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Pet travel route

Dog or cat from Hawaii (US) to Kuwait: official requirements

Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least about 3 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip number on the certificate, rabies vaccination and other vaccinations and 4 more.

Rules checked up to 14 October 2026From 10 official pagesGet an alert if these rules change

Make my dated plan Reverse: Kuwait → Hawaii (US)

In short

We’re re-checking these rules. An official source they rely on has changed since we last verified them, so something here may be out of date. Before you book or travel, confirm the details with the official authority.

Limited official guidance. The authority for entering Kuwait publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) has no page we could reach, and its pet rules aren't on Kuwait's e-government portal either. These rules come from PAAF's own model health certificate for dogs, cats and ferrets (October 2026 version, published by the US Department of Agriculture for pets from the US), the Kuwaiti embassy in Japan's answer about PAAF's import permit, and the UK's guidance for its Kuwait certificate. We apply PAAF's certificate to every country of origin, but the certificate agreed with your country may differ. None of these sources says how long before travel the health certificate may be issued (except from Japan), whether a microchip is compulsory, the minimum age, or how to apply for the permit and what it costs. Contact PAAF (info@paaf.gov.kw) and your own veterinary authority before you travel.

At a glance

How early to start (dogs)

about 3 months

whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival (sample taken at least 3 months before entering Kuwait)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (dogs)

  • Rabies blood test needed
  • Import permit needed
  • Parasite treatment before travel

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

How early to start (cats)

about 3 months

whether or not your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated

Set by: Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival (sample taken at least 3 months before entering Kuwait)

The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.

On this route (cats)

  • Rabies blood test needed
  • Import permit needed
  • Parasite treatment before travel

Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.

Hawaii (US) → Kuwait

What your pet needs

In the order you do them. Each step says whether Hawaii (US) (leaving) or Kuwait (entering) asks for it.

Dogs

Bringing a dog or cat into Kuwait: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

  1. Get ready

    1. IdentificationEntering Kuwait

      Microchip number on the certificate

      PAAF's certificate records your pet's microchip number (10 to 15 digits). Have your pet microchipped before the rabies vaccination so the vaccination and the blood test can be matched to it.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      The certificate has a box for the microchip number but doesn't say in words that a microchip is compulsory or when it must be implanted.

      “Microchip No.: 10 to 15 digits”

    2. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Rabies vaccination

      Pets from countries with rabies must be vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine made to WOAH standards, following the vaccine maker's instructions. The vet records the date, the vaccine, its maker, batch and expiry, and the period of validity on the certificate. The vaccination must still be valid when your pet arrives.

      Details and the official words

      PAAF's certificate asks for the vaccination for pets 'originating from countries considered infected with rabies', but we couldn't find PAAF's list of such countries, so the plan asks for it from every country: ask PAAF if your country is rabies-free.

      “Dogs, cats, and ferrets originating from countries considered infected with rabies.”

      “Only vaccines produced in compliance with the recommendations of the WOAH Terrestrial Manual should be used.”

      “Vaccination or Re-vaccination should be carried out in accordance with the recommendation of manufacturer.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Other vaccinations

      Dogs: parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola). Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Given according to the vaccine maker's instructions and recorded on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “Vaccination for other diseases (dogs)”

      “Canine Parvovirus”

      “Canine Distemper virus”

      “Infectious Canine Hepatitis”

      “(Icterohemorrhagiae & Canicola)”

      “Feline Panleukopenia”

      “Feline Rhinotracheitis”

      “Feline Calcivirus”

    4. Blood testEntering Kuwait

      Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival

      Your pet needs a rabies antibody test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an official laboratory. The blood sample must be taken no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months before your pet enters Kuwait, so start early: the earliest arrival is 3 months after the sample.

      Details and the official words

      “Note: Serological testing is required; the animal should have been subjected not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months prior to its introduction into the importing country, to an antibody titration, as prescribed in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual with a positive result of at least 0.5 IU.”

      “Rabies titer tests are required no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months prior to entering Kuwait.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. PermitEntering Kuwait

      PAAF import permit (valid for one month)

      You need an import permit issued by Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) before your pet leaves. It is valid for one month from the date it is issued, so your pet must arrive within that month. Contact PAAF on +965 1885020 or info@paaf.gov.kw to apply. The Kuwaiti embassy in Washington listed a written request with your pet's details and your sponsor's details; the processing time and fee aren't published.

      Details and the official words

      The one-month validity comes from the Kuwaiti embassy in Japan's answer about bringing a pet to Kuwait; the UK's guidance confirms that the permit must be obtained from PAAF's Animal Health Department before export. Neither says who applies (relocation guides say a person in Kuwait does): ask PAAF.

