Missing your dog while on vacation can be tough. In Hawaii, several animal shelters offer a unique solution: tourists can "borrow" an adoptable dog for a day trip. This helps both the visitors and the dogs.
Giving Back While on Vacation
Three programs allow visitors to take shelter dogs on adventures:
- Field Trips for Shelter Dogs at Kauai’i Humane Society
- Beach Buddies at Maui Humane Society
- ʻĪlio Explorers at Hawaiian Humane Society
These programs require booking ahead and have varying fees. For example, Kauai’i Humane Society charges visitors at least $75. Maui Humane Society also charges $75. The ʻĪlio Explorers program asks for a donation, which is $150 for visitors.
This initiative is a way for tourists to practice ethical tourism. The Hawaii tourism board suggests visitors support local businesses, respect Hawaiian culture, conserve natural resources, and volunteer.
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Start Your News DetoxBrandy Shimabukuro, communications manager for the Hawaiian Humane Society, explained that these trips are more than just fun. They give dogs a break from the kennel.
Benefits for Dogs and Adoptions
Short excursions are good for shelter dogs. They help reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, according to the Hawaiian Humane Society. These trips also increase the dogs' chances of adoption.
When visitors spend time with a dog, they learn about its personality and preferences. This information helps the shelter match dogs with potential adopters.
Julie Schultz-Wallace from Colorado recently visited Maui. She spent a day with Buck, a sighthound mix from the Maui Humane Society. The shelter provided everything needed for the trip, including treats, water, and a map of dog-friendly places.
Schultz-Wallace took Buck to the beach. She observed his behavior to share details with the shelter. Buck wore an "adopt me" collar and bandana, which helped people on the beach interact with him.
Sometimes, visitors even adopt the dogs they take out. The Maui Humane Society also partners with American Airlines. This allows volunteer passengers to fly adoptable dogs to new homes in other states.
Lisa Labrecque, CEO of the Maui Humane Society, said that socialization makes dogs happier and better adjusted. This increases their chances of adoption. She noted that some visitors enjoy their time so much they adopt the dog.
"Borrow-a-dog" programs are becoming more popular. They offer a chance to experience dog ownership for a day without a long-term commitment. For dog lovers like Schultz-Wallace, it made her vacation even better.
