Last updated 11/03/02

There are many laws regarding dog ownership.  This tends to be an area most of us overlook.  To prevent giving dog owners a bad name, we must try our best to follow these laws.  By reading this you'll find, as I have , that most of them are in the best interest of dogs and their humans.  I have only given a brief summary of each area.  For more details click on available links.                         

Vaccinations   Dogs in Vehicles   Dog License   Noise Laws   Spay/Neuter   

Leash Laws      Quarantine

 Vaccinations

These vaccines are highly recommended.  In fact, they are required for dogs 90 days or older on arrival to Hawaii.  

There after,  inoculations are not required by law.  On a yearly basis most Vets will recommend Distemper, Parvo, Canine Hepatitis and Leptospirosis.  You may need to request Kennel cough and Corona virus.  These are highly recommended, especially if your dog is frequently with other dogs or need to be placed in a kennel.   

Certain organizations may require that your dog be vaccinated.  The vaccination schedule and type of vaccine will depend on the veterinarian or  the requesting facility's requirements.  An example of this is participation in obedience classes or boarding your dog in a kennel. 

Dogs in Vehicles

When traveling with your dog on any public street or highway in any vehicle, the dog must be enclosed within a secured container or securely cross-tethered to prevent the animal from falling out.  

For more information click here  and scroll to Sec. 15-24.22.

Hoku and Timber are secure with this car barrier in place.

Dog License

All dogs are required to be licensed with the City and County of Honolulu every 2 years.  The cost of the license depends on the age of the dog.  Currently, for dogs four months through seven months of age and neutered dogs eight months of age and over with a veterinary certificate costs $9.50.  For unneutered dogs eight months of age or over, the cost is $28.50.

For specific regulations refer to  http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/refs/roh/7.htm  Sec. 7-3.2.  

The Hawaiian Humane society makes it easy for you to register your dog.  Click below  http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs/licensing/dog_licenses.html

Noise Laws

It is considered a nuisance if your dog makes noise continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for one-half hour or more.  This applies any time of the day or night and whether your dog is on public or private property.  

For specific law click on http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/refs/roh/7.htm  and scroll to Sec. 7-2.2.  

The Hawaiian Human Society is authorized to enforce these laws.  Click on their site to find out what to do if your neighbor has an incessantly barking dog.  http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/animallaws/index.html

Spay/Neuter

Should I spay or neuter my dog?  This question needs serious considerations as often times people decide to breed for the wrong reasons.  If you wait too long, an accident is bound to happen.  You may be responsible for a homeless pet or overpopulation.  Here are some things to think about....

To read spay/neuter law click here http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/refs/roh/7.htm and scroll down to Article 5.

The Hawaiian Humane society has made it easy for you to arrange to spay/neuter your dog, click here http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs/neuternow/index.html

Leash Laws

For your dog's and people's safety, dogs are required to be on leash at all times when in public property, unless specified otherwise.  

  Quarantine

There is no Rabies in Hawaii.  Therefore, to protect residents and pets from a potential health problem,  animals coming from areas of the world with rabies are required to undergo 120 days in quarantine.  There is a 30 day alternate quarantine program for animals who qualify.  Animals coming from Rabies free areas such New Zealand, British Isles and Australia are exempt from this rule.  

For information on pre and post arrival requirements, quarantine station procedures, policies, rules and fees, go straight to the source and click on http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm

For general info and introduction click on http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs.htm                  

Guide dogs and Service dogs may be exempt under certain conditions.  Click on link for details  http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_guidedog.htm   

If you know of any changes to this information, please inform us.  We appreciate your help in keeping us up to date.  

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