PET OHANA
Animals are kept as long as possible
Hawaiian Humane Society
Question: Is it true that animals at the Hawaiian Humane Society only have a certain time frame to be adopted before being euthanized?
Answer: This is an important question and one that the Hawaiian Humane Society staff gets asked a lot. The society keeps animals available for adoption as long as possible. There is no policy that limits that amount of time.
It is not uncommon for a dog or cat to remain at the shelter for six or even eight months while waiting for someone willing to open their home to it. As long as the animal's health and temperament do not deteriorate, and space is available, the pets remain in the love and care of the shelter.
In 2007 our adoptions advisers found new homes for more than 6,000 pets.
The four most important things that people can do to reduce euthanasia are these: Make the Humane Society your first choice when you acquire a pet, spay your pets, make a lifelong commitment to bond with your animals and encourage everyone you know to do the same.
Q: Are animals that are lost or stray euthanized?
A: In 2007 about 2,524 lost and stray animals arrived at the Hawaiian Humane Society. That is why it is absolutely critical to provide identification for your pets: a microchip, a tag with your name and best telephone number; and a city license tag for dogs. Your pet's microchip record should always be kept current with the society. Find the microchip ID update form at www.hawaiianhumane.org (under Other Programs and Services/Pet Identification).
Despite the high number of arrivals, our staff makes every attempt to reunite lost pets with their owners. Pets with ID are held for nine days, and those without are held for 48 hours before being eligible for adoption.
As long as the animals are friendly and healthy, they are eligible for adoption.
The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail, hhs@hawaiianhumane.org. Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line. Or, write "Pet Ohana," Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.