PUHI — The community has come through for homeless animals in June. The Kauai Humane Society put out a call for more foster homes last week because the shelter was packed with 71 dogs and puppies, 75 cats and kittens,
PUHI — The community has come through for homeless animals in June.
The Kauai Humane Society put out a call for more foster homes last week because the shelter was packed with 71 dogs and puppies, 75 cats and kittens, six guinea pigs and a rabbit.
Within three days, more than 35 families opened their doors to let furry vagabonds crash for a while.
“We so appreciate the response we’ve received from our community. They’ve really stepped up to the plate,” said Scott Pisani, executive director of the Kauai Humane Society.
Because of the overwhelming response, the shelter added a few parameters to the call for foster families.
It’s currently taking one or two business days to set up a foster family with the animal, though Pisani said staff members expect foster animal requests and pickups to occur within 24 hours once they’ve worked out kinks in the new process.
The process will typically take about 30 minutes at the shelter for first-time families, and KHS will select the animal that best suits the foster family.
“We encourage the foster family to share any concerns about fostering the animal chosen and we will accommodate their request as much as possible. But fosters should not expect to be able to choose which animal to foster at this time,” Pisani said.
KHS is also asking people to foster animals for a minimum of a two-week period, to reduce the number of transfers and adjustments for the animal.
“The foster program is not intended to be used to get to know an animal with the possibility of adoption. Our field trip and sleepover programs are designed for that purpose,” Pisani said. “Families hoping for adoption can ask any of our staff which of these programs will best meet their needs.”
An adoption promotion is also running at KHS through June 10. “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs” offers an adopt one pet, get one free deal. The promotion includes puppies and kittens.
Pisani said he and staff members at KHS thank the community for their “tremendous response.”
“In addition to those who have stepped forward to foster pets, many others have made a donation to our transfer program, which also reduces the number of animals at our shelter. This response is truly making a lifesaving impact,” Pisani said.
Info: Merenza@kauaihumane.org.
