The Timeline, Then the Paperwork
Dr. Omid Fazeli is a USDA-accredited veterinarian. We review the requirements for your destination, your pet’s vaccination and microchip history, and your travel dates, then guide you through the required testing, documentation, and submission process. The first step is getting the timing right. We work backward from your travel date to determine what your pet needs and when — from vaccinations and microchip requirements to blood tests, health certificates, and other destination-specific documentation.
What to expect
Leaving the airport with your pet
The point of getting the timing right is Direct Airport Release — your pet leaving the airport with you instead of entering quarantine. Every requirement on this page exists to make that possible, which is why the order of the steps matters so much.
Timing Matters
Every destination has its own requirements, and some must be completed weeks or even months before travel. Missing a required step or completing it in the wrong order can delay your pet’s trip. Contact us as soon as you know where and when you are traveling. The earlier we start, the easier it is to make sure everything is completed correctly and on time.
Come prepared
What to bring
The first visit goes faster with these in hand.
- Your travel details, including dates and destination
- Your pet’s vaccination records
- Microchip information
- Any paperwork the airline has already sent you
Common questions
Questions we are asked
How far ahead do I need to start for Hawaii?
Months rather than weeks, because of the rabies titer and the waiting period that follows it. Call (714) 274-9305 with your travel date as soon as you have it and we will check the current requirements against it.
What is the FAVN test?
A rabies antibody titer — a blood test showing your pet has responded to rabies vaccination. It is sent to an approved laboratory, it takes time to come back, and Hawaii requires a waiting period after the sample is drawn.
Can you do the whole process here?
Dr. Fazeli is USDA-accredited, so the examination, the titer submission and the certificate are all done here. We help review destination requirements and complete the paperwork so your pet travels without delays.
Call us or schedule a visit
Call us with your questions, or to schedule a visit for your pet.
- Address
- 6937 Warner Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - Hours
- Monday – Saturday, 9 AM – 8:30 PM · Tue to 6 PMSunday: closed.
- Phone
- (714) 274-9305