Hawaii Now Permits Assistance Dogs to Enter Without Quarantine

Editor: The following story reports that assistance dogs can now enter Hawaii without undergoing quarantine, as pets are required to do. That sounds like good news. But reading a little deeper, there are still a bunch of requirements that must be met before an assistance dog is allowed in; some seem reasonable, while others seem almost oppressive.

I have two questions about this policy. One is whether it violates any of the anti-discrimination legislation (e.g. ADA). The second is whether other states have these kinds of requirements of assistance dogs.

Thanks to NVRC News for this story.

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August 2004

Hearing dogs and other assistance dogs are now able to enter Hawaii, with some restrictions:

- The only port of entry permitted is Honolulu International Airport on Oahu

- As of January 1, 2005, qualified assistance dogs will be charged the same airport release fee as pets, $165.

- The dog must have a current rabies vaccination. Documentation of the vaccine must be provided, including the product name, lot or serial number and expiration date of the lot.

- The dog must have a microchip implanted that can be read with an Avid scanner (Avid or Home Again chip)

- Prior to arrival the dog must have passed one OIE-FAVN test with a level of 0.5 I.U. rabies antibody or greater. The laboratory will not perform the tests unless the microchip number accompanies the test request form.

- The dog must have a standard health certificate issued not more than 30 days prior to arrival in Hawaii.

- A physician must provide a statement certifying that the individual has a disability, and that the dog provides assistance having to do with that disability, or a certificate of training as an assistance dog by a training program accredited by Assistance Dogs International, Inc. or a service dog training program with equally rigorous administrative, operational, or training standards.

- The Rabies Quarantine Branch must be informed of arrival information and where the dog will be staying at least 24 hours in advance of arrival. (Info can be faxed to 808-483-7161).

- On arrival in Hawaii, the dog must be brought by the airline to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility for verification of compliance with the above requirements and examination of the dog for external parasites. If all is in order, the dog will be released at that point.

- Qualified assistance dog users may request inspection in the terminal at the Honolulu International Airport by notifying the Rabies Quarantine Branch 7 days or more before arriving. In these cases, a "Notice of Terminal Inspection" with tracking number is issued and sent to the user. This notice must be presented to the airline representatives upon arrival in Hawaii. After inspection, if all is in order, the dog will be released.

For more information:
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Animal Quarantine Station
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, Hawaii 96701-5602
808-483-7151
808-483-7161 Fax
rabiesfree@hawaii.gov