Barks & Buys Market headed to Kaua‘i Humane Society Sept. 7 for clear the shelters event

A community market is coming to the Kaua‘i Humane Society to kick off the 2024 Clear the Shelters Crescendo Event, during which all adoption fees will be waived.

The Barks & Buys Market, set for Sept. 7 at the society’s shelter in Puhi, will feature more than 20 vendors offering various handmade goods, “pre-loved clothing,” dog accessories and more.

“There’s a ton of diversity … Just about anything you can think about is probably going to be on a table on our lawn,” said Nichole Schafer Crane, executive director of the Kauaʻi Humane Society.

The market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with every vendor donating a portion of their proceeds to the Kaua‘i Humane Society.

Since Clear the Shelters began in mid August, 50 animals now have new homes. The adoption fees will continue to be waived through Sept. 10.

The monthlong initiative also provides adopters with goody bags that include litter scoops, measuring cups for meals, waste bags and coupons.

“When people come into our shelter, they also get introduced to our other services,” Crane said. “We can also tell you about our clinic, following up on vaccines and talk about food and diet. It allows us to have a really good conversation and set your pet up for success, whether it’s newly adopted or it’s already been in your family for awhile.”

The Kaua‘i Humane Society’s most recent public adoption information – available on its Facebook page – reports 32 positive release outcomes for the week preceding Aug. 19, including 29 adoptions, two animals returned to their owners and one animal transferred to a rescue partner on the mainland.

Adoption rates have slowed down in August following a “huge” July during which nearly 150 animals were adopted, according to Crane, who co-owns and operates the TropiCats cat café in Nāwiliwili.

While the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s transfer program has picked up speed, sending more animals to rescue partners on the mainland, Crane believes the shelter may see an influx of kittens in coming weeks.

“Twenty animals walk out but 30 animals walk in,” she said. “We’re still very much challenged by the number of animals in our care, but we are seeing a lot of animals have positive outcomes by going to transfer and getting adopted.”

The Kaua‘i Humane Society held its first community market this past March without the “Barks & Buys” branding. Crane says it’s likely the society will continue to hold markets in the months and years to come.

“People really seem to enjoy coming out,” she said. “We really love hosting it and meeting so many people.”

For more information about the Barks & Buys Market and other upcoming events – including a mobile pet clinic in Kapa‘a on Aug. 29 and the annual PAWS for Celebration gala fundraiser on Oct. 5 – visit Kauaihumane.org.