Hawaiian Humane Society Exceeds Shelter Capacity

The Hawaiian Humane Society is currently experiencing significant animal overcrowding, with nearly 1,300 animals in its care. According to officials, both campuses are operating at 137% to 176% of their kennel capacity, resulting in unsustainable conditions such as the use of pop-up crates and shared kennels. The organization is appealing to the community for help in alleviating the strain on its resources.

The Challenge of Animal Overcrowding

Anna Neubauer, President and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society, emphasized the realities of operating as an open admission shelter. "We accept every stray and displaced animal who comes to us, no matter how full our kennels are. But capacity for care is about more than kennel space. It’s whether we can give each animal the time, attention and medical care they need, and right now we are well past that point," she stated.

Community Support Through the Couch Crashers Program

To help ease shelter capacity challenges, the Hawaiian Humane Society is urging residents to participate in the Couch Crashers program, which allows people to foster pets for short periods. Through this program, animals get a break from the stress of the animal shelter, and space is freed up for other strays or displaced pets in need of immediate care.

Neubauer highlighted the impact of community involvement, saying, "Every dog who spends a few nights on someone’s couch, every found kitten cared for at home and every pet rehomed directly makes room for the animals who have nowhere else to go." Even short stays outside the shelter can significantly improve animal wellbeing.

Other Ways to Assist the Shelter

• Adopt or Foster a Pet: Adoption and foster programs are critical for reducing overcrowding and improving animal care. Details about how to adopt or foster pets can be found on the Hawaiian Humane Society website.
• Become a Finder Foster: Residents who find stray pets can participate in the Finder Foster program, caring for found pets at home while HHS retains ownership.
• Kitten Kits: Those who find kittens and are willing to provide temporary care can receive a free Kitten Kit to get started.
• Assist Lost Pets: Community members can help lost animals by filing Found Pet Reports, taking pets to a veterinarian for microchip scans, and caring for them temporarily until reunification with their families.
• Pause Owner Surrenders: The Society is asking the public to delay owner surrenders except in emergencies or situations with no alternatives. The Home to Home platform is available to assist those who must part with their pets.
• Donate: Individuals who are unable to foster or adopt can support the animal shelter by making donations or purchasing items from the Society's wishlist.

How to Get Involved

Information about the Couch Crashers program can be found directly through the Hawaiian Humane Society's website. Other resources, including adoption, foster information, and donation links, are also available online. By participating in these initiatives, community members play an important role in supporting animal wellbeing and helping the Society manage the challenge of animal overcrowding.

Source: khon2.com.