Aloha
Tara!
Tara is wearing a traditional Hawaiian
Lei of Orchids which was made for her by Leah. This was Tara's Welcome
Home gift (along with some of her favorite biscuits, a new toy and lots
of petting), after spending FOUR LONG MONTHS in the Hawaiian Quarantine
Station. This was a requirement of all pets at the time we moved to
the state. It is supposedly a good thing because there are no Rabies nor
some of the other animal disease's in Hawaii, which are a problem in other
states. Here, she had just walked in the door and seemed to be dazed by
having space, furniture and a soft carpet as part of her environment again.
Finally she realized, she was in her new home and the joy set in as she
ran around the house full speed ahead at least a couple of dozen times.
.
Being in quarantine was probably the most
horrible of her life's experiences. Pets are placed in a cage with a small
enclosed area and a short 6' run space. There were literally thousands
of animals there, mostly dogs and cats. Unless we visited, she never
received any care other than having her cage sprayed out and being supplied
with food and water twice a day. The first two months, my daughter and
I went almost every day. The third month, we were working and only went
twice a week and by the fourth month we were down to once a week due to
heavy schedules and the fact that the station was on the opposite side
of the island from where we worked and lived. We used to call it "Puppy
Prison" due to the conditions and the fact that the State Prison is
located just a few miles away in the same valley. It was a very bad
experience for us all and we were very, very happy to have her home!
Tara
in Puppy Prison.
.
.
Now, as we are preparing to return to
Hawaii, I was relieved to discover it is possible for pets to go through
only one month of quarantine followed by three months of vet supervision.
There are very strict requirements which must be met for up to a year prior
to the entry, including having a microchip implanted and receiving a series
of specific vaccinations and blood tests. Of course the price didn't go
down, it costs as much now for one month as it did 6 years ago for four
months. Without meeting these requirements, a pet must stay for four months
which as of 9/1/99, costs $1,085.00. With the expenses of meeting all the
pre and post entry requirements, the total cost for one month is about
the same. STILL, moving away from Hawaii was necessary and I could not
leave my "Baby" behind and so as well she must go back with me, what ever
the cost or sacrifice.
.
You can learn more about the Hawaii animal
quarantine requirements by contacting:
.
State Of Hawaii, Department Of Agriculture,
Division Of Animal Industry,
Animal Quarantine Branch
99-951 Halawa Valley Street
Aiea, HI 96701-3294
.
PHONE: 808-483-7151
FAX: 808-483-7161
.
.
.Tara
checking out her new territory.
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