Rehoming Resources
We understand that needing to rehome a pet is often a difficult and emotional decision. Our goal is to help you find the safest and most successful outcome for your dog or cat while reducing the number of animals entering shelters and rescues.
Relocating to the Mainland
Good news — traveling from Hawaii to the US mainland with your pet is much simpler than coming the other way.
NOTE: Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines are the most pet-friendly airlines in Hawaii.
What You'll Need
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Health Certificate A health certificate is required for travel between Hawaii and the US mainland. It must be dated no more than 14 days prior to your flight's arrival at the destination. Your veterinarian or a clinic like Aloha Animal Alliance can issue this — just schedule the appointment close to your departure date.
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Check with Your Destination State
While Hawaii has no outbound restrictions, pet owners should check with the state they are transporting the animal to for any entry requirements. Most US mainland states have minimal requirements for dogs and cats arriving from Hawaii, but it's worth a quick check.
Check with Your Airline
Each airline has its own pet policies, fees, and carrier size requirements. Here's a general overview for the most common option:
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In-cabin (small pets):
Some airlines welcome small dogs and cats to fly in the passenger cabin on flights between Hawaii and the US mainland, as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 25 lbs. -
As checked baggage (larger pets): Dogs, cats, and household birds may be transported as checked baggage if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 70 lbs.
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Animals are not accepted as checked baggage from certain cities during summer months due to heat restrictions. Always confirm seasonal embargoes when booking.
Keeping Your Animals On-Island
Studies show that having pets makes people happier, healthier, and have an overall better life.
If you're on-island and circumstances are leading you to surrender your animal, we'd love to help you keep them with you.
Please take a look at our Community Health Resources page for places you can get low-cost or FREE health care, food, or other supplies to help keep your cat or dog.
If it's bevioral issues, check out our tips and tricks below for some ideas.
Surrendering an Animal
We know sometimes you need to surrender your animal. Unfortunately, most rescues on Hawaii Island are at or over capacity all the time. We do our best, but we just can't keep up.
While Action 4 Animals Hawaii's Kitty Kahu may occasionally assist with adult cats, our limited foster space is primarily reserved for orphaned kittens and emergency medical cases. For consideration, please complete our
Kitty Surrender Form. While we cannot guarantee placement, this will give us a better idea of where we might be able to fit you into our foster-only based system.
If there is not room, we might suggest surrendering to Hawaii County Animal Control and Protection. They ONLY take sick and injured or owner surrender cats.
For dogs, we currently only intake from Hawaii County Animal Control and Protection.
Hawaii County ACPA accepts stray and owner surrendered dogs, and sick or injured and owner surrendered cats. They are open from 7:45 am - 4:30 pm at both their Orchidland and Kona facilities.
The Animal Control dispatch line is (808)-327-3558
If there is a dog you are surrendering that you'd like us to be aware of, please email dogs@a4ahawaii.com.
Introducing cats to other cats
Our favorite cat behaviorist is Jackson Galaxy. He has some great videos online about introducing cats to each other, and general cat behavior.
Rehoming a Cat
If you do need to rehome a cat, here's some tips to help you do it on your own.
Get them Healthy
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Many resources are available free or at low-cost. Check our Community Helth Resources page for some great options.
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It's ALWAYS better to get a kitty fixed before giving it to someone. You don't want to pass on the "more kittens" problem.
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If the kitten is social and adoptable, under 8 weeks old, are you willing to foster? We can support you if you're willing to join our Kitty Kahu, even temporarily.
Stay Safe
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Never give away kittens without meeting the adopter
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Avoid anyone unwilling to answer questions
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Charge a reasonable rehoming fee when appropriate
Dog Training Videos
Coming Soon!
Don't Kitten-nap!
One of our biggest surrender requests is "I found this kitten and mom hasn't come back - will you take it?"
Bottle baby feeders are the hardest type of foster parent to find. It means giving up sleep and working with some of the most vulnerable kittens.
Often, mom will come back. Just give her some time - she's probaby out finding food for herself.
If you have to take the kitten, know that we might ask if we can support YOU as a temporary Kitty Kahu foster in taking care of the baby. We can give you supplies and help you get them adopted when the time comes.
Kitten Lady also has some great tips on tiny babies.
Note that County of Hawaii Animal Control and Protection DOES NOT have bottle baby feeders and cannot support overnight care of neonates.
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