Did you know?

The average cost to provide the level of care and services that we offer each adoptable animal in our care is approximately $560, which varies widely depending on the needs of each specific animal. This can range from routine vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm preventatives, medical and behavioral evaluations and spay/neuter surgery to complex emergency veterinary procedures and recovery.

Can’t commit to adopting?

There are ways you can support our community, alleviate shelter space constraints, and help animals in need by being a Couch Crasher or Lap Crasher  family or fostering, volunteering, donating, promoting spay/neuter initiatives, or, if you or someone you know are faced with the difficult decision to surrender a pet, consider the rehoming resources available on our website, like Home to Home.

What’s the value of hosting an adoption special?

Adoption specials offer incentives to promote pet adoption, allow us to spotlight long-stay pets/fosters, reduce barriers to pet ownership, and create more space in overcrowded shelters for vulnerable pets who need us most. Contrary to common misconception, research and published studies indicate that the cost of adoption is not a factor when it comes to responsible pet ownership and a family’s ability to afford a pet long-term. In fact, there is no statistical difference in pet retention or the ability to cover necessary veterinary care for adopted pets between paid fee or fee-waived adopters.

What is an Open Adoption Policy, and how does it affect adopted pets?

An Open Adoption Policy takes a conversation-based approach to break down adoption barriers brought on by extensive screening processes like home checks or income verification. The Hawaiian Humane Society aligns with research that consistently shows restrictive processes and adoption requirements such as these do not produce better outcomes for animals. They keep animals in shelters longer, carrying serious consequences for their health and well-being. Best Friends’ own review found no significant differences in pet attachment, lifestyle, or healthcare between animals placed through open adoption practices versus more restrictive ones. No adoption process, however thorough, can predict with certainty how someone will behave once they leave the shelter, but building rapport and trust helps. Our Adoption team members take the time to have open conversations with adopters, collaborating with and educating them, encouraging a successful transition for both the adopter and the pets they welcome home.