Last Updated on March 26, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
A Guest Post by Sarah Hauser
📍 In This Post: Maui resident Sarah Hauser shares her step-by-step experience importing one of our Maremma Sheepdog puppies from California to Hawaiʻi, including the complete timeline, required documentation, costs, and hard-won lessons that will help you avoid common mistakes.
I like to believe in fate, even though I’m usually a very analytical, practical, and down-to-earth person. When I injured my ankle after years as a professional athlete, life forced me to slow down. During recovery, I started taking short walks along my street and befriended a neighbor’s dog — a Maremma Sheepdog named Pili.
Through the fence, I fell in love with her. Many of my friends have dogs, but there was something special about this one. The more I learned about the Maremma breed, the more fascinated I became. Around that time, my husband and I were building our home on our 1.5-acre property in Maui, Hawai’i, growing fruit trees and planning to get chickens. Since Maremmas are livestock guardian dogs, I figured one might be the perfect fit for our lifestyle — a gentle companion and protector all in one.
Finding a Maremma breeder, however, proved difficult. The breed is rare, and I couldn’t locate a reputable breeder in Hawaiʻi. After some online research, I discovered Kim Crawmer and Prancing Pony Farm in California. Reading through her website, it was immediately clear that Kim was passionate, ethical, and deeply knowledgeable about her dogs. I reached out, and as fate would have it, she had a new litter on the way. We reserved a puppy, and a few weeks later, Caia was born.
That’s when the next challenge began: figuring out how to bring her home to Maui.
💭 Kim’s Note: When Sarah first reached out about bringing a puppy to Hawaiʻi, I knew we’d need to work closely together to navigate the complex import requirements. Her diligence and attention to detail throughout this process are exactly what made this long-distance process successful. This is why I emphasize that committed, communicative families are far more important than proximity—the right match matters more than the miles.
Understanding Hawaiʻi’s Rabies-Free Import Requirements
Because Hawaiʻi is a rabies-free state, the Department of Agriculture has a very detailed import process for dogs. I spent weeks studying the requirements — any mistake could mean Caia would be sent into quarantine, something I wanted to avoid at all costs. Hopefully, by sharing our experience, I can help others navigate this process with a little less stress.
The Complete Import Process: Step-by-Step
Important: The process can change, so always download the most up-to-date official checklist directly from the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture website: 🔗 https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/
Editor’s Note: This guest post reflects one family’s experience completing Hawaiʻi’s pet import process. While requirements remain generally consistent, always verify current protocols with the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture before beginning your own import journey.
1️⃣ First Rabies Vaccine
The earliest a puppy can receive the first rabies vaccine is 12 weeks old (3 months).
2️⃣ Second Rabies Vaccine (Booster)
Must be given at least 30 days after the first one. 👉 Learn from my mistake! I counted four weeks instead of 30 days, and our second shot ended up being two days early. The airport-release vet confirmed it wouldn’t count, so we had to do a third shot later.
3️⃣ FAVN (Rabies Antibody Titer) Blood Test
This test measures the dog’s rabies antibody level. The blood sample must be taken by a vet and sent to an approved lab (we used Kansas State University). There’s debate about timing — some say wait three weeks, others a full month after the last rabies vaccine. Our vet said two weeks was acceptable, and Caia’s results came back perfect.
4️⃣ Send the FAVN Sample to the Lab
Your vet will handle the paperwork and shipping.
5️⃣ Wait for the Results
Ours took 10 business days. The required passing level is ≥0.5 IU/mL, and Caia’s results exceeded that easily.
6️⃣ Apply for a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP)
To enter directly into Maui, we had to apply for a NIIP using form AQS-279, along with:
Both rabies certificates The official FAVN results Once received by the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA), a 30-day waiting period begins before your dog is eligible to travel.
