About us

Mission

The Hawaiian Humane Society's mission—promoting the human-animal bond and the humane treatment of all animals—is a joyful one full of challenges and opportunities. Meeting these challenges is a dedicated staff of 65 and over 1,000 volunteers who donate time each year to support the mission.

As an animal welfare organization, the Society is also very much a people business; supporting and promoting the human-animal bond, educating young and old, and working to find solutions to the challenges of a diverse and fast-growing community.

As a local independent, non-profit, the Society relies on donations and does not receive funding from any mainland organization, the State of Hawaii, or other island humane societies.

With an open-door policy that welcomes all displaced creatures, animals, birds and fish, the Hawaiian Humane Society operates 365 days a year serving the island of Oahu. Centered in the heart of Honolulu, the location is a shelter for homeless animals, a rescue operation, a placement agency, an educational and advocacy organization and a pet care resource center.

This is all a quantum leap from the Society's beginning in the late 19th century when humane officers ventured out on horseback rather than in spacious trucks, their welfare efforts aimed more at work animals than pet cats or dogs. But even then, education was a top priority. In a time when animal information was very basic, it fell to those founding members to raise public awareness about the proper care, feeding and humane treatment of animals.

The vision of those early pioneers guides the Society's efforts today. And after a century, the Hawaiian Humane Society stands as one of the most respected animal protection organizations in the country; its programs studied and emulated.

Download a PDF of our 2009 Annual Report.

Download a PDF of our 2008 Annual Report .

Download a PDF of our 2007 Annual Report .