Upfront Planning, Means No Pets Left Behind

PC Barbara Pritchard with FEMA. Robert Kaufmann/FEMA

The unpredictability of the Kīlauea eruption and lava flow reminds us that upfront planning now, can ease stressful situations in evacuating pets later. Make plans today for you and your pets in the event of any additional roads becoming impassable because of the lava flow. You may be asked to leave with little or no notice. Do not leave animals behind.

To date, the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society has rescued over 330 pets and animals.

Here are a few guidelines to help keep pets and animals safe in the event of an evacuation:

• Hawai‘i Island Humane Society encourages all pet owners to be safe and prepared. If you are advised to evacuate, please consider your pet’s safety. Do not leave animals behind.
• Develop your plan now for their ongoing care including transportation requirements. Reach out to family and friends to discuss arrangements now in the event of evacuation. If you need to organize boarding elsewhere, get in touch with a boarding facility for advance arrangements.
• The HIHS Kea‘au Shelter does not board animals. Please do not drop off animals there.
• Pāhoa Community Center, Kea‘au Armory and Kea‘au Senior Center are pet friendly shelters. The dogs and cats are being housed at the shelters with their owners.
• Larger animals including horses and livestock will need to be moved well in advance. Call friends or family members to locate alternate pastures.
• Gather items for your pet’s emergency kit—crate, leash, food, water, bowls, towel, identification and medication if applicable.
• If you evacuate, arrive at your destination prepared with your pet’s emergency kit and take your pets. Do not leave animals behind.

If you are having a hard time in either finding the resources or someone to help you evacuate your pet or animal call the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society’s Kea‘au Shelter at (808) 966-5458 and they will try to help.

Rescue Request Hotline

To initiate a rescue request for your animal or pet call the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society hotline at (808) 498-9475. The HIHS animal and pet rescue hotline will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Hawai‘i Island Humane Society has rescued 330+ animals with nearly all returned to owners and the remainder in foster homes. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society is also exploring ways to enhance capacity at the Kea‘au Shelter and expanding fostering opportunities. Disaster-related animals will be housed at the Kea‘au Shelter for 30 days to allow for reunification with owners.

Call for Volunteers:

Hawai‘i Island Humane Society continues to assess and provide assistance to residents of Puna and their pets/animals. Additional volunteers and fosters are needed to help care for the animals that have not been reunited at the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society’s Kea‘au Shelter. If you are able and willing to assist, call the Kea‘au Shelter at (808) 966-5458 to put your name on the volunteer call list.