Veterinarians play a crucial role in ensuring pet owners are well-prepared for interstate and international travel with their animals, especially when traveling to Hawaii’s neighbor islands, including Maui-Kahului, Kauai-Lihue, or Hawaii Island-Kona. Unlike direct travel to Honolulu, these destinations require a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP), a critical document issued by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
In this guide, we outline the veterinarian’s role in the NIIP process and share resources to support you and your clients throughout the process.
What Is the Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) and Why Is It Important?
The Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) allows pets to fly directly to the neighbor islands without undergoing quarantine in Honolulu. It certifies that the animal has met Hawaii’s stringent rabies prevention and health requirements and is eligible for Direct Airport Release upon arrival.
Pets cannot board a direct flight to Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii Island without a printed NIIP. This document must accompany the pet during travel and be presented to an approved inspector upon arrival.
Your Role as a Veterinarian in the NIIP Process
Your involvement is key to ensuring that pet owners meet the strict timelines and documentation requirements. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how you can guide clients through the process:
Step 1: Schedule a Post-Arrival Inspection Appointment
Pet owners must schedule a post-arrival inspection at a Hawaii Department of Agriculture-approved veterinary facility on the destination island. After the appointment is confirmed, the local facility must notify the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) that they will perform the inspection and release.
Step 2: Submit Required Documentation
Ensure your clients submit the following documents to the AQS no fewer than 30 days before arrival:
- Completed and signed AQS-279 Dog & Cat Import Form
- Two most recent rabies vaccination certificates
- $165 payment via cashier’s check or money order
- Complete flight details (airline, flight number, date, time)
As their veterinarian, you'll be responsible for accurate completion and timely submission of vaccine records and health certificates.
Step 3: Receive and Review the NIIP
Once all documents are reviewed and verified, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture will email the NIIP to the pet owner. You can advise clients to confirm that:
- The NIIP is printed prior to departure
- All vaccine and ID info is accurate
- They carry it with them during travel
Without a printed, valid NIIP, the airline will deny boarding, and the animal may be subject to quarantine upon arrival.
Key FAQs for You and Your Clients
A. The Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test measures rabies antibody levels to confirm compliance with Hawaii’s rabies-free status requirements.
A. No. Documents must be submitted at least 30 days prior to travel; there is no rush option
A. Pets will not be allowed to fly to a neighbor island and may be placed into quarantine in Honolulu, significantly delaying travel and causing stress for both pet and owner.
Tools to Support Veterinarians and Clients
Hawaii Pet Travel Toolkit
This toolkit includes:
- Pet Owner Hawaiian Travel Preparation Roadmap Handout
- Pet Owner Printable Hawaiian Travel Checklist
- Clinic Arrival Entry Programs for Honolulu, Hawaii
- Clinic Hawaiian Pet Owner Intake Form
- Plus, much more.
NIIP Information Sheet
A detailed reference for the NIIP process, this sheet outlines:
- Documentation Requirements
- Accepted Inspection Clinics
- Travel Dos and Don’ts
Final Tips for Success
- Start Early: Encourage clients to begin the process well in advance, ideally 45–60 days before departure.
- Stay Updated: Monitor GlobalVetLink and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture website for any regulation changes.
- Be a Guide: Position yourself as an expert resource offering clarity and reassurance throughout a complex regulatory process.
Supporting pet owners in navigating Hawaii’s travel regulations ensures smooth journeys for pets and strengthens client relationships. With GlobalVetLink’s travel tools and documentation support, veterinarians are well-equipped to simplify pet travel compliance. Let us help you help them, every step of the way.