Transporting Livestock into Hawaii and Intra-State
Requirements for Importing Livestock to Hawaii
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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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