Kauaʻi Humane Society to celebrate 25 years of lifesaving programs for the island’s strays, pets

The Kauaʻi Humane Society is celebrating 25 years of lifesaving programs for Kauaʻi’s animals with a family-friendly birthday party at the Puhi shelter on Saturday, June 27.

The Puhi shelter opened in 2001, following years of planning and construction in the late 1990s. In 2022, the Kauaʻi Humane Society purchased the property from Grove Farm, securing the shelter’s future and opportunities to expand services for Kauaʻi’s animals and pet owners.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will feature sponsored pet adoptions, local pet vendors, food trucks, educational booths, children’s crafts, a dog agility course, and opportunities to participate in a dog play group or cat enrichment.

“Our goal is to bring the community together to have fun and celebrate, and also create opportunities for memorable connection and learning,” said Allegra Scribner, Kauaʻi Humane Society marketing coordinator. “We hope this event helps strengthen the bond between the Kauaʻi Humane Society and the people we serve, while showcasing the positive impact we can make when we work together.”

Party guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the shelter’s lifesaving programs, meet Kauaʻi Humane Society staff and volunteers, and discover ways to get involved through adopting, volunteering, fostering, and donating.

The event will also recognize the shelter’s lead veterinarian, Dr. Dawn Ushio, and her 27-year tenure with the Kauaʻi Humane Society. From when the shelter was located at Salt Pond in Hanapēpē in 1999 to today, Ushio has provided care to over 100,000 shelter animals and pets on the island.

Attendees can also bring a canine companion to run the Kauaʻi Humane Society dog agility course. Dogs participating in activities must remain leashed during the entirety of the event and during the agility course. By participating, owners acknowledge and accept all risks associated with event activities and are responsible for their dog’s behavior and safety. Dogs should be up-to-date on vaccinations and comfortable around people and other animals.

As part of the celebration, the Kauaʻi Humane Society aims to welcome 25 new monthly donors in honor of 25 years.

“Donors are the lifeblood of the Kauaʻi Humane Society. Their support, both locally and from the mainland, makes it possible for us to provide lifesaving care and create more happy outcomes for the animals in our shelter,” said Tanya Ramseth, Kauaʻi Humane Society director of development. “Monthly donors are especially vital because their consistent support allows us to plan ahead and respond quickly when animals arrive in need. Each monthly gift becomes part of every rescue, every adoption, and every second chance we’re able to give.”

At the event, the public will learn how this steady support directly impacts daily care and long-term outcomes for the animals who rely on the Kauaʻi Humane Society.

The birthday celebration is free to attend and open to the public. The Puhi shelter will also have extended adoption hours on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the Kauaʻi Humane Society website.