Photo by Alyssa Tabert

(BIVN) – Two new animal shelters on Hawaiʻi island will soon open to the public.

The Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society says it will open the Animal Community Center in mauka Kona (78-6767 Mamalahoa Hwy) on Sunday, August 1st, and the Keaʻau shelter (16-873 Keaau Pahoa Hwy) will reopen on Sunday, August 15.

“We are excited about welcoming the community back to our Kona and Keaau campuses,” said HIHS CEO Lauren Nickerson in a news release. “Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic concerns, the Hawaii Island Humane Society will not be doing a ‘grand opening’ but rather a welcoming opportunity for the community to come back to reacquaint themselves with our beautiful facilities, programs and of course, our dedicated staff. Our well cared for animals speak for themselves.”

Both shelters will be open from 10 am to 3 pm. From the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society:

Guided tours are planned at both facilities and the Hawaii Island Humane Society will have extra adoption counselors on hand to work with families looking for happy pet matches. It is highly recommended that folks looking to adopt start the adoption process online at home. Anyone interested in bringing home a new friend on August 1 from the Animal Community Center in Kona will need to submit an application for review by Tuesday, July 27. If you are not sure if you want to adopt a pet, visit our animals on August 1 and the Hawaii Island Humane Society will work with you on the adoption process and schedule a pick up at a later date.

Photo by Alyssa Tabert

Animal Community Center

Hawaii Island Humane Society is no longer operating out of the Kona shelter facility adjacent to the Kona police station. Animals under the humane society’s care are at the 12-acre Animal Community Center in mauka Kona. The Animal Community Center site includes a Welcome Center, Education Center, Education Amphitheatre, Administration Building, Cat Barn, Doggie Dorms, Adoption Square and Central Bark Dog Parks for both small and large dogs.

Photo by Alyssa Tabert

How to Adopt

Hawaii Island Humane Society’s mission is to enhance the bond between humans and animals. Adopting a shelter pet is a rewarding and life-changing experience for you and your new best friend and pets are a lifelong commitment.

Log on to hihs.org/adoption/how-to-adopt/item/how-to-adopt. Check out the available dogs and cats. Submit an application online and an adoption counselor will contact you. Need further information? Email adopt@hihs.org.

Volunteers Needed

The Hawaii Island Humane Society is actively recruiting volunteers for both the Kona and Keaau shelters.

“We have redeveloped our volunteer program based on best practices from other animal welfare organizations nationwide to create a new and rewarding volunteer experience and we have a variety of volunteer opportunities in Kona and Keaau,” said Lauren Nickerson.

To volunteer, email Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Kalsky at volunteer@hihs.org.