Plant Industry Division

Hawai‘i restricts the import and possession of many animals due to the threat to the state’s unique environment and agriculture.  Many animals are not allowed as pets and some require import permits from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch.

Animals such as snakes, large reptiles, wild predatory mammals, invasive bird species, invasive aquatic animals and non-native mammals are illegal in Hawai‘i.

The state’s Amnesty Program allows the voluntary surrender of illegal animals. No penalties will be assessed if a person voluntarily turns in a prohibited species before an investigation is initiated. Animals may be dropped off at local humane societies, municipal zoos, the Waikiki Aquarium or any Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Office.

List of Plant Quarantine Office locations

Animals surrendered under the Amnesty Program will not be euthanized and every effort will be made to rehome the animal elsewhere.

Please do not release illegal animals into the wild.

Anyone with information regarding illegal animals in Hawai‘i is asked to call the State’s Toll-Free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST(7378).  Any information provided will  be held confidentially.