Bringing Pets from Mainland

[Mattler]

Can we fly directly to Hilo or do we have to fly to Honolulu first? Is there anyone who has gone through this recently who can clarify the process.

[Hawaii Bound]

You can do a direct release in Kona but not Hilo plus you can hit Costco while you are over there.

I'm guessing you have already completed all the paperwork and requirements? It a minimum of a 6 month process.

[Mattler]

My paperwork says four months - I hope that's right?

[Hawaii Bound]

As long as you follow the paperwork, tests, etc by the book you are good to go. It took us 6 months for everything both times. There are two vets in Kona that will do the direct release.

[eigoya]

We did it for two dogs coming from Alaska. Both stayed there for most of the quarantine, though only one dog was allowed per flight ( per airline), so one came with two weeks in quarantine in Orchidland. It is the only kennel approved on BI. The other dog was direct released in Kona as HB stated. Lots of paperwork and airline regulations but went OK in the end.

[Kelena]

Kona. You don't say where you are flying from, but my dog took a direct flight from LAX to KOA so her pretty paws wouldn't have to touch ground in Honolulu. She arrived almost exactly 4 months after I started the process. She died 2 years later from respiratory issues that vets opined were vog-related. Some dogs are susceptible, like some people.

Dr. Chartier in Kona is awesomeness for assistance with direct release.

[DanielP]

No direct release in Hilo.
For multiple reasons it is better to fly direct into Kona.
Gotta get that FAVN test going within your time frame.
Search for your flight possibilities first with you dog's restrictions addressed first; carrier size, etc. book your flights and your pet's together and on the same flight. Direct flights only.
Then call your appt. in to Kona vet service . They fax docs to Animal quarantine station. Send your forms to Ag, You will get travel docs mailed from them.
You will have to pick up the dog at the freight terminal. Get maps ahead!
When you land the sprint is on! Send one person IMMEDIATELY to the bus going to car rental; be first in line, then to grab the baggage if there were no delays, otherwise go get the dogs first; . Have plenty water and a leash ready for your dog. Don't forget I.D. and health cert.
Once all loaded head South down the highway to the Honakahou Harbor, a mile or so. Turn right, first right. 200 yards, stop and let the dog and you get out and cool down over near where they are hosing off the dive boats. Aloha, Welcome to Hawaii!

done it 6 times

[doglegs]

Aloha!

I am recently retired & will be moving to the BI with 4 dogs, 1 parrot & 1 horse. I've got a handle on the dogs & all that's required for their immediate release. Reading all your posts has been insightful too.

Does anyone know how to ship or fly a horse from Washington State to the BI? I know what needs to be done medically, but am having a difficult time finding info on the actual move.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Mahalo []

[csgray]

If you look at the farm and garden listings on the Big Island Craigslist there are often people advertising stud service from horses they brought from the mainland. You might just respond to one of those listings and ask how they did it. I know cattle are shipped back and forth by ship.

Carol

[Cheerio]

quote:

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Originally posted by doglegs

Aloha!


Does anyone know how to ship or fly a horse from Washington State to the BI? I know what needs to be done medically, but am having a difficult time finding info on the actual move.

Mahalo []

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We are coming back to the island this June with our 2 cats, and have explored a number of options (also, DanielP, MAHALO for the great tip on direct flights to KOA...we'll shift our plans to skip HNL altogether from Seattle now).

You should get in touch with Alaska Air Cargo.
http://www.alaskaair.com/content/cargo/petstreak.aspx
They are very helpful, and at the least, someone in customer service may have a suggestion for you if they can't do it themselves.

Another possibility for horses: http://www.hawaiian-transport.com