Hawaiian Humane Society Reaches Critical Overcrowding Levels

The Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) is experiencing an unprecedented influx of animals, with nearly 1,300 currently in its care. Both campuses are operating at between 137% and 176% of kennel capacity, forcing the shelter to rely on pop-up crates, shared kennels, and other temporary measures to house the animals.

Urgent Call for Community Support

HHS President and CEO Anna Neubauer highlighted the challenges open admission shelters face. Neubauer said, "As open admission shelters, 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." This has created an urgent need for community help to relieve the overcrowded shelter and support animal welfare.

The Couch Crashers Program: Fostering for Relief

The Hawaiian Humane Society is promoting its Couch Crashers program as a way for Hawaii residents to temporarily foster animals. The program gives dogs and cats a much-needed break from the stressful shelter environment and creates space for additional animals. According to Neubauer, "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 a short-term foster placement is considered one of the most effective ways to support animal well-being.

More information on becoming a foster through the Couch Crashers program can be found at the HHS official website.

Additional Ways the Public Can Help

In addition to fostering, the Hawaiian Humane Society outlines several other ways for community members to assist:

• Adopt or foster a pet: Those interested in pet adoption or animal fostering can find more details on the HHS adoption and foster pages.
• Finder Foster program: If someone finds a stray pet, they can participate in the Finder Foster program, with HHS retaining ownership while the individual provides temporary care at home.
• Kitten care: For individuals able to care for found kittens, HHS offers free Kitten Kits with supplies to help get started.
• Support lost pets: Community members are encouraged to file Found Pet Reports, have stray pets scanned for microchips, and care for them temporarily if possible.
• Pause owner surrenders: HHS asks the public to delay surrendering their own pets unless it is an emergency; alternatives such as the Home to Home platform offer resources for rehoming pets directly.
• Shelter donations: Financial support and donations from the HHS wishlist remain vital in keeping shelter services running during times of increased animal intake.

How to Get Involved

Anyone interested in adopting, fostering, or supporting the overcrowded shelter can find additional information and resources on the Hawaiian Humane Society's official website. Community participation in programs like Couch Crashers and Finder Foster can make a significant impact, even if just for a few days. Donations, supply drives, and promoting responsible owner surrenders are essential to help the shelter continue caring for animals in need.

Conclusion

With the Hawaiian Humane Society operating far above capacity, community involvement is more crucial than ever. Whether through fostering, adopting, caring for lost or stray pets, or making a donation, every effort helps improve conditions for animals and supports the shelter's mission during this pressing time.

Source: khon2.com.