MAUI, Hawaii (KHON2) — The Maui Humane Society is planning on taking in nearly 30 dogs from Molokaʻi, and is calling on the community to adopt some paw-fect companions so they can avoid euthanasia.
The Molokaʻi kennels are operating beyond what the Maui Humane Society considers as a safe capacity, which is why the shelter decided to relocate 26 dogs to the Valley Isle.
Molokaʻi faces limited veterinary resources, as well as only two full-time staff on the island, making it near impossible for their staff to properly care for an influx of dogs.
This is not the first time the Maui Humane Society has transported pets from Molokaʻi. Since February 2025, the humane society has taken in 98 dogs from Molokaʻi.
Transported pups will find a new temporary home at the Puʻunēnē shelter, which would increase the shelter’s dog population by 40%.
This increase puts the Maui Humane Society at risk for dog overpopulation, a situation that can be solved one of two ways: adoption, or the difficult choice of euthanasia.
To avoid putting down dogs, the Maui Humane Society is urgently calling on the community to adopt some pups in their care.
“We’re committed to adapting to the unique needs of pets on Molokaʻi, but we cannot do it alone,” said Maui Humane Society Director of Field Services Tanya Hosoda. “We’re six months into our contract and our kennels on Maui are already full. We cannot continue to support Molokaʻi without community help.”
For those who cannot adopt or foster a pet, the Maui Humane Society asks for donations to help fund care for pets on Molokaʻi making their way to Maui, veterinary care and more.
Additionally, there is an open position on Molokaʻi for an Animal Care Enrichment/Pet Resource Specialist, with more information on the position available online.