HONOLULU (KHON2) — When Hawaii’s military families move, the thought of leaving a pet behind can be heartbreaking. For some, the high costs of transportation or the challenge of finding housing that allows animals feels overwhelming.
But Hawaiʻi has resources to help families avoid surrendering or abandoning their pets.
Brandy Shimabukuro, manager of communications for the Hawaiian Humane Society, is familiar with the need some families have when moving.
“The Hawaiian Humane Society does not track surrender reasons by profession or military status; so, we don’t have specific data about military families compared to other families in our community,” explained Shimabukuro.
Shimabukuro also noted that the Department of Defense reimburses up to $2,000 in qualified expenses for pet relocation. (That’s resource option #1.)
“This program has made it significantly easier for military families to keep their pets during relocations, which benefits both the families and their animals,” she said.
Other than the DOD allowance to help you keep your pet rather than surrendering or abandoning them, there are several other options local military families can utilize.
Pet relocation assistance for military families
2. PCSmyPet offers military-friendly relocation services with discounts, travel plans and experience with Permanent Change of Station moves. You can click here for more information.
3. Operation Military Pet helps cover transportation costs for families who have already exhausted other options. Click here.
4. Dogs on Deployment connects families with volunteer boarders during deployments, training or emergencies. Their Pet PCS Program also provides grants for overseas moves. Click here.
5. PACT for Animals runs Operation Foster that matches pets with foster families during relocations or deployments. More than 3,000 pets have been fostered through this program across the United States. Click here.
6. Happy Tails Travel specializes in military relocations for pets locally, nationally and internationally. They also offer military discounts. Click here.
7. Island Pet Movers provides relocation support with Hawaiʻi’s strict import rules, including help with paperwork, vaccinations and quarantine requirements. Discounts are available for military families. Click here.
Local support in Hawaiʻi
8. The Hawaiian Humane Society runs the Pets of Patriots program, which connects volunteers to service members in need of foster care for their pets.
9. The Hawaiʻi Military Pets Facebook group is an online space for families to share advice, ask questions and find help with relocation.
Financial and logistical support
10. Military OneSource provides relocation tools that includes “Plan My Move,” which helps families prepare for transportation and connects them to services. Click here.
Pet relocation tied to a Permanent Change of Station can qualify as a tax-deductible expense. Companies such as Island Pet Movers provide single invoices to make the deduction process easier.
Adoption and rehoming options
If relocation is not possible, the Hawaiian Humane Society offers adoption services. Military personnel may qualify for waived fees.
The Hawaiʻi Military Pets Facebook group also serves as a place to find foster families or adopters within the military community.
Military families in Hawaiʻi face challenges when moving, but resources exist to make it possible to keep pets safe, cared for and part of the family.