      The Washington embassy's page (read 14 October 2026) lists the same three things as its 2024 version: the permit from PAAF, a valid health certificate from a certified vet, and a written request with the pet's and the sponsor's information. It gives no form, fee, lead time or address for the request.

      “また、クウェートのThe Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs & Fish Resourcesが発行する輸入許可書も必要です。”

      “この許可書は発行日より1か月間有効です。”

      “+965 1885020またはEmail: info@paaf.gov.kwにご連絡をお取り下さい。”

      “A pet import certificate issued by the Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (P.A.F.N).”

      “A written request including the pet and sponsors' information.”

      “The importation of dogs and cats into Kuwait is subject to the issue of an import permit which must be obtained prior to export from The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, Animal Health Dept.”

    2. Vet examLeaving Hawaii (US)

      Use a USDA-accredited veterinarian

      Only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can issue your pet's international health certificate. Tell them the destination, any transit countries, your departure date and whether the pet travels in the cabin or as cargo.

      Details and the official words

      “contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel”

    3. TreatmentEntering Kuwait

      Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before export

      Your vet treats your pet against internal and external parasites within the 14 days before it leaves, and records it on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “The animals were treated against internal and external parasites within 14 days prior to export.”

    4. PaperworkHawaii (US) and Kuwait

      PAAF's veterinary health certificate, endorsed by an official vet

      A USDA-accredited vet examines your pet (free from clinical signs of infectious disease and fit to travel) and completes PAAF's 'Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait' for the US, with the rabies, blood-test, vaccination and parasite records. The certificate doesn't say how long before travel it may be issued: ask PAAF.

      Details and the official words

      USDA's page for Kuwait (6 October 2026) says both that APHIS endorsement is not required for pet dogs and cats and that the certificate must be endorsed by APHIS. Until that is cleared up, the plan keeps the USDA endorsement step for pets from the US: ask your accredited vet.

      USDA APHIS endorsement: Your accredited vet submits the certificate to USDA APHIS (usually electronically through VEHCS) for endorsement; the endorsement date counts as the issue date for the destination.

      “Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait”

      “To be endorsed by the official government veterinarian”

      “that the animal was found to be free from clinical signs of infectious diseases and fit to travel.”

      “The health certificate must be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS”

      “APHIS endorsement is not required for Pet Dogs and Cats to Kuwait.”

      “A valid health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian.”

      “健康診断書は担当獣医師による署名がなされており、渡航の日より3ヶ月以内に発行されたものである必要があります。”

      “また、大使館へ提出する前に外務省の認証を受けておいて下さい。”

      “assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate”

Good to know

  • Kuwait prohibits these dog breeds and any mix of them (as listed by the US Department of Agriculture): Pit Bull and American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Mastiffs (including Tibetan, Brazilian/Fila Brasileiro, Argentinian/Dogo Argentino, Neapolitan, French/Dogue de Bordeaux, Canary/Presa Canario, Italian/Cane Corso, Japanese/Tosa, Indian/Bully Kutta, Bullmastiff and South African/Boerboel), Rottweiler, Central Asian Shepherd (Alabai), Wolf Dog, Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka), Doberman Pinscher and Anatolian Shepherd (Kangal).
  • If the conditions on PAAF's certificate aren't met, the pet is kept in Kuwait's quarantine station under Kuwait's veterinary legislation.
  • The certificate states that your pet is transported according to IATA rules: use an IATA-compliant travel crate and check your airline's own pet rules.
  • Leaving Hawaii and planning to bring your pet back? Hawaii's quarantine rules for the return must be met before your pet leaves Hawaii, or it faces up to 120 days of quarantine when it comes back. Before departure: a working microchip, then at least two rabies vaccinations more than 30 days apart, the most recent given in Hawaii at least 14 days before departure (and still valid on return), and a passing FAVN rabies blood test (0.5 IU/ml or more) at an approved lab that received the sample at least 14 days before departure. A licensed vet in Hawaii must also issue a health certificate for the departure, with the pet's Hawaii address and departure date. Send the documents to the Animal Quarantine Station more than 10 days before the return. (Hawaii's Checklist 3, for a return to Honolulu; Checklist 4 covers a direct return to Kona, Kahului or Lihue.)
  • USDA: destination requirements can change at any time — check them every time you travel.
  • Coming back to the U.S. with your dog? Your destination is high-risk for dog rabies, so get the 'Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination' from a USDA-accredited vet BEFORE you leave — it can't be issued afterwards.

Cats

Bringing a dog or cat into Kuwait: we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.

  1. Get ready

    1. IdentificationEntering Kuwait

      Microchip number on the certificate

      PAAF's certificate records your pet's microchip number (10 to 15 digits). Have your pet microchipped before the rabies vaccination so the vaccination and the blood test can be matched to it.

      The official wording is ambiguous. Confirm this point with the authority.

