Pets in Paradise
Four-legged friends are more than simply pets. They are a part of your family! Whether you plan on moving your pet to Hawaii or acquiring one after you arrive, these tips make pet ownership in paradise a wonderful experience.
Moving Pets to Hawaii
The Animal Import System (AIS) portal allows pet owners to complete and track import applications online. Updated info on potential delays at the airport quarantine facility is available at hdoa.hawaii.gov.
Upon arrival in Honolulu, airline staff transport pets to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (AAQHF), where pets are inspected for parasites and health. If all paperwork is in order and pets pass inspection, they may be eligible for Direct Airport Release—usually within 1 to 2 hours, though delays are possible.
Owners must have transportation ready, as pets remain secured in their carriers until leaving airport property. AAQHF is located between Terminals 1 and 2. For hassle-free relocation, veteran-owned Island Island Pet Movers handles paperwork and offers same-day pet release at the airport. Military discounts are available—ask when booking.
Pet Boarding
Hawaii requires all incoming pets to undergo a mandatory quarantine period to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases. During quarantine, pets must stay in an approved boarding facility that meets strict state health and safety standards. These facilities provide secure housing, regular care, and monitoring throughout the quarantine period, which typically lasts 5 days to several months depending on vaccination and testing history.
MWR’s Boarding Kennel in Halawa Valley near Pearl City features 196 covered dog kennels, 19 cat kennels, grassy lawns, and large exercise and play areas. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for pets while owners are away.
Pet Friendly Restaurants
Want to dine out with your canine that isn’t certified as a service animal? Websites such as BringFido provide lists of Honolulu restaurants that are dog friendly or known to offer an outdoor area where four-legged friends are allowed. The law imposes fines for passing off a pet dog as a service animal.
Updating Your Pet’s I.D.
The Oahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) are key resources for pet adoption and care in Hawaii. Both websites feature pets ready for new homes. Keeping your pet’s ID current is important—HHS updates microchip information in the state database or offers microchipping for $20, which includes registration. OSPCA also provides microchipping at Petco events (scheduled on their website). All dogs over three months old must wear a county-issued license tag, available from HHS or any Satellite City Hall.
Adoption Resources:
• Oahu SPCA
• Hawaii Humane Society
• Hawaii Dog Foundation
• Hawaii Animal Sanctuary
• PAWS of Hawaii
Affordable Spay/Neuter & Vet Services
Affordable Spay/Neuter & Vet Services
The Hawaii Humane Society Community Spay/Neuter Center now accepts appointments for sterilization services for pet dogs, cats, and free-roaming cats.
Oahu SPCA offers low-cost spay/neuter services as well as vaccinations, microchipping, and deworming at regular clinics held at various Petco locations across the island
Military Bases with Veterinary Clinics
• Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
• Schofield Barracks
• MCB Hawaii
• Fort Shafter
Volunteering Opportunities
Looking for a meaningful way to volunteer? Local organizations like the Oahu SPCA and Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) offer opportunities to adopt, foster, or volunteer with animals both on base and in the community.
Programs like Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs allow families to raise service dog puppies for individuals with disabilities (excluding blindness). It’s a year-long commitment that helps shape a puppy's temperament for future service—no prior experience required, though it’s helpful.
At Tripler Army Medical Center, the Human Animal Bond Program partners with the Red Cross to bring trained therapy animals into hospitals for comfort visits. Both pets and handlers are screened and trained.
For those connected to the military, Pets for Patriots and Dogs on Deployment help service members find loving foster homes for their pets during deployments.