What state law in Hawaii says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Hawaii has no state law specifically about animals left in parked vehicles. Leaving a pet in a dangerous car can still be prosecuted as animal cruelty, and some cities have their own ordinances — if you see an animal in distress, call 911.
Hawaii is the only rabies-free state, so it has no vaccination requirement for resident pets. Dogs and cats arriving from elsewhere must meet its strict rabies import and quarantine rules.
What the law says: No laws or regulations on dogs living in Hawaii. Per the State of Hawaii, Department of Health: "Hawaii is the only state in the United States that is free of rabies and all dogs and cats entering the state must follow import rabies quarantine requirements. Cases of the disease in Hawaii have all been infected through exposures outside of the state." See https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/rabies/
Hawaii has no state law stopping cities and counties from banning or restricting dogs by breed. Whether a breed is restricted depends on where you live — check your city or county ordinances before moving with a pit bull–type or other targeted breed.
Hawaii has a strict liability statute: the owner is liable for injuries the dog causes even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Common defences are provocation and trespassing.
What it covers: Personal or property damage to any person
Where: Any place
Defences: Trespass: Any owner or harborer of an animal shall not be liable for any civil damages resulting from actions of the animal occurring in or upon the premises of the owner or harborer where the person suffering either personal or property damage as a proximate result of the actions of the animal is found by the trier of fact intentionally or knowingly to have entered or remained in or upon such…
Yes. Hawaii lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2009) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
In Hawaii, the ex parte temporary restraining order may also enjoin or restrain both of the parties from taking, concealing, removing, threatening, physically abusing, or otherwise disposing of any animal identified to the court as belonging to a household, until further order of the court.
Hawaii has no statewide ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. Some cities and counties have their own bans — check locally before buying from a store, and ask where the puppy came from.
Yes, and much more: Hawaii is rabies-free, so dogs and cats need a health certificate, rabies vaccinations, a blood test and an import form filed in advance to qualify for the 5-day-or-less or airport-release programme. Pets that don’t qualify can be quarantined for up to 120 days.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Yes. Hawaii makes it unlawful to own a dog that is not licensed and microchipped; licences are issued by the county.
Hawaii has no statewide leash law, but an owner may not let a female dog run at large while in heat. Leash rules are set by each county.
Hawaii caps a security deposit at one month's rent, plus an optional pet deposit of up to one more month's rent — never for an assistance animal kept as a reasonable accommodation.
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Local authorities in Hawaii may have stricter rules.
