Hundreds of dogs and cats donated to Kaua’i Humane Society

PUHI — The Kaua’i Humane Society faces an unprecedented number of challenges and is taking action to address them.

The KHS shelter outside Puhi will be closed on Thursdays from June 16 due to understaffing, COVID-19 and a high animal population.

Last week, the shelter reached its “critical capacity”.

“In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the number of animals released to the shelter, and this is largely due to the lack of viable housing / pet-friendly accommodation on the island,” a statement said. press Friday.

Already this year, KHS has welcomed 245 animals handed over by their owners.

“The fact that half of all owner-transferred animals come from community members facing financial and housing challenges is a huge problem,” the statement said.

The reasons for the surrenders were as follows:

• Housing/landlord problem: 33 (13.5%);

• Housing/change of lifestyle: 32 (13%);

• Housing/moving: 32 (13%)

• Financial: 15 (6%);

“KHS, like many organizations and businesses across Kaua’i, is struggling to operate as usual,” executive director Nicole Crane said.

“With multiple vacancies, working around rising COVID-19 cases and an overcapacity animal population, KHS has been forced to assess its hours of operation. In the best interests of the staff and the animals in our care, we have decided to close one day a week to catch up on chores, deep clean and ensure our animals receive the individual attention they deserve without feeling in a hurry.

When the public asked if KHS would start euthanizing animals due to lack of space, Crane said that was not an option.

“KHS has not changed its euthanasia policies,” Crane said. “KHS has been working, working and will always work to find positive outcomes for the animals in our care.”

She said KHS is doing its best to find homes for its animals.

The nonprofit is the only open-admission animal shelter on the island. It has had a no-slaughter status since 2019. In 2021, the KHS positive release rate averaged 96% for all animals.

Buyouts related to financial and housing issues represent 46% of all buyouts. Other reasons for abandoning a pet may include owner health issues, protective custody, animals born in custody, behavioral issues, too many pets, or owner-requested euthanasia, according to the press release.

For owner-requested euthanasia, KHS takes the animal and then determines the best treatment or whether euthanasia is necessary.

Regular hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. will resume Friday through Wednesday.

The shelter’s thrift store, BloomingTails, will have new hours starting this week. BloomingTails will be closed on Thursdays and Fridays and will be open regular hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday through Wednesday.

These closures are meant to be a temporary fix until more staff are hired, the statement said.

A reassessment will take place at the end of July.

KHS is hiring for several positions, including Adoption and Admissions Specialist, Animal Programs Coordinator, and Dog and Cat Specialist.

KHS strives to find rescue partners and adopters to take animals. KHS is offering a two-for-one feline special on the island and an all-inclusive $150 adoption and transportation credit for any shelter pet to select West Coast airports.

“KHS will continue to take in sick and injured animals, but it is vital at this time that the community comes together to help find owners of stray animals before bringing them to the shelter,” the statement read.

For anyone wishing to foster a stray animal they find, KHS will offer assistance, supplies and resources.