Direct Airport Release
Pets entering the State of Hawaii can fly directly to the Kona International Airport if specific requirements are met. This program is called the “Direct Release Program.” You must review and complete all of the requirements for the 5 Day or Less Program and the Direct Release Program to qualify.
Please note that for the Direct Release Program:
- Dogs and cats must arrive at the Kona International Airport directly from the continental US or another country.
- The Quarantine Station must receive paperwork & payment at least 30 days prior to arrival.
- You must secure the services of a qualified inspector to meet your pet at the airport.
- The reservation and fee to have an inspector meet your plane in Kona is SEPARATE FROM the paperwork and payment you send to the Animal Quarantine Station.
Ali`i Veterinary Hospital can inspect dogs & cats according to the criteria & schedule below IF we have availability. You must confirm with us BEFORE booking your flight:
- Pets traveling on Alaska Airlines through their Cargo department (not checking in with baggage)
- Pets accompanying people as baggage on Alaska Airlines
- Pets accompanying people in a cabin on Commercial Airlines: United, Alaska, American, Southwest Airlines
- Pets accompanying people on Private Charters, Kona Express, Hawaii Shuttle & Kona Shuttle
- Pets accompanying people on International flights determined on case-by-case basis
Direct Release Inspection Schedule:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 4pm-10:30pm
- Saturday: 9am – 10:30pm
- For Tuesdays between October 15 and January 15 and all Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays please contact: https://www.konapets.travel/
Fees:
- Commercial Airlines and Alaska Cargo: $400/first pet, $100/additional pet on the same flight
- Private Charters, Kona Express, Hawaii & Kona Shuttle: $500/first pet, $100/additional pet on the same flight
- International Flights: Additional fees determined on case-by-case basis
DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHT UNTIL CONFIRMING THAT WE ARE AVAILABLE. Fill out the form below to check our availability for inspection. Your request below does NOT mean that you have a booking with us, it is ONLY an inquiry. Email responses take 24-72 hours. If you do not have an email account, you can FAX the information below to 808-329-8997, and include contact information so that we can contact you. FAX communication will result in a longer turnaround time, up to one week.
Quarantine
Hawaii is rabies-free….and we’d like to keep it that way.
A quarantine program has been in place in Hawaii for over 100 years to help keep pets and people safe. The Animal Quarantine Branch of the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture is responsible for administering Hawaii’s Rabies Quarantine Program. The quarantine period for dogs and cats entering Hawaii with no preparation is 120 days. Depending on your travel plans and your ability to prepare your pet prior to arriving in Hawaii, there are options for decreasing the quarantine requirement substantially.
Please visit the Animal Quarantine Branch website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/ for more information.
International Travel
Traveling with pets to other countries can be very complex. We highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian at least 6 months BEFORE your travel date. Depending on where you plan to go and whether you are returning to Hawaii, a Pet Transport Company may be recommended.
The key information that you will need to know to begin preparing for international travel includes:
- Dates of travel
- A list of your travel route, including all seaports or airports that you will travel through to get to your destination
- Whether your pet has a microchip, verification of the date that the microchip was implanted and whether the microchip is ISO-Compliant
- Documentation of most recent vaccinations from a veterinarian
The USDA has an excellent website to get started with learning requirements for travel to foreign countries and territories at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel Most people start with this website, then consult with their veterinarian to begin the preparation process.
Click here to fill out the Direct Airport Release form
