Bringing a dog or cat to Hawaii just got a little easier.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity has introduced the Hawaii's Pet Owner Portal (HIPOP), a new online option for submitting animal entry applications. Instead of relying on mailed forms and payments, pet owners can now create an account, upload supporting documents, pay eligible fees online, and submit an application for review in one place.
Here’s what you need to know before using the new portal.
What is the Hawaii's Pet Owner Portal (HIPOP)?
HIPOP is the State of Hawaii’s online application portal for dog and cat owners. It allows you to:
- Create an animal entry application for each pet
- Build an individual profile for each dog or cat
- Upload rabies vaccination certificates, FAVN test results, health certificates, and travel itineraries
- Pay applicable state fees using a credit card
- Submit your application to the Animal Quarantine Branch for review
The online portal is optional. Hawaii will continue to accept AQS-279 forms by mail, but submitting your application, supporting documents, and payment online will save time, reduce errors, and streamline the entry process.
HIPOP may change how you submit your information, but the entry requirements themselves are still the same. Your pet must still satisfy Hawaii’s rabies vaccination, microchip, FAVN testing, waiting-period, health, and arrival requirements. Please refer to our guide on Hawaii Pet Entry and Import Requirements for more information.
How to submit an entry application through HIPOP
1. Visit the portal and create a new owner account
Go to the official Hawaii's Pet Owner Portal and create an account if this will be the first time you are bringing a pet to Hawaii.
If you have imported a pet before, the state may already have created an account for you associated with the email address on your last AQS-279 application. Enter the email from your last application and choose “Forgot Your Password?” If the portal recognizes the address, you will receive an email with instructions to create or reset your password. If it does not, create a new account.
2. Start a new entry application
Select "Create New Application" on the portal home page to create a new pet entry application. If you are traveling with more than one pet, you will need to create a separate application for each pet.
You will need to provide the following information in your application:
- Planned date of arrival
- Your Hawaii arrival airport
- Your pet's information
- Contact details of any co-owner or authorized handler
The information submitted must match your travel documents (e.g., legal name) and your pet's veterinary records (e.g., microchip number).
2. Create your pet’s profile
If your pet is entering Hawaii for the first time, you will need to "Add new pet" to add them to the "List of Pets" section of the application.
Enter your pet's microchip number. Make sure to check every digit before continuing. Your pet’s microchip connects its identity to vaccination records, laboratory results, and the entry application. A mismatch can delay review.
The pet profile will also ask for general information about your pet and any co-owners.
3. Upload supporting documents
In Step 2: Pet Information, upload the required pet records to your application. The portal accepts supporting documents such as:
- FAVN Results
- Rabies vaccination certificates
- Health certificate
- Other relevant pet files
Make sure every document is complete and readable. Names, dates, microchip numbers, vaccine information, and signatures should be clearly visible.
A portal upload does not automatically mean that a requirement has been approved. Animal Quarantine staff must review and verify the application and its supporting records.
4. Review program eligibility
In Step 4: Apply for Program, you will be shown the entry program your pet is eligible for based on the information entered in the application thus far. As the pop up indicates, program eligibility is subject to change pending submission and approval of documents.
Entry programs and fees at the time of posting is as follows:
- Direct Airport Release (DAR): $185
- 5-Day-or-Less Program: $244
- Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP): $165
- 120-Day Quarantine: $1,080
- Re-Entry Fee: $98
4. Pay the applicable fee to submit
Review your application in Step 5: Application Summary. Make sure Contact Information, Arrival Information, and Pet Information is accurate. Confirm the program, arrival airport, and fee shown before paying.
Submit your application by proceeding to payment. HIPOP only accepts Visa and Mastercard for eligible online payments. Retain the application number, payment confirmation, and copies of every uploaded document.
A record of your application will now show on your HIPOP home page.
Other reminders when submitting through HIPOP
Complete Neighbor Island arrangements when required
If your pet will arrive directly in Kona, Kahului, or Līhu‘e, you must apply for a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP).
You will also need to arrange an arrival inspection with an approved veterinary facility on that island. After starting the NIIP application, give the application number to the veterinarian you have contracted.
The state cannot finish processing the permit until the veterinarian confirms the inspection arrangements. These private inspections may carry a separate fee.
Do not assume that submitting the online application guarantees neighbor island entry.
Submit early
For Honolulu (HNL) airport release or the 5 Day Or Less program, the state advises that documents be received at least 10 days before arrival. Applications received later may carry a higher fee and may not be processed in time for release at the airport.
Neighbor Island Inspection Permit applications require additional coordination and should be started much earlier. The state’s current guidance calls for the necessary materials to be received at least 30 days before the planned arrival.
These submission windows are not a substitute for the longer preparation timeline. Rabies vaccinations, FAVN testing, laboratory processing, and mandatory waiting periods can take several months to complete.
A current health-certificate reminder
Hawaii’s animal-entry guidance can change in response to disease risks. At the time of publication, the state requires animals needing a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to include a statement confirming that they were inspected and found free of evidence of New World screwworm infestation.
New World Screwworm was detected in the United States on June 3, 2026... All animals requiring a CVI for importation into Hawaii must have a certifying statement: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of New World Screwworm infestation.”
Ask your veterinarian to review the latest Hawaii requirements before issuing the health certificate.
What the new portal does (and does not) change
HIPOP makes the application process more convenient by allowing pet owners to submit records and payments digitally. It does not waive or shorten any health requirement, guarantee direct airport release, or replace the state checklist that applies to your trip.
An incomplete application, incorrect microchip number, missing vaccination record, unsuccessful FAVN test, late submission, or unconfirmed neighbor-island inspection can still result in delays or quarantine.
Ready to begin?
Start by creating a free personalized travel plan with our Mokupet Travel Planner. Once the veterinary and travel requirements are underway, visit the Hawaii's Pet Owner Portal to create your account and submit the application.
The new system removes some paperwork from an already detailed process, but careful preparation remains the best way to help your pet enjoy a smooth arrival in Hawaii. Visit our FAQs page to see more answers to your travel questions.
Requirements, fees, and processing procedures are subject to change. Always confirm current information with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity before traveling.
