Next, you'll need to decide how to get your pet over the Pacific Ocean. There are a few different options- depending on the size and breed of your dog- to consider:

1. Flying with pet as a checked bag (pet is in the cargo hold of the plane where you are a ticketed passenger). (*Best for small/medium breeds that can fit in a 400 series or smaller kennel, where airlines allow. Alaska and Hawaiian (as of September 2025) allow pets in cargo, note that an additional reservation is needed to secure your spot.)

2. Flying your pet in cabin if they are small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. (*Best option if it is physically possible for your dog, you must closely review your airline's website to understand carrier requirements, note that if your dog or cat is too large you may be turned away)

3. Shipping your pet via a professional pet shipping company (your pet will fly as cargo on a plane). (*Best for stressed out families that want professional guidance and don't mind the added cost. Note that you will still need to do all the work yourself, they will handle the reservation and *some* paperwork for you)

4. Shipping your pet yourself via cargo. (*Best for large breeds, and/or if the airline you are booked on does not allow pets as cargo on flights to Hawaii). less costly than paying a pet shipping company). Most people use Pacific Air Cargo.

However your pet gets there, unless you are paying for door to door service, you will need to pick your pet up at AQS at HNL (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport). Don't be like this writer and be completely lost when arriving! The holding area is between terminals 1 and 2. If you are arriving with your pet in cargo, I recommend picking up your rental car and getting checked bags before driving to the holding facility.

Directions to Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xq55zotrZUB8Ee7b8

If you're not already aware, there is a set list of approved hotels where you can stay when arriving in Hawaii. For most branches (excluding Army) you must try to stay at the Navy Lodge first before booking elsewhere off the approved list. If the Navy Lodge does not have availability you will get a Certificate of Non Availability (CNA) which will authorize you to make arrangements at civilian hotels.

The two most recommended hotels for pets are the Navy Lodge Ford Island and the Queen Kapiolani (Waikiki). 

1. Navy Lodge Ford Island (Call to reserve)

PROS: Huge waterfront dog park- the best dog park on the island by far. Large rooms, plenty of parking, in close proximity to JBPHH.

CONS: You need to rent a car if you are staying here, there is a 1 mile bridge separating Ford Island from the "mainland" O'ahu. The breakfast, although free, is less than desirable (as of November 2024)- and primarily consisted of cereal/cold packaged food. 

2. Queen Kapiolani

PROS: Amazing location in Waikiki, across the street from  the zoo,($10 for military!),  Queen Kapiolani Park and, of course, Waikiki Beach. The hotel is pet friendly. 

CONS: Much smaller rooms than Navy Lodge, valet parking only, 30+ minutes from JBPHH depending on traffic, no nearby dog parks.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Veterinary Treatment Facility: As of September 2025, the on-post vet at JBPHH offers vaccine clinics and walk in sick call on select days. Email usarmy.jbphh.phc-pacific.mbx.hickam-vtf@health.mil for the fastest response- calling can be unreliable.

Follow of Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HickamJBPHHVTF/

Fort Shafter Veterinary Treatment Facility: Also close to JBPHH is Ft. Shafter, if you cannot get an appointment at JBPHH or if Ft. Shafter is closer to you this is a good option.  Email: usarmy.fortshaftervtf@health.mil

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fortshafterveterinary/

Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services: Local, off base vet clinic close to JBPHH. https://alohaaffordablevet.com/