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Hawaii Animal Quarantine: Birds & Small Animals

Why Hawaii Has Quarantine Rules

Hawaii’s unique ecosystem and status as a disease- and rabies-free state require strict regulations on importing animals to prevent invasive species and disease outbreaks Hawaii AgricultureHawaii Department of Agriculture.

Importing Birds (Including Poultry & Pet Birds)

Permits Required

• Plant Quarantine Import Permit (from the Plant Quarantine Branch)

• Poultry and Bird Import Permit (from the Livestock Disease Control Branch)

  • More Info Here.

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Pre-Arrival Quarantine & Health Requirements

• A 7-day pre-arrival isolation (168 hours) under vet supervision is required for most birds to mitigate West Nile Virus risk. Exceptions include hatching eggs, day-old chicks, older chickens, pheasants, quail, chukars, doves (rock doves), and budgerigars older than four weeks

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is required and must attest:

  • No vaccination with live-agent vaccines within 60 days before shipment

  • Free from external parasites

  • Listing of identification (leg/wing band or microchip) for most birds (canaries, finches, budgerigars, lovebirds, cockatiels, and doves are exempt from identification)

Arrival & Holding

• All birds must arrive through Honolulu International Airport and undergo inspection at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)

• Post-arrival isolation at importer’s premises:

  • 7 days for poultry

  • 30 days for other birds

Importing Small Non-Domestic Animals (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, reptiles)

Species Restrictions

• Many small pets are prohibited, including ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, hermit crabs, and certain reptiles and birds like toucans and lories

• Some animals are conditionally approved or restricted (e.g., for research or exhibition) and require permits and site approval; consult the official Plant Quarantine Non-Domestic Animal List for specifics

  • More info here

Permit & Inspection Requirements

• A permit is required for importation of allowed species (fee: $5 for single shipment, $50 for multiple shipments per year)

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), issued by an accredited vet within seven days of shipment, is typically required. Additional health and vet protocols may apply depending on the species

Helpful Resources & Contact Info

• Livestock Disease Control Branch: Permit and health requirement guidance for birds Hawaii Department of Agriculture

• Animal Quarantine Station (Halawa, O‘ahu): General inquiries – 1 (808) 483-7151