      Details and the official words

      The certificate has a box for the microchip number but doesn't say in words that a microchip is compulsory or when it must be implanted.

      “Microchip No.: 10 to 15 digits”

    2. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Rabies vaccination

      Pets from countries with rabies must be vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine made to WOAH standards, following the vaccine maker's instructions. The vet records the date, the vaccine, its maker, batch and expiry, and the period of validity on the certificate. The vaccination must still be valid when your pet arrives.

      Details and the official words

      PAAF's certificate asks for the vaccination for pets 'originating from countries considered infected with rabies', but we couldn't find PAAF's list of such countries, so the plan asks for it from every country: ask PAAF if your country is rabies-free.

      “Dogs, cats, and ferrets originating from countries considered infected with rabies.”

      “Only vaccines produced in compliance with the recommendations of the WOAH Terrestrial Manual should be used.”

      “Vaccination or Re-vaccination should be carried out in accordance with the recommendation of manufacturer.”

    3. VaccinationEntering Kuwait

      Other vaccinations

      Dogs: parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola). Cats: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Given according to the vaccine maker's instructions and recorded on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “Vaccination for other diseases (dogs)”

      “Canine Parvovirus”

      “Canine Distemper virus”

      “Infectious Canine Hepatitis”

      “(Icterohemorrhagiae & Canicola)”

      “Feline Panleukopenia”

      “Feline Rhinotracheitis”

      “Feline Calcivirus”

    4. Blood testEntering Kuwait

      Rabies blood test 3 to 12 months before arrival

      Your pet needs a rabies antibody test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an official laboratory. The blood sample must be taken no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months before your pet enters Kuwait, so start early: the earliest arrival is 3 months after the sample.

      Details and the official words

      “Note: Serological testing is required; the animal should have been subjected not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months prior to its introduction into the importing country, to an antibody titration, as prescribed in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual with a positive result of at least 0.5 IU.”

      “Rabies titer tests are required no less than 3 months and no more than 12 months prior to entering Kuwait.”

  2. In the days before you travel

    1. PermitEntering Kuwait

      PAAF import permit (valid for one month)

      You need an import permit issued by Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) before your pet leaves. It is valid for one month from the date it is issued, so your pet must arrive within that month. Contact PAAF on +965 1885020 or info@paaf.gov.kw to apply. The Kuwaiti embassy in Washington listed a written request with your pet's details and your sponsor's details; the processing time and fee aren't published.

      Details and the official words

      The one-month validity comes from the Kuwaiti embassy in Japan's answer about bringing a pet to Kuwait; the UK's guidance confirms that the permit must be obtained from PAAF's Animal Health Department before export. Neither says who applies (relocation guides say a person in Kuwait does): ask PAAF.

      The Washington embassy's page (read 14 October 2026) lists the same three things as its 2024 version: the permit from PAAF, a valid health certificate from a certified vet, and a written request with the pet's and the sponsor's information. It gives no form, fee, lead time or address for the request.

      “また、クウェートのThe Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs & Fish Resourcesが発行する輸入許可書も必要です。”

      “この許可書は発行日より1か月間有効です。”

      “+965 1885020またはEmail: info@paaf.gov.kwにご連絡をお取り下さい。”

      “A pet import certificate issued by the Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (P.A.F.N).”

      “A written request including the pet and sponsors' information.”

      “The importation of dogs and cats into Kuwait is subject to the issue of an import permit which must be obtained prior to export from The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, Animal Health Dept.”

    2. Vet examLeaving Hawaii (US)

      Use a USDA-accredited veterinarian

      Only a USDA-accredited veterinarian can issue your pet's international health certificate. Tell them the destination, any transit countries, your departure date and whether the pet travels in the cabin or as cargo.

      Details and the official words

      “contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel”

    3. TreatmentEntering Kuwait

      Internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days before export

      Your vet treats your pet against internal and external parasites within the 14 days before it leaves, and records it on the certificate.

      Details and the official words

      “The animals were treated against internal and external parasites within 14 days prior to export.”

    4. PaperworkHawaii (US) and Kuwait

      PAAF's veterinary health certificate, endorsed by an official vet

      A USDA-accredited vet examines your pet (free from clinical signs of infectious disease and fit to travel) and completes PAAF's 'Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait' for the US, with the rabies, blood-test, vaccination and parasite records. The certificate doesn't say how long before travel it may be issued: ask PAAF.

      Details and the official words

      USDA's page for Kuwait (6 October 2026) says both that APHIS endorsement is not required for pet dogs and cats and that the certificate must be endorsed by APHIS. Until that is cleared up, the plan keeps the USDA endorsement step for pets from the US: ask your accredited vet.

