Our team at Hawaii Island Humane Society HIHS) has been incredibly busy and quietly working to make a positive impact in the lives of both people and animals. HIHS might seem a little different these days but that’s a really good thing.
In Summer 2020, the society’s board of directors and leadership team made a critical decision not to renew our contract with Hawaii County to provide animal control services. After careful deliberation, we determined that we could do more for the community by focusing on better growing our lifesaving programs and services. This was not an easy decision. In communities across the country, private nonprofit organizations work in tandem with public services to expand what can be done for both people and animals. Simply put, we wanted more for our community.
Continuing to provide services islandwide
While HIHS doesn’t provide animal control services anymore, we’re still an animal welfare organization providing services island wide.
HIHS continues to operate two limited admission animal shelters — Keaau Shelter and the Animal Community Center in Keauhou, Kona. Limited admission means that we accept animals that we have space and resources to provide for, so that each animal that enters our doors has the opportunity for a positive outcome. Our small but compassionate team of 20 employees care for over 200 animals daily.
Since October 2020, HIHS has taken in 1,085 animals in need, including 404 animals transferred in from animal control services to be made available for adoption. We’ve also adopted out 911 animals into loving forever homes, transferred 182 animals to our lifesaving rescue partners, including 45 animals during the historic Paws X Pacific transport and placed 703 animals in temporary foster homes.
Over 94% adopted into forever homes
Over 94% of the animals who came through our doors have found a home — either through adoption, transport, or being returned to their family. At HIHS, euthanasia is reserved for animals that are suffering, will not improve through treatment, or have proven that they are a danger to the public. We make each decision with the utmost care.
HIHS’s Pet Support program aims to preserve families by providing resources to keep pets out of the shelter and in loving homes. Our Behavior and Enrichment programs provide for the emotional and mental well being of our shelter animals during their stay with us. Our team uses modern, science-based training methods to help our animals learn and have fun.
We’ve also provided over 2,000 free spay and neuter surgeries through our community clinic.
Helping Hawaii Island for over 50 years
In many ways, we’re still the same HIHS that you’ve come to rely on. We continue to help animals in need, every day. We still provide free spay and neuter services to our community to prevent pet overpopulation and we host two clinics every week. Our innovative Second Chance program means that we can go above and beyond for pets with medical needs, including heartworm disease, cancer, injuries, and more.
We continue to grow to meet the needs of those who need us most: animals and the people who love them. As a private nonprofit organization, HIHS relies solely on grants and donations to fund our lifesaving operations. There are many ways that you can help HIHS thrive. Log on to hihs.org for ways you can help.
We love the work that we do and it is our honor to serve the people and animals of Hawaii County. On behalf of our staff and animals, mahalo. To learn more about what we do, please visit hihs.org.
Lauren Nickerson, Ed.M, is CEO of HIHS