StarBulletin.com

Humane Society's site helps find home for pet when it must be let go


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POSTED: Thursday, September 25, 2008

Question: We're moving to a new apartment and my landlord won't allow pets. What can we do to find the best home possible for our dog?

  Answer: Don't be about asking your future landlord what it would take for him to consider allowing you to keep your pet.

The Hawaiian Humane Society's Web site - http://www.hawaiianhumane.org - offers checklists for landlords, tips for tenants, as well as forms and resources that can help, including an addendum that identifies you as responsible for your pet's actions.

Finding a quality home for a pet can be stressful and emotional.

The ideal is a hanai adoption to a family member or friend. You'd be surprised at how many are willing to take in a pet if you offer to help with walks, health care, grooming and pet-sitting. In fact, a recent Oahu public poll by Ward Research found that 41 percent of pet owners acquired their pet from a friend or relative.

Even if you must give your dog to a stranger, you can always offer your support, if the family is comfortable with it. Other resources include classified ads in newspapers and online - such as on yahoo and craigslist.com - as well as fliers at dog parks.

Q: Does the Humane Society have a service that can help?

  A: When all attempts to place your pet in a new home have failed, the Hawaiian Humane Society has a consignment program for pets that meet certain criteria.

For a fee of $100 per animal or $150 for litters under 6 months of age, the pet can be showcased at the shelter for 10 days. You can reclaim your pet if he's not adopted.

With pet ownership on Oahu at 60 percent of households, it has never been more important for people to choose adoption, to spay and neuter pets, encourage more pet-friendly housing and do everything possible to make a lifelong commitment to their animals.

Hundreds of pets are seeking families every day.

When you acquire an animal through a shelter, an adoption network or a consignment program rather than a pet store or a breeder, you have a chance to give an unwanted pet the family it deserves.