Hawaiian Humane Society waives dog adoption fees as shelters reach critical capacity

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaiian Humane Society waived dog adoption fees through Sunday as pet shelters reach critical capacity across the state.

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The nonprofit has more than 950 animals in its care, with some dogs housed in pop-up crates. The society said that the small enclosures do not support the animals’ long-term physical and emotional well-being.

“Every dog in our care deserves more than emergency overflow housing, and right now we need our community’s help to change that,” said Anna Neubauer, president and CEO of Hawaiian Humane Society.

As part of the Flash Adoption Special, the fee will be waived at the following locations:

The two official campuses are open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The adoption event is set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Animals coming in faster than being adopted

The Hawaiian Humane Society says shelters are at critical capacity because animals are coming in faster than they’re being adopted.

330 animals were adopted during the Empty the Shelters nationwide adoption event, lasting from May 1 to May 17.

The nonprofit said that while the generosity was significant, 925 animals have since been brought in as strays, and that pace has continued since the event closed.

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“We are asking Oʻahu to show up this weekend, and we will be ready when you do,” said Neubauer.

Other ways to help

The Hawaiian Humane Society said there are other ways to help besides adoption.

Its Couch Crashers program allows community members to temporarily foster a dog for one to two weeks.

The foster parent can give the animal a break from the kennel environment while giving staff an idea of how a dog behaves in a home.

It can help the dog find a better match for a home later, according to the Hawaiian Humane Society.

The nonprofit is also accepting donations of clean, gently used large towels and blankets for shelter pets.

Anyone interested in adopting, fostering, or donating may visit the organization’s website for more information.

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