Animal Industry Division

Requirements for Importing Livestock to Hawai‘i

Select one of the following for more information and import requirements for a particular species:

• Cattle
• Water Buffalo and Bison
• Horses
• Birds and poultry
• Sheep
• Goats
• Camelids
• Swine
• Semen and embryos
• Turtles and Tortoises
• Other species

Any exception to these requirements must have the prior approval of the Hawai‘i State Veterinarian or his approved staff veterinarian.

National database for Interstate Transport of Livestock:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/main/interstate-transport/

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Requirements for Intra-State Transport of Livestock

Movement of livestock within Hawai‘i utilizes two documents to aid in animal disease traceability.

The Certificate of Livestock Ownership/Movement (DC-44) is a form that accompanies all movements of livestock.  Established in 1986 to assist law enforcement with investigations of livestock rustling and is provided to an officer upon request.  (HRS 142-29).

• Species moving:
  • Cows
  • Bulls
  • Steers
  • Heifers
  • Calves
  • Horses
  • Hogs
  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Others (i.e. Alpacas, Llamas, Water Buffalos, Bison)
• Online forms (e-DC-44) are available and will automatically return the DC-44 to the Animal Industry Division when generated.
  • Visit statevet.com to access the e-DC-44 form. Link here: https://www.statevet.com/
  • Instructions for creating an account and setting up profiles are available here: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2023/09/eDC-44-Written-Instructions.pdf
  • A short video regarding the e-DC-44 form is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFCDV3N7uNo&t=5s

• Paper forms are still available by contacting the Animal Industry Division (contact info below). Paper forms must be returned to the Animal Industry Division.
• Harvest plants will request a copy of the form when livestock are presented.
• Inter-island transport companies, such as Young Bros. will request copies to accompany shipment.

The Permit to Ship (DC-8) is a form used specifically to permit movement of livestock or products that are quarantined due to significant animal disease.

• This form is only available in hardcopy form and is obtained by contacting the Animal Industry Division (contact info below).
• Owners are required to provide movement information and animal descriptions. The multi-carbon document is only valid when signed by a Veterinary Medical Officer and issued by the Animal Industry Division.
• The requirement for obtaining a Permit to Ship is communicated to operations through a quarantine hold order.

For questions regarding intra-state movement of livestock contact the Animal Industry Division:

• Phone:   (808) 483-7100
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

 

Transport Requirements for Intra-State Carriers (via Air and Sea)

New rules were established in December 2023 for the intra-state transport of livestock. For information on the responsibilities of air and sea carriers, go to: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/main/air-or-sea-vessel-carriers-transporting-cattle-sheep-goats-camelids-bison-and-water-buffalo/

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For additional information:

During office hours, for livestock, semen and embryos, & non-domestic animals call (808) 483-7113.

For information on dogs and cats, go to:  rabies quarantine information.

For birds, poultry, rabbits and other pets call (808) 837-8092 or click here to email

For emergency provisions, after hours, or on weekends, call (808) 837-8092.

Link to Animal Disease Control Branch information