As summer approaches on Kauaʻi, the island’s animal shelter is staying open later — and lowering adoption fees in hopes of helping more pets find a home.
The Kauaʻi Humane Society will launch its new ‘Sunset Adoption Hour’ series on Friday, May 15, extending adoption hours from noon to 7 p.m. at the Puhi shelter. The evening event marks the start of a monthly summer initiative aimed at making pet adoption more accessible for residents with busy daytime schedules.
The new initiative also aligns with the national “Empty the Shelters” campaign organized by the Bissell Pet Foundation, which runs from May 1 to 17. Through the partnership, adoption fees for cats and dogs at the shelter will be reduced to $25 or less.
Animals that have spent more than 100 days at the shelter, as well as animals aged 7 and older, will be available at no cost to adopters. All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before adoption.
“The goal is to find as many happy homes as possible for the many wonderful animals at KHS,” interim CEO Ben Osorno said in a statement.
Osorno also explained that the evening hours create a quieter and more relaxed setting for potential adopters.
“The shelter in the evening offers a calmer atmosphere after the excitement and foot traffic of the day,” he said. “It’s a great time to stop by and connect with an animal.”
The expanded hours follow growing local anticipation in the shelter’s community programs, including its free Field Trips for Shelter Dogs initiative for kama’āina residents with valid identification.
Shelter officials say one of the biggest barriers for adopters has been limited availability during regular business hours.
“There is a portion of the community who is interested in adopting an animal companion but unable to visit us between our normal operating hours,” Osorno said. “By extending our adoption hours, we are hoping to make it easier for people to find time after their busy workday.”
The shelter’s standard adoption hours remain noon to 4:30 p.m. daily, except Thursdays, when it is closed to the public.
The next extended-hours adoption event is scheduled for June 27 as part of the organization’s 25th anniversary celebration at the Puhi shelter.
Click here to view a list of animals that are ready for adoption.
