FAQ
As Hawaii’s leading information source on pet care and information, here are our most frequently asked questions and answers, as published in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am relocating to the mainland and can’t take my pet. Why does the Hawaiian Humane Society charge a fee to surrender her?
The $25 fee is for your pet’s care while he awaits adoption. In some cases, animals are with us for months while we try to find a family for him. The fee is waived if the owner claims that the cost is a hardship. Unwanted pets can be dropped off any time of day or night at 2700 Waialae Avenue in Moiliili.
Does the Humane Society allow children to volunteer?
Children, ages 8 to 13, may volunteer with a parent or other responsible adult. Both child and adult must attend training classes and participate in all volunteer activities together. Youth 14 years or older may volunteer on their own. Click here to learn more about our standard volunteer program.
A special Fast Track Youth program is available during the summer. This 3-day class encourages participants to be animal welfare leaders of tomorrow by pairing service learning projects with anumals, language arts, critical thinking and interactive assignments.
Click here for more information.
I saw the Hawaiian Humane Society picking up a stray dog in our neighborhood. Don’t the truck’s animal compartments get hot?
The Humane Society’s rescue trucks are specially designed for animal comfort. Each compartment is air conditioned to ensure maximum comfort in transit. The Society recommends that if you’ve found an animal to bring him in to the shelter at 2700 Waialae Avenue in Moiliili, which means investigators can devote more time to emergencies and rescues.
Will the Humane Society come out to catch the pigs?
The Humane Society does not catch wild pigs. The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ state division of forestry and wildlife protects and manages native birds and game species including feral pigs and goats. Call 973-9786 or 587-0077 to have a volunteer control technician dispatched.
My landlord is trying to evict me because I have a service animal. What are my rights under the law?
Your landlord is required to make reasonable accommodations for you as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA). Contact the State of Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) at 586-8121 and/or the Hawaii Disability Rights Center (HDRC) at 949-2922 for specific information regarding the law.
My neighbor has a noisy rooster. Who do I call?
When crowing continues for 10 continuous minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes, it is a violation of the animal nuisance law as is keeping more than two chickens in a residential area. If you are having a problem with a neighbor's roosters, try talking to your neighbor first. If the noise problem re-occurs, you need to contact Royo’s Farming at 841-2384. Another resource for resolving a disputer is The Mediation Center of the Pacific at 521-6767.
What are the benefits of spay and neuter?
Pets live longer and certain health issues are eliminated or decreased. Pets are often found the be more affectionate and less likely to run away from home and get in to fights. Spay and neuter helps our comunity save money by controlling overpopulation and shelters are less likely to be burdened with a surplas of animals.
Where are Oahu’s off-leash dog parks?
Dog parks are in Mililani, Diamond Head, Salt Lake, Hawaii Kai and at the Hawaiian Humane Society in Moiliili. Regular visits to any of these parks can greatly enrich her life with physical and mental exercise and opportunities to maintain social skills. These gathering spots for dog lovers are also fun for people too.
What I do I need in order for my pet to be admitted into a pet-friendly shelter in the case of an emergency/natural disaster?
Animals will not be admitted to a pet-friendly emergency shelter without a crate or carrier for each pet that is large enough for them to stand up and turnaround in. Pets will also need an ID tag, collar and a leash, as well as a week supply of food, medications and litter for cats. The Humane Society also recommends placing a tag or card on the crate itself with your’s and his special information. For more information on requirements for and location of pet-friendly shelters, as well as how to volunteer to become a pet shelter manager, visit the Hawaiian Humane Society's website at http://www.hawaiianhumane.org/petshelters1.html
How can we get more parks opened to dogs on leash?
City & County’s Parks and Recreation division policy is that parks with sports fields are for human use only and will not be considered for dog access. The best way to affect change is to mobilize your neighborhood and present your proposal to the Neighborhood Board and ask that it be put on the agenda for the next meeting for public comment. Call the Humane Society for more tips on how to influence the County’s stand against dogs in parks.
What tips can we offer our house sitter who will watch our pets?
Ask your sitter to keep your pets indoors this weekend. And if they become lost, to call the Hawaiian Humane Society immediately without delay. File a lost report at hawaiianhumane.org. Before you go, make sure your pets have a microchip and call 356-2229 to ensure that your contact information is accurate. A current license tag for your dog is essential identifies you as his legal owner.
What are some things that are toxic to pets?
Avocados are toxic to a number of animals, including horses, rabbits, fish and mice. Chocolate, raisins and grapes, moldy foods, anything in the onion family, some artificial sweeteners can all pose problems for your pets. Ask your veterinarian about a comprehensive list for the species of pet you have.
Is a pet microchip as important as a collar with a tag?
They are both equally important and cats and dogs should have both. Collars and tags can frequently come off and a microchip is permanently implanted between a pet’s shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique ID number that can be read by a scanner. If you’ve kept your contact information current with the Humane Society, it can mean a faster reunion if your pet gets lost. This month many veterinarians are offering $5 microchips. Visit www.hawaiianhumane.org for details.