Hawaii Island Humane Society Continues Programs and Services

Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) has relinquished control of the County owned Kona Shelter and has relocated its Kona operations to its state-of-the-art Animal Community Center in Keauhou Mauka in Kona. The Hawaii Island Humane Society will continue to provide service island-wide as an independent non-profit animal welfare organization providing compassionate care for animals at its three shelter locations in Keaau, Waimea and the new Animal Community Center in Keauhou Mauka Kona. The Hawaii Island Humane Society owns its shelters in Keaau and Kona with a long-term lease for the Waimea Shelter. 

"Hawaii Island Humane Society's programs and services provide compassionate care for animals through national best practices and industry standards that elevate the level of care for Hawaii Island's animals in need. Hawaii Island Humane Society is refocusing resources to preserve families by providing education and guidance to pet owners and pet families. All of this is made possible through community support, donors and grant funding and for this, we are indeed grateful," said Hawaii Island Humane Society Chief Executive Officer Beth Jose, DVM. 

What's New?

HIHS has moved its Kona operations. 
Effective Saturday, August 1, Hawaii Island Humane Society is no longer operating out of the Kona Shelter facility adjacent to the Kona police station. Animals under our care have been relocated to the new Animal Community Center.  The 12-acre Animal Community Center site includes a Welcome Center, Education Amphitheatre, Administration Building, Cat Barn, Doggie Dorms, Adoption Square and Central Bark Dog Parks for both small and large dogs. An Education Center and a full service Veterinary Clinic are both under construction and will be completed later this year.  The expansive Animal Community Center can accommodate more pets and we look forward to assisting the community in finding loving homes for animals. Animal Community Center's new operating hours are Friday through Tuesday 10 am to 3 pm and closed on Wednesday and Thursday and holidays. A grand opening celebration is slated for the Labor Day weekend. All programs and services, at all 3 shelter locations, are offered by appointment only until further notice.

Renovations Planned for Keaau and Waimea Shelters
With the Animal Community Center opening in September, Hawaii Island Humane Society is working on plans for upgrades to the Keaau and Waimea Shelters. 

Keaau's new operating hours are Friday through Tuesday 10 am to 3 pm and closed on Wednesday and Thursday and holidays. 

Waimea Shelter's operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm closed on Sunday, Monday and holidays. 

A grand re-opening celebration is slated for Keaau and Waimea over the Labor Day weekend.

Essential Pet Services By Appointment
During the month of August, Hawaii Island Humane Society will continue to provide essential services by appointment only. These services include rehoming services for owners who can no longer keep their pet, adoption, foster-to-adopt, foster, community spay and neuter and Community Pet Pantry, and owner-requested euthanasia services. Field Trips for Shelter Dogs and volunteer opportunities will resume in the coming weeks. All three shelters have pets available for adoption. For more information about adopting your new best friend, visit hihs.org.

New Programs and Services

Pet Support
Keeping pets in their loving homes with their families is one of Hawaii Island Humane Society's primary goals. The newly formed Pet Support Department is working with community members and their pets to provide education, guidance and resources. The Community Pet Pantry was created as a response to the COVID-19 crisis to help pet families in need. Go to HIHS.org/item/pet-pantry for more information. 

Spay & Neuter Services
Hawaii Island Humane Society's Spay & Neuter program will be on the east and west sides of the island once a week beginning August 23. Sign up on the waiting list at HIHS.org. 

Live in a rural community on Hawaii Island and need spay and neuter services for your pet? The Hawaii Island Humane Society's Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin' will be traveling to areas in need as wait lists fill.  

Hawaii Island Humane Society performs between 4,500 and 5,500 spay and neuter surgeries annually at its Keaau and Kona locations.

Medical Care Team 
Hawaii Island Humane Society's highly trained and skilled medical care team will continue to advance what we can do for the animals in our care. Our three on staff veterinarians and assistants provide the utmost care for those pets that are sick or injured. The Second Chance Fund allows us to save and improve the lives of animals in need by providing advanced medical care and procedures.  

Lifesaving Programs
Hawaii Island Humane Society works to find the best match between shelter pets and adoptive families for their forever homes. Our expanding foster program helps to expand the capacity of our shelters and enhances adoption opportunities for animals in need. We even feature Field Trips for Shelter Dogs that help to socialize and acclimate dogs for adoption.

"Volunteers are vital to our ability to enhance what the Hawaii Island Humane Society can offer to our animals and our community. We are excited to welcome back our veteran volunteers back to our shelters in September following the Grand Opening and re-openings of our shelters to the public. We invite you to join us as a volunteer at all three locations and become a part of the Hawaii Island Humane Society ohana," said Community Programs Director Lauren Nickerson. 

To adopt or foster a pet, volunteer or donate to the Hawaii Island Humane Society log on to hihs.org for more information. Follow us on social media for the latest information.