Since the Kona low storm swept across Oʻahu, our Field Operations team, rescue partners and good Samaritans have brought in over 280 displaced pets. These numbers have increased our pets in care to over 600 across both campuses and offsite adoption partners. As efforts continue, that number only climbs.
With disaster response efforts underway, we have extended our standard stray hold periods, giving displaced pets and their families the best possible chance of being reunited. Under normal circumstances, an unidentified animal is held for 48 hours and a microchipped animal for five days. Since these timelines are longer, animals are waiting for a longer period of time in our care before they can move forward in our placement process.
That is where you come in.
What is the 100 Foster Challenge?
We are asking 100 people across Oʻahu to step up and foster a dog in need. Fostering keeps animals comfortable, reduces kennel stress, and creates space for us to care for every animal that comes through our doors during this recovery period.
Dogs placed through this challenge come from our holding areas. They are either currently available or on a move-to-adoption track, meaning they are soon to be available but are waiting for space to open on our adoption floor. Fostering these dogs directly creates that space while also helping our teams learn more about them, which helps to match them with the right family.
If you are familiar with our Couch Crashers program, this is a related but distinct opportunity. Couch Crashers places dogs who are already on our adoption floor. The 100 Foster Challenge places dogs who are ready to move forward but need a temporary home while they wait for that space to become available. Both programs make a difference – and if you have fostered through Couch Crashers before, we would love to have you back for this.
You do not need prior experience. We provide a free orientation, all the supplies you need, and support throughout fostering period. Fostering typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks.
How to participate
Step 1: Sign up for one of our free, in-person foster orientation sessions. Sessions are scheduled April 2 through April 11 at our Mōʻiliʻili Campus and Kosasa Family Campus.
Step 2: Complete our foster application before your session. The application is short and can be completed online in advance.
Orientation session dates
Thursday, April 2, 5 to 6 pm — Kosasa Family Campus
Friday, April 3, 5 to 6 pm — Mōʻiliʻili Campus
Saturday, April 4, 4 to 5 pm — Mōʻiliʻili Campus
Thursday, April 9, 5 to 6 pm — Kosasa Family Campus
Friday, April 10, 5 to 6 pm — Mōʻiliʻili Campus
Saturday, April 11, 4 to 5 pm — Mōʻiliʻili Campus
Questions? Email pethelp@hawaiianhumane.org.
Follow our progress toward 100 on Facebook and Instagram at #100FosterChallenge.
