Guide Dog Travel Tips

State of Hawaii is rabies free. It is because of this that the State Department of Agriculture (DOA) maintains strict regulations for all animals entering our paradise state. All cats and dogs entering must be quarantined. Guide dogs, however, may be exempt from quarantine by meeting specific requirements.

If you are planning a trip to our islands, you are certainly invited to bring along your guide dog to enjoy all that our state has to offer!

Travelling with your guide dog to Hawaii requires careful time and preparation. We have compiled the following timeline instructions that we believe will help you and your guide dog experience a smooth entry and enjoyable visit.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT HAWAII’S PORT OF ENTRY

The Honolulu International Airport on the island of Oahu is the only authorized port of entry for all guide dogs entering Hawaii. If you are planning to enter the state on one of our neighbor islands, you will require a valid inspection permit issued by DOA, in addition to meeting the quarantine exemption requirements.

QUARANTINE EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS

  • • The dog must have current rabies vaccination. (Documentation of the vaccination must include the product name, the lot or serial number, and the expiration date of the lot.)
    • The dog must have an electronic microchip implanted for identification.
    • Prior to arrival the dog must have passed one OIE-FAVN test after 12 months of age, with a level of 0.5 I.U. rabies antibodies or greater. The laboratory will not perform the tests unless the microchip number accompanies the test request form. A passing test result is valid for three (3) years.
    • The dog must have a standard health certificate issued not more than 30 days prior to arrival in Hawaii, attesting that the dog was treated within 14 days of arrival with a product containing Fipronil or an equivalent long-acting product labeled to kill ticks. A valid health certificate is required for each entry into Hawaii.
    • Notification of where the dog will be staying.

  • For questions, you can call (808) 483-7151 or (808) 837-8092 or e-mail rabiesfree@hawaii.gov to assist you with preparations.

  • Guide Dog Arika boarding aircraft

TIMELINE GUIDE

 

  • IMPORTANT: Begin your guide dog travel preparations no later than 4 months prior to date of travel to meet the regulation requirements in a timely manner. Trying to meet requirements closer to the date of travel may result in delay of tests results.

  • 4 Months prior to date of travel


  • Step 1: Create a fully enclosed document envelope or folder to store guide dog’s travel documents.

  • Step 2: Verify and secure documentation of first rabies shot (usually administered shortly after guide dog’s first birthday). Be sure that the results meet the above requirements. Store copy in travel envelope.

  • Step 3: Confirm that your guide dog has a readable microchip.

  • Step 4: Schedule an appointment with your guide dog’s veterinarian at least 4 months prior to date of travel for a second rabies shot. In the event that the dog has never had a rabies vaccination the dog will need the first, followed by a second vaccination 30 days later.

  • Step 5: Schedule an appointment with the guide dog’s veterinarian 2 weeks after the second rabies shot for the OIE-FAVN Rabies/Titers test. This test may take up to 6 weeks for the results to reach the veterinarian.

One Month Prior to Travel

Step 6: If your initial port of entry is Honolulu International Airport, send the following documents to DOA—

Air mail to: Animal Quarantine Station, 99-851 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, HI 96701; or Fax to (808) 483-7161.

Documents to send:

  • • Veterinarian records showing rabies vaccinations, rabies/titers test results and microchip number.
  • • Travel itinerary
  • • Notice of where the dog will be staying during the visit.
  • • Request letter for terminal inspection if you will be arriving on a week day between 8:00am and 4:00pm.

 

NOTE: For arrivals outside of regular business hours, inspections will be conducted at the Animal Holding Facility. You will need to arrange for an airline agent to meet you at the terminal gate and escort you to the holding facility.
IMPORTANT: Animals, regardless whether they are guide dogs found in any port of entry that has not been cleared by the quarantine department or unaccompanied by an airline agent, may be subject to quarantine. Therefore, be sure to notify your airline that you will need agent escort until cleared by DOA.

RECOMMENDATION: CONTACT THE QUARANTINE DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT ALL DOCUMENTS WERE RECEIVED AND REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET TO AVOID COMPLICATIONS UPON ARRIVAL.

If your initial port of entry is on a neighbor island, send the documents to DOA—

Air mail to: Animal Quarantine Station, 99-851 Halawa Valley Street, Aiea, HI 96701; or Fax to (808) 483-7161.