7️⃣ Vet Appointment Within 10 Days of Travel
Schedule a health exam to obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and apply a tick treatment from the approved HDOA list: 👉 https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/main/tick-treatments/ Make sure the vet records the product name, active ingredient, and date on the certificate.
8️⃣ Schedule an Airport-Release Appointment
This is done with a participating vet on Maui who coordinates directly with HDOA for the inspection at the airport.
9️⃣ Pick Up Your Puppy and Fly Home!
We flew Alaska Airlines, the only carrier that allows large 40″ crates.
⚡ Quick Timeline Summary:
- Puppy must be 12+ weeks for first rabies vaccine
- Minimum 30 days between first and second rabies vaccines
- FAVN blood test results take ~10 business days
- 30-day waiting period after HDOA receives your NIIP application
- Total minimum timeline: ~4-5 months from birth to travel
What It Really Costs
Approximate Costs
| Step | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First rabies vaccine | $55 |
| 2 | Second rabies vaccine (we paid twice due to timing mistake) | $110 |
| 3 & 4 | FAVN test + overnight shipping | $425.50 |
| 6 | NIIP application | $165 |
| 7 | Health certificate & tick treatment | $341 |
| 8 | Airport release vet appointment | $200 |
| – | Airline-approved crate | $300 |
| – | Alaska Airlines pet travel fee | $150 |
| — | Total | $1,746.50 |
💡 Planning Tip:
While import costs add up, remember that choosing the right breeder—one who provides lifetime support, comprehensive socialization, and health-tested parents—is an investment that pays dividends for 10-12 years. Learn more about our breeding program.
Lessons Learned
Double-check dates — 30 days means 30 days, not 4 weeks.
Communicate early and often with your breeder and vet. I am so grateful for the entire team at Valley Veterinary Services. They were very helpful and kind throughout this whole process, which probably was out of the ordinary for them.
Keep digital and printed copies of every document (FAVN, rabies certificates, NIIP).
It’s not easy to get a hold of HDOA for clarification — but the Maui airport release vet was extremely helpful and responsive.
Build in extra time for shipping and lab delays — patience pays off.
Why It Was Worth Every Step
Bringing Caia to Maui took planning and persistence, but I’m so glad we made the effort. After picking her up, we spent two days in San Diego visiting family. Having lived on a farm for her first six months, she was a total fish out of water — learning to be in an Airbnb, meeting another dog in its own turf, seeing a person in a wheelchair for the first time… and yet she was so adaptable, sweet, and content.
I could see the results of Kim’s incredible work — her thoughtful breeding and early socialization gave Caia the confidence to handle new experiences with calm curiosity. She is the most beautiful, gentle, and loving creature I’ve ever met. I can’t wait to watch her grow into her role as both guardian and beloved companion.
About the Author: Sarah lives on Maui with her husband, Casey, and Maremma Sheepdog, Caia, where they’re building a homestead with fruit trees and future chickens. Originally from France, she’s a professional athlete who discovered the joy of slowing down, neighborhood walks, and the perfect dog breed.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a Maremma Sheepdog from Prancing Pony Farm—whether you’re in Hawaiʻi, across the country, or anywhere in between—I’m here to support you through the process. Learn more about our available puppies and reservation process here, or contact me with questions about our long-distance Maremma shipping coordination service.
Related Reading:
Aloha, Caia! A Maremma Sheepdog Puppy’s Journey From California to Hawaii
My Dog Training Journey: From First-Time Owner to Confident Handler
From California to Canada, Why Distance Shouldn’t Stop You From Finding the Perfect Maremma
The One Thing Most LGD Owners Skip, But Shouldn’t
Why Smart Planning Makes All the Difference: Your Guide to Maremma Success
This Story Started With One Smart Decision.
Getting on the Master Reservation List before you’re ready isn’t just about securing a spot — it’s about starting the relationship, the preparation, and the process at the right time. For $500 applied toward your purchase, you’ll hold your place in line and have direct access to Kim while you get ready to bring home your Prancing Pony Maremma.
