Letter: Cat-lover laments isles’ unfriendly skies for pets

“Pet-unfriendly islands,” indeed (Star-Advertiser, June 8).

The state of Hawaii makes it difficult for a resident to travel with a pet to the mainland and back.

To take my 15-year-old indoor cat to the mainland and back, I am required to subject him to two rabies vaccinations prior to travel. If we are on the mainland more than 14 days, he has to have an additional health check there and be treated for ticks, even if he stays inside.

The state poorly documents the entire process in a checklist found here: hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2018/10/E3_Checklist-3_10.10.2018.pdf

For interisland travel, Hawaiian Airlines allows pet birds in proper enclosures as checked baggage only, but allows dogs and cats to travel in-cabin.

Finding an apartment rental that accepts pets is nearly impossible.

Hawaii is most unfriendly to animals.

Kevin Roddy

St. Louis Heights

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