We understand that situations can arise that may cause you to question whether keeping a pet is the best option for you or your pet. We also know that the human-animal bond is a strong one, and that keeping that bond intact is usually preferable. It is our goal to keep pets and people together and we offer a variety of resources and programs to help make that possible for you.

Here are examples of the most common reasons why people consider surrendering their pet. If you don’t see your concern listed, please contact our Pet Kōkua Center at 808-356-2285 or admissions@HawaiianHumane.org. You can also download an easy-to-share, brief summary sheet as a resource.

Need help rehoming your pet on your own?

Facing the decision to give up your pet can be devastating and we know it’s not easy. We understand that there are circumstances that may prevent you from being able to keep your pet, and we are here to help.  If you’re interested in keeping your pet, you’ll find our alternatives and resources below that can help you address medical, behavioral and other concerns.

Below are a few tips to help you rehome your pet:

• The Hawaiian Humane Society is a proud partner of the free website, Home To Home, to help you find a new home for your pet, rather than bringing them to a shelter. Home To Home specializes in connecting pets who need a good home with families looking to adopt! 

• Don’t rush! Take time to find your furry friend the best new home.
• Increase your pet’s adoptability by having them spayed/neutered, groomed and vaccinated.
• Tell your friends, family, coworkers and social networks that your pet is looking for a new home. The more people who know you need help, the better your chances of finding your pet a new family.
• No one knows your pet better than you do! While interviewing potential adopters, be sure to share your expectations for your pet’s new home and be sure to ask questions to identify a home that will be a good fit for your pet.
• Once rehomed, be sure your pet’s microchip is updated with their new owner’s information on foundanimals.org.
• It is the responsibility of current owners to disclose any bite history to potential adopters. Rehoming platforms connect people looking to rehome their pets with interested adopters. The pets featured are not animals at the Hawaiian Humane Society and require direct communication with their caregivers through the platform itself. It is the responsibility of the individuals who express interest in a particular pet listed on these pages to obtain and verify information about the pet’s medical, behavior and bite history. All information contained in the pets’ description page has been provided by their caregiver. The Hawaiian Humane Society does not verify the accuracy of the information provided.
• Please, never abandon your pet! We are here if you need to bring your pet to a shelter.

Have questions about rehoming your pet? Email rehome@hawaiianhumane.org for assistance.

Eviction-related resources

• DCCA Office of Consumer Protection Landlord-Tenant Information
• Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi
• The Mediation Center of the Pacific
• Humane Society of the United States information for renters with pets
• Hawaiian Humane’s Pet Boarding & Sitting Resources List
  *This list is not an endorsement/referral. All facilities listed require records of up-to-date vaccination. Some may require additional records or other prerequisites to qualify for services. Please contact the facility directly for more information.

Inability to pay for pet food

If you need temporary assistance feeding your pet, our Pet Food Bank is open and available to you. Since 2010, our Pet Food Bank has distributed food to thousands of pets and their people. Depending on supplies available at the time, we may also have limited quantities of litter, treats, toys, etc. 

Hawaiian Humane’s Pet Food Bank is currently offered two times a week through a walk-up system located at our Mōʻiliʻili campus in the Admissions Center. Pick-up days and times are Tuesdays and Fridays, from 10 am to 1 pm on each day. 

To receive pet food, you will need to complete an application and  show an acceptable photo ID at time of pick-up. View full details about the application and assistance limitations.

Moving or don’t have adequate housing

Finding a pet-friendly rental can be a challenge on Oʻahu. View a list of pet-friendly housing available on the island. Our Outreach team also provides services to houseless individuals who are pet owners. For more information, contact Outreach@HawaiianHumane.org.

Behavior issues

If your pet is acting in undesirable ways, we may be able to help. Search our Behavior Resources section under Resources on the main menu for materials prepared for you by our Behavior Manager.

We have also partnered with our friends at GoodPup to provide those experiencing behavior challenges with their dog with live 1-on-1 virtual training.

GoodPup provides private training with certified trainers who teach cues and advanced behavior on topics like crate training, barking, begging and jumping. Sign up today to receive an exclusive lifetime discount and GoodPup will make a donation to Hawaiian Humane!

Click HERE for more information on receiving a free week of training and a discount off the lifetime of your membership.

Too many pets/unexpected litter

If you have too many pets or your pet has an unexpected litter, please never abandon your pet or the new litter. We accept all owner-surrendered pets, including litters. Animals legally surrendered by their owners do not have to go through a five-day hold period, so please make sure our Animal Admissions staff knows that your pet is not a stray animal.

Learn more about surrendering pets

Still need to surrender your pet? 

Never abandon your animal. If your rehoming efforts via Home To Home or friends and family have been unsuccessful, The Hawaiian Humane Society may be able to bring your pet into our care. Visit our Pet Surrender page for more information on the process and to make an appointment.