How Visitors Can Help Hawaii’s Shelter Dogs

In Hawaii, visitors have the unique opportunity to take a dog from a shelter on a day trip. Whether it’s a visit to the beach, a scenic hike, or a stop at a dog-friendly restaurant, these outings offer a break for the dogs and a chance for them to socialize. These programs not only benefit the animals but also help ease the burden on overfilled humane society shelters across the state.

Oahu’s Hawaiian Humane Society, for instance, is dealing with an overflow of animals. Although the facility is designed to care for 750 to 850 pets, it currently houses over 1,000. With record numbers of animals being surrendered—averaging 40 per day—staff have had to turn to emergency measures, like using crates and temporary kennels to house the surplus. Brandy Shimabukuro, the communication manager for the society, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that despite the opening of a second campus in 2023, the space filled up almost immediately.

To combat the issue and provide some relief, the Oahu shelter launched its Ilio Explorers program. This initiative allows visitors to take shelter dogs out on adventures. As Shimabukuro explains, the program offers a meaningful way for tourists to contribute while enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty with a canine companion.  Kauai Humane Society, which started its Field Trips for Shelter Dogs program back in 2017, has found great success with the initiative, leading to about five adoptions each week. The shelter even offers guided trips for visitors, scheduled monthly, where people can explore the island with a furry friend. Christine Larson, the customer service manager, highlighted how these outings make the dogs more socialized and well-adjusted, which improves their chances of finding a forever home.

Maui Humane Society’s Dog on Demand program, also called Beach Buddies, has been in operation since 2015 and has served as a model for similar programs in shelters across the United States. According to CEO Lisa Labrecque, the program focuses on selecting dogs that are not only well-behaved but also enjoy the specific activities they’re taken on, such as beach trips. This careful matching ensures a positive experience for both the dog and the visitor. The program has been instrumental in helping the shelter manage its population, as the facility is currently housing 128 dogs, with 66 of them sharing 40 kennels on-site.

Legislators, including Hawaii Senator Chris Lee, have tried to address the issue. Lee introduced a bill that would require public and low-income housing projects to allow pets, but it did not pass. He remains hopeful that new laws will eventually help alleviate the housing challenges pet owners face, noting that allowing more pets in homes would benefit families’ mental and physical health, as well as reduce the number of animals in shelters.

For now, the shelter programs that allow visitors to take dogs on day trips offer a lifeline for these animals. Not only do the dogs get much-needed time outside the kennels, but they are also given the chance to meet potential adopters.

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