Documents to send:

  • • Veterinarian records showing rabies vaccinations, rabies/titers test results and microchip number.
  • • Notice of where the dog will be staying during the visit.
  • • Travel itinerary
  • • Request letter for neighbor island inspection permit and terminal inspection.

IMPORTANT: Animals, regardless whether they are guide dogs found in any port of entry that has not been cleared by the quarantine department or unaccompanied by an airline agent, may be subject to quarantine. Therefore, be sure to notify your airline that you will need agent escort until cleared by DOA.

RECOMMENDATION: CONTACT THE QUARANTINE DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT ALL DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET TO AVOID COMPLICATIONS UPON ARRIVAL.

Step 7: Notify the airlines that you are traveling with your guide dog and confirm that you have done all the necessary steps to meet all entry requirements.

1 week but not more than 14 days prior to travel


Step 8: Obtain Health Certificate from veterinarian. You may fax a copy to quarantine. They will hold the copy on file. Put the original certificate will all other travel documents.

Step 9: Verify that the microchip is readable and identify the general location of the microchip. This may help if the inspector is having some difficulty locating the chip.

Step 10: Apply flea and tick application to dog.

Step 11: Confirm that you have received your neighbor island inspection permit or Honolulu terminal inspection tracking number. Place with travel documents.

Day of travel


Step 12: Verify that you have copies of all documents you previously sent to DOA, the original health certificate, inspection permit and travel itinerary. Have them available at airline check in and at the terminal arrival gate.

Guide Dog Laika & Handler boarding the HandiVan Guide Dog Laika & Handler disembarking HandiVan

GROUND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AVAILABLE ON THE ISLAND OF OAHU

In addition to the available taxi services, there are 2 major transportation services available for persons with disabilities. These are the Oahu Transit System, commonly called TheBus and Oahu Para Transit, commonly called TheHandivan.

PARA TRANSIT TEMPORARY PASSES

In order to use this service, you must be eligible and registered with the Eligibility Center.

  • • The HandiVan provides curb side transportation throughout the island of Oahu. You must schedule your ride at least 24 hours in advance.
  • • To obtain a 30 day visitor’s pass, request your primary physician or other attending medical physician to contact the Handivan Eligibility Center at (808) 538-0033 Monday to Friday, between 8:00am and 4:00pm to set up your Handivan pass.

Your physician will need to furnish the center with the following information:

  • • Passenger’s full name
  • • Permanent address
  • • Permanent telephone number and number where the passenger may be reached at while on Oahu
  • • Date of birth
  • • Disability type and mobility aid (wheel chair, walker or blind)


Note: Doctor will also need to advise the center if you require a Personal Care Attendant (PCA).

When you receive your temporary pass code, you will be able to schedule Handivan rides at least 24 hours in advance. Rates per ride is $2.00 per rider. Personal Care Attendant (PCA) rides without charge.

To schedule a ride call (808) 456-5555

For further assistance, please call the Handivan Eligibility Center at (808) 538-0033.

Guide dog Shelley on The Bus

Oahu Transit System: TheBus

On the island of Oahu, TheBus is another form of public transportation that you might consider when planning your visit. You can pay as you ride or apply for a visitor’s pass.

To pay as you ride:

One way fare without valid person with disability identification card: $2.50
One way fare with valid Person with Disability Identification (ID) Card: $1.00
Note: You may contact (808) 848-4444 and verify whether the Identification Card you wish to use is acceptable.
Transfer: One (1) FREE with each paid cash fare

You may request a transfer upon boarding when paying cash fare. The transfer is valid for two hours and expires at the time shown at the top of the transfer. The transfer is to be used only once.

1 Month Pass:

Visitors with disabilities may apply for a 1 month pass for $2.50. This pass will permit unlimited rides for the valid pass.
To complete an application, visit Disability Fares at TheBus website

Click on PERSON WITH DISABILITY - BUS PASS APPLICATION, located towards the bottom of the page.

The application should be completed and signed by your physician then faxed to (808) 852-6005
For further assistance, you may call TheBus Customer Service at (808) 848-4444.

Eye of the Pacific Guide Dogs Foundation does not administer or enforce federal, state or city laws relating to guide dog accessibility. However, should you encounter any disagreements with businesses during your visit, we will be happy to advocate for you by educating the business.

You can also call Disability Communication and Access Board at (808) 586-8121.

We wish you and your partner a safe and enjoyable visit!