Lap Crashers

Lap Crashers

Lap Crashers is Hawaiian Humane’s short-term foster program to promote adult cat adoption and provide shelter cats an opportunity to acclimate to a home environment – and potentially their adoptive home! This time with a loving foster helps them relax and gain more socialization. While adoption is not a requirement to participate in the program, it also helps potential adopters get to know the cat they are interested in adopting before they make the long-term commitment.

Make a Difference in Just Three Easy Steps

  1. Visit one of our campuses
  2. Pick out a cat that is over 7 months old 
  3. Bring them home for the staycation of their dreams!

You might even fall in love while they are crashing on your lap, but if not, you have helped us tremendously by alleviating some of the extreme space constraints that we are facing. Any animal that can leave our shelter for any amount of time allows us to help more animals. Please consider taking part in this short-term foster program!

Lap Crashers FAQ

  • How do I participate?
    1. Visit our Mōʻiliʻili Campus Adoptions Center, now daily from 11 am – 6 pm, or our Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili Petco Love Adoptions Center Wednesday– Sunday 11 am – 7 pm. No appointment necessary.
    2. Speak with an Adoptions Representative, peruse our cats available for adoption, and look out for signage that reads “Can I crash on your lap?
    3. Scan the QR code on the cat’s kennel card and complete the short adoption questionnaire. Be sure to note on your questionnaire that you are interested in Lap Crashing.
    4. An adoptions representative will ask you to complete our Lap Crasher application, present a photo ID (we will confirm your physical address) and share more information with you about the cat. 
    5. If the cat will be a good fit for your household, we will provide you with needed supplies and… off you go with your new short-term roommate! 
  • Why does Hawaiian Humane offer this program?

    Shelters nationwide are beyond critical capacity, foster homes are full, and adoptions are stagnating. By promoting the joy of adult cat ownership in a barrier-free way, we know that more cats will find loving homes in our community. A shelter can be an overstimulating environment for many cats and we find that a short foster stay in a home can have a profound positive impact on their overall behavior and well-being. Also, the information gathered through this program about the cats help us match them with a home that will best meet their needs. 

  • How long should I expect my Lap Crasher to stay with me?

    Because cats need time to settle in, we will ask for your foster to stay with you for at least one week, ideally two. 

  • What happens when my Lap Crasher is ready to come back to Hawaiian Humane?

    When you are leaving Hawaiian Humane with the cat, you will have already scheduled your return appointment at one of our two campuses. Once the fostering period is over, you’ll be asked to submit a Virtual Report Card to help us learn more about your foster cat so that we can best match them to the right adoptive home and you may bring him/her back at your scheduled appointment time to our Adoptions Center at your campus of choice. 

    If you need to return your Lap Crasher before your scheduled appointment, please call or email our Adoptions Team at adoptionsinfo@hawaiianhumane.org or 808-356-2218 to reschedule your return appointment.

    Please bring back the provided supplies and be sure to complete your Virtual Report Card to give us valuable information about the cat’s stay in your care!

  • What if I’ve fallen in love and I’d like to adopt?

    We’re so glad you asked, and we hope you do! Please contact our Adoptions team at adoptionsinfo@hawaiianhumane.org with the name and AID# of your Lap Crasher. We will reach out to facilitate the adoption over the phone, or you may also come in to the Adoptions Center in person to adopt.   

  • What if the Lap Crasher experiences medical issues while in my care?

    If a medical issue arises, bring the cat to our Mōʻiliʻili Campus Shelter Veterinary Clinic (through our Admissions Center) Monday through Sunday, 12 – 6 pm. No appointment necessary, walk-in only. Please wait with your Lap Crasher while he/she is being treated by our veterinary team.  

    Please do not delay in bringing your foster cat to our clinic if you suspect an illness or injury.

    If your Lap Crasher is experiencing an after-hours medical emergency (before 12 pm and after 6 pm) please call us immediately at 808-356-2250.