Aloha All Animal Lovers
First, we need to say ‘Bon Voyage’ to Fifi and Rover back home.
Leaving your beloved pets to go on a trip is something you need to pre-plan. Having family members who are willing to take them or stay with them, is genuinely the best option.
They are trustworthy, familiar and usually free of charge.
That being said, you still need to supply the pets food, toys, treats, food & water bowls, medication and vets phone number.
Using a Pet Sitter
If you are taking your pet(s) to another person’s home, try to do it the day before you travel and plan to pick them up the day after you return. That way you are not stressed (which the animals will feel) and you can have some sense of sanity while getting your other loved ones out the door on time.
Always bring the pet something from your home, like a bed or blanket, gives them some comfort and a sense that you are coming back. If a total stranger is now the caregiver, set up a time that this person can feed your animal directly in front of you.
This gives your pet a sign that this person is safe and that they can eat from them.
Boarding Facilities
If you are looking into pet shelters or kennels, read all reviews, visit the facility and get to know the Owners.
Ask as many questions as you want ie; Are small dogs mixed with big dogs? How much outside time do they get each day? Are cats kept separate from other animals? Can the cats stay indoors?
Once you have found a place you trust and agree with the price, get it booked. Kennels can fill up fast, during peak travelling months.
Bringing pets to Hawaii
If you’re going away for a longer period of time, you may want to bring your pets with you on the trip.
Visitors to Hawaii who travel with their pets, have rules they have to abide by. Since 1912 there have been restrictions on incoming animals, the length of quarantine was 30-120 days. In 2003 that changed, there is now a 5 day quarantine period option.
Rules now include the following:
Pet must have…
- A microchip
- A Rabies shot and a booster shot
- Pet must pass a blood serum test
- Hawaiian officials must receive health certificate at least 10 days before your arrival.
Finding the right animal for you
When you get to paradise, you can always find some kind of animal to soothe that human nature. All Hawaiian islands have sanctuaries for unwanted pets.
You can visit, volunteer and even adopt a dog for a day to hang out with. Not only does this help the hard working staff, but for yourself and that animal it can be a GREAT day!
If you like the hands on approach, why not go do yoga with a goat or visit a cat cafe. Some islands boast exotic animal sanctuaries that house many animal types including monkeys, zebras, reptiles and most bird species. Some wildlife centers care for many species of birds and the endangered hoary bat, that is native to Hawaii. Others offer a home for donkeys, bunnies, pigs, goats, deer and peacocks. Some injured or with medical needs, but always a great place to visit.
Maybe you’re into marine life, there are aquariums on Oahu and Maui, Some with interactive tanks, like swimming with sharks or playing with penguins. The Honolulu Zoo on Oahu is a great visit, their vast selection of animals never fail to impress. Odd but true, the Big island of Hawaii even has a seahorse farm. Most islands offer horseback riding and the lush greenery and views from atop a horse can be the best part of your vacation.
Animal Destination
Some folks go to a place, just to see specific animals like Thailand to ride an elephant, India to be mobbed by monkeys or to see thousands of monarch butterflies in Mexico. When travellers come to Hawaii, most likely will get to see sea turtles, whales, monk seals, the state bird the Nene and chickens… lots and lots of chickens. On Kauai the chickens run wild, many were released into the wild from pens when the 1982 and 1992 hurricanes came through the islands.
The respected ‘Honu’ or sea turtle is always looking for extra preservation and protection. Organizations are available to learn more and volunteer to help teach visitors about the endangered sea turtle. Please remember that you should never touch the turtles or seals while they are sunning themselves on the beach. There are some pretty steep fines if you do and remember, everyone has a camera now, so just don’t do it.
The humpback whale season in Hawaii is from November to May, with the peak months of January to March. Seeing these beautiful creatures in their environment is something you will never forget. Other popular activities on the Hawaiian island include; swimming with dolphins (wild and captive), swimming with sharks, in a cage of course and swimming with manta rays during their night time feeding.