WAHIAWA, Hawaii (KHON2) — Hawaii’s community animal shelters are feeling the strain as rising costs drive up prices for just about everything.
It is kitten season and that means a flood of feral births and animal drop-offs at community shelters. KAT Charities alone is caring for more than 60 kittens right now, all of them need food, medical care and safe homes.
“I never know how we’re going to get our rent covered for KAT charities. I never know how I’m going to pay my vet bills. It’s just not enough. One kitten, If I adopt out this kitten at six weeks or eight weeks after it’s fixed, this kitten will cost me about $300,” said Dr. Karen Tyson, KAT Charities founder.
It is not just cats — the number of surrenders at the Oahu SPCA continues to grow.
“Just two days ago, had five puppies dropped off at our doorstep. Abandoned. So now we’re taking on the responsibility of those strays, taking on the cost of caring for those animals,” said Adrian Preciado, Oahu SPCA executive director. “Since the beginning of the year, we’re probably close to a 1,000 surrender forms coming into us of people that can’t have their pets for various reasons.”
Costs are rising and donations have not kept pace. The Hawaiian Humane Society said it simply does not have enough foster families for the influx.
“We have a certain number of them, but having that extra support from these rescue organizations that can take in these animals that the community can can partner with them on is really critical,” said HHS communications manager Brandy Shimabukuro.
“Daily, I get at least 15, 20 calls a day of people calling, asking me to take cats and kittens. It is off the chart right now,” said Dr. Tyson.
There are still things that the public can do to give back even if donations to community shelters or fostering one of their animals is out of the question.
“We’re always in need of towels, always in need of food. And and a little bit goes a long way,” said Preciado.
“Come in and volunteer. Help us clean up, help us do all the things that we need to do. Get involved if you want to be involved in saving animals lives,” said Dr. Tyson.