Quarantine fees go up,
so do pet arrivals

QUARANTINE ARCHIVE

By Leila Fujimori
Star-Bulletin

It's not raining cats and dogs, but pets are arriving here in growing numbers despite quarantine fees that have more than doubled since July.

From July through September, 1,416 animals were brought into Hawaii, up 135 from the same period last year, said quarantine program director Dewey Sturges.

"And if they (the numbers) continue as they are, fiscal year 2000 will be as high, if not higher, than fiscal year 1999," Sturges said. "I think more people are bringing all their animals."

Pet owners now pay $655 for a minimum 30-day stay in quarantine for a dog or cat. For those who do not meet pre-arrival qualifications, the cost is $1,080 for a 120-day stay.

Before July, quarantine fees were $275 for cats and $290 for dogs. They rose to $555 in July, and climbed to the current rates in August.

Rates went up to make the quarantine station self-sufficient, since it no longer falls under the state general fund. Fees will rise in two $20-increments in the next two years, which should be adequate in covering overhead increases, Sturges said.