Das, adopted into his new family Aug. 25 after two weeks at the Kona HIHS shelter. (Hawaii247 photo by Karin Stanton)

 

MEDIA RELEASE

Every shelter dog and cat has a story to tell, but they have no voice. Hundreds of dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes, ages and personalities are waiting in Hawaii Island Humane Society Shelters in Kona, Waimea and Keaau for new homes, eager to contribute to the lives of a loving new friend or family.

Between 3 million and 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in animal shelters in the United States. But if more families looking for a pet would adopt their new best friend from a shelter this number would decrease dramatically.

“The Hawaii Island Humane Society, along with the Humane Society of the United States, is asking everyone to do their part to save pets’ lives by pledging to adopt their next pet,” said HIHS Executive Director Donna Whitaker. “Log on to www.hsus.org and take the pledge along with millions of other Americans who are doing the same. Anyone can take the pledge to adopt their next pet and then urge others to do the same.”

According to HSUS statistics, one in four shelter dogs are purebred. 

Most animals in shelters are victims of circumstance, innocently caught in the middle of “people problems” such as divorce, foreclosure, and changes in lifestyle. 

This holds true for many of the animals awaiting adoption at Hawaii Island shelters. The bottom line is; shelter animals make great pets.

Check out the HIHS Web site to see adoptable animals and their photos or stop by the Kona, Waimea or Keaau shelters to find your new best friend. Mobile adoptions are also offered at the Kona Commons PetCo Store 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each Friday and Saturday.

The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Society is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the relationship between humans and animals. 

HIHS holds a contract with the county to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, microchipping and more. 

— Find out more:

Hawaii Island Humane Society: www.HIHS.org, 329-1175