Hawaii Puppy & Retired Adult Placement Guide
Bringing an Essence of Grace Yorkie to Hawaii
Hawaii is a rabies‑free state with some of the strictest animal import regulations in the United States. While we do successfully place puppies and retired adults in Hawaii, the process is lengthy, highly regulated, and significantly more expensive than mainland placements.
This page exists to provide full transparency so families can decide before applying whether a Hawaii placement is the right fit—financially, logistically, and emotionally.
We are not discouraging Hawaii buyers. We are ensuring expectations are clear before the process begins.
At‑a‑Glance: What to Expect
5–6+ month timeline (sometimes longer) • Multiple veterinary visits with strict sequencing • Significant upfront and ongoing costs • Zero margin for error to avoid quarantine
Hawaii placements cannot be rushed or expedited.
Puppy & Retired Adult Pricing (Before Hawaii Costs)
Puppies: $4,000–$4,500
Retired Adults: $800–$1,500
⚠️ Hawaii‑specific costs are in addition to the purchase price.
Hawaii Import Timeline (Direct Airport Release – Honolulu)
Step 1: Age & Microchip
• Puppy must be at least 70 days old at time of travel
• Puppy must be microchipped before or on the same day as the rabies titer blood draw
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination Sequence
• First rabies vaccine at ~12 weeks of age
• Mandatory 30‑day wait
• Second rabies vaccine
• 21–30 days recommended for antibody development
Step 3: FAVN Rabies Titer Test
• Blood draw sent to an approved laboratory
• 30‑day waiting period starts once the lab receives the sample
• Average lab turnaround: 2–3 weeks
• Passing result required to proceed
Step 4: Hawaii Import Approval
• Completion of AQS‑279 Import Form
• Submission of rabies certificates and required fees
Step 5: Final Health Clearance (Within 14 Days of Travel)
• Physical examination
• Flea/tick treatment
• Official Hawaii health certificate
Typical total timeline: 5–6 months, sometimes longer if delays occur.
Estimated Hawaii‑Specific Costs (Real‑World Figures)
These are actual charges from our most recent Hawaii placement and should be used as a realistic baseline:
• FAVN Rabies Titer Test: $875.14
• Two rabies vaccines: ~$44.00
• Hawaii health certificate: ~$590.00
• Veterinary compliance concierge: ~$270.00
• Final pre‑travel exam: $52.00
• Fecal testing (if required): ~$98.00
• Heartworm test (if required): ~$40.00
🔹 Typical Hawaii‑specific total: $1,400–$2,000+ (before boarding, training, or transport)
⚠️ These costs do not include: • puppy or retired adult purchase price
• boarding or board‑and‑train during the waiting period
• airfare or in‑cabin transport
• repeat titers if results are insufficient
Boarding & Training During the Waiting Period
Because the Hawaii process requires months of waiting, extended care is almost always necessary.
• Boarding & basic care: $500 per week
• Board & Train: $750 per week (includes basic house‑training + boarding)
These fees cover daily care, supervision, and routine handling. They do not include veterinary costs, which are billed separately.
Veterinary Care & Hawaii Coordination
We work with a veterinary clinic that is experienced with Hawaii import regulations and already familiar with our dogs and program. This clinic successfully completed the Hawaii process for our previous placements and will be used again for future Hawaii travel.
All Hawaii‑related veterinary services are coordinated through this clinic to ensure compliance and continuity of care.
What We Cover vs. Buyer Responsibilities
What We Cover (Standard for All Puppies)
Up to 12 weeks of age, we cover:
• routine care
• first two sets of puppy vaccines
• routine deworming
This is identical to mainland placements.
Buyer Responsibilities (Hawaii Placements)
All costs beyond 12 weeks and all Hawaii‑specific requirements are the responsibility of the Hawaii buyer, including:
Hawaii Compliance
• rabies vaccines
• FAVN titer testing
• Hawaii health certificate
• any repeat testing or delays
Ongoing Care During the Waiting Period
• remaining puppy vaccines
• wellness exams
• flea/tick prevention
• illness or emergency veterinary visits
If veterinary care is needed, we will act immediately. All associated costs are billed to the buyer.
Payment & Financial Policies (Hawaii Only)
• Full puppy or retired adult payment is required before the Hawaii process begins
• Hawaii‑related veterinary costs must be paid upfront prior to each appointment
• We pay the veterinarian directly
• The dog will not travel until all balances are paid in full
Once the Hawaii process begins, expenses are incurred immediately and are non‑refundable.
Important Reality Check for Hawaii Buyers
Families often contact us after being quoted $3,500–$6,500 for a Yorkshire Terrier within Hawaii. While mainland pricing may appear lower initially, once Hawaii compliance costs are added, the total investment is often similar.
Our goal is not to persuade—it is to inform.
Neighbor Island Travel & Inspection Permits
f a puppy or retired adult’s final destination is not Honolulu, an additional step may be required.
Some Neighbor Islands (such as Kona on the Big Island) are eligible for direct airport release, allowing the dog to bypass Honolulu quarantine facilities entirely. However, this requires:
• Submission and approval of a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit • Advance coordination with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture • Confirmation that the destination airport qualifies for direct release at the time of travel
This permit is in addition to all standard Hawaii rabies compliance steps and may involve: • additional paperwork • additional review time • strict scheduling requirements
Our most recent Hawaii placements were approved for direct release to Kona, allowing the puppies to travel directly to their final destination without routing through Honolulu.
Approval is not guaranteed and depends on: • destination island • airport eligibility • timing and completeness of submitted documents
Any fees, delays, or additional requirements related to Neighbor Island travel are the responsibility of the Hawaii buyer.
Is a Hawaii Placement Right for You?
A Hawaii placement may be a good fit if you:
• understand the extended timeline
• are financially prepared for ongoing costs
• value compliance and long‑term health
• prefer working with an experienced breeder and vet team