      USDA APHIS endorsement: Your accredited vet submits the certificate to USDA APHIS (usually electronically through VEHCS) for endorsement; the endorsement date counts as the issue date for the destination.

      “Veterinary Health Certificate for exporting Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets to the State of Kuwait”

      “To be endorsed by the official government veterinarian”

      “that the animal was found to be free from clinical signs of infectious diseases and fit to travel.”

      “The health certificate must be issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS”

      “APHIS endorsement is not required for Pet Dogs and Cats to Kuwait.”

      “A valid health certificate issued by a certified veterinarian.”

      “健康診断書は担当獣医師による署名がなされており、渡航の日より3ヶ月以内に発行されたものである必要があります。”

      “また、大使館へ提出する前に外務省の認証を受けておいて下さい。”

      “assist you through the process of obtaining a USDA-endorsed pet health certificate”

Good to know

  • If the conditions on PAAF's certificate aren't met, the pet is kept in Kuwait's quarantine station under Kuwait's veterinary legislation.
  • The certificate states that your pet is transported according to IATA rules: use an IATA-compliant travel crate and check your airline's own pet rules.
  • Leaving Hawaii and planning to bring your pet back? Hawaii's quarantine rules for the return must be met before your pet leaves Hawaii, or it faces up to 120 days of quarantine when it comes back. Before departure: a working microchip, then at least two rabies vaccinations more than 30 days apart, the most recent given in Hawaii at least 14 days before departure (and still valid on return), and a passing FAVN rabies blood test (0.5 IU/ml or more) at an approved lab that received the sample at least 14 days before departure. A licensed vet in Hawaii must also issue a health certificate for the departure, with the pet's Hawaii address and departure date. Send the documents to the Animal Quarantine Station more than 10 days before the return. (Hawaii's Checklist 3, for a return to Honolulu; Checklist 4 covers a direct return to Kona, Kahului or Lihue.)
  • USDA: destination requirements can change at any time — check them every time you travel.

Money

What it costs

Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Hawaii (US) publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.

Government fees on this route

  • USDA APHIS health certificate endorsementLeaving United States, Hawaii (US)160 USD
    “Number of Pets Associated Fee per Certificate 0 Any $101 per certificate 1-2 1 $160 1-2 2 or more $160 for the first pet, plus $10 for each additional pet on the same certificate.”

    Cost to endorse your pet's health certificate · as of 2026-06-18

Government fees in total: 160 USD (each currency separately)

What vets and labs charge Not official figures

Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices

If you need them Not official figures

  • Travel cratea pet shop or the airline139.99–269.99 USD
    • Petmate (petmate.com): Petmate Sky Kennel, 28" (28 x 20.5 x 21.5 in), weight range 25-30 lbs as the page states; page says it complies with the IATA Live Animals Regulation (51st edition, 2025); manufacturer's own online store139.99 USD · read 2026-10-13
    • Petmate (petmate.com): Petmate Sky Kennel, 40" (40 x 27 x 30 in), weight range 70-90 lbs as the page states; IATA LAR-compliant per the page; manufacturer's own online store269.99 USD · read 2026-10-13
  • Pet shipper, door to doora pet relocation company3,395–10,000 USD
    • Starwood Pet Travel: Published starting price for relocating 1 pet (dog) from the USA to the UK with Starwood Pet Travel; the page calls it a starting estimate and says final costs vary3,395 USD · read 2026-10-13
    • PetRelocation, Inc.: Published pricing example: door-to-door move of 1 small pet from the United States abroad with PetRelocation (Complete Relocation Support); the page says vet visits and a travel crate are not included5,975–10,000 USD · read 2026-10-13
    • PetRelocation, Inc.: Published worked example: one small dog moving from the United States to Singapore with PetRelocation Complete Support, total of required costs plus service fee; the page calls these estimates based on typical cases7,500 USD · read 2026-10-13

Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.

Round trip

Coming back to Hawaii (US)

Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Hawaii (US).

The trip back asks for 6 steps: rabies vaccination #1, rabies vaccination #2 (a booster, more than 30 days before arrival), rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day wait and tick treatment within 14 days before arrival and more.

Every step from Kuwait to Hawaii (US)

Nearby routes

Other routes

Where this comes from

Official sources

Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-14.

Entering KuwaitLeaving Hawaii (US)Report a mistakeGet rule-change alerts

Questions owners ask

Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Hawaii (US) to Kuwait?

Yes: Your pet needs a rabies antibody test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done by an official laboratory.

Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Kuwait?

Yes: You need an import permit issued by Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAF) before your pet leaves.

Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Kuwait?

We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.

How early should I start preparing my pet for Hawaii (US) to Kuwait?

With nothing done yet, start at least about 3 months ahead for a dog. The main steps: microchip number on the certificate, rabies vaccination and other vaccinations and 4 more.

Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake

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