PAWS of Hawaii

FAQ

LOCATION

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

PAWS of Hawaii does not have a physical location available to the public. All of our animals are in PAWS of Hawaii foster homes across O’ahu. They are  cared for by these families until adopted.

REQUESTING HELP

DO YOU TAKE OWNER SURRENDERS?

Every dog adopted from PAWS of Hawaii is always welcome back to our rescue in the event their owners can no longer care for them. Return information is BELOW.

ADOPTION PROCESS

HOW DO I MEET AN ANIMAL I AM INTERESTED IN AND WHAT IS THE ADOPTION PROCESS?

To meet any animal, please fill out our adoption form. Once it is completed send us a message to let us know you submitted the form and which animal(s) you are looking to visit with. Messages are preferred  via facebook or instagram. If you do not have either form of social media, you may send us an email us via adopt@pawsofhawaii.org.

Adoption forms can take anywhere from 1-10 days to be fully processed. Once the adoption application if approved, we can  schedule a meet and greet for your Ohana and our wonderful rescue animals.

If the meet and greet goes well the animal can be adopted and taken home at that time or within a couple days.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN POTENTIAL ADOPTERS?

Each dog has a different personality and needs. We do our very best to line up our dogs with families where they will thrive. What we look for varies with the needs of each animal.

WHAT IF A DOG HAS MORE THAN ONE INTERESTED ADOPTER?

If we receive multiple applications for a single dog, we review them and arrange a meet and greet with one of the families. Potential adopters that do not receive their “first choice” can arrange to meet other dogs.

WHAT ARE YOUR ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS?

Every dog has different requirements for their own needs and personality. Our main adoption guideline is our age requirement. We only have quick approvals for applicants over 23 years of age. Those 18-22 may still adopt but they would need to first complete a successful fostering period.

I SUBMITTED AN ADOPTION FORM, BUT AM INTERESTED IN A NEW DOG. DO SUBMIT A NEW FORM?

If all of the information you included in your previous adoption application is still valid, you do not need to send a second form. If your information has changed please re-submit. If you would like to include more detailed information in your adoption application, you are welcome to submit a new form.

WHAT IS THE ADOPTION FEE?

Adult dogs (over one year old) have a $150 adoption fee.

Puppies (up to one year) have a $300 adoption fee.

WHAT CARE IS PROVIDED FOR THE ANIMALS PRIOR TO ADOPTION?

Our team provides extensive care for each animal that comes into PAWS of Hawaii. The dogs are given baths, cleaned, nails trimmed and ears cleaned when they first come in. They are provided with good food and sent to a loving foster home.

ALL DOGS ARE:

  • checked by a veterinarian
  • dewormed
  • vaccinated
  • Spay/Neutered
  • microchipped
  • treated for fleas and ticks
  • on heartworm prevention
  • on intestinal worm prevention
  • adults are checked for heartworms & ehrlichia.

Care may vary from animal to animal dependent on their needs.

CAN I HAVE AN ANIMAL FOR TRIAL PERIOD BEFORE COMMITTING TO ADOPTION ?

This is dependent on the animal and situation. If you are interested in a dog but would first like to have a trial, please fill out the  adoption form. Once it is completed send us a message to let us know that you would like to have a foster to adopt trial. Messages are preferred  via facebook or instagram. If you do not have either form of social media, you may send us an email us via adopt@pawsofhawaii.org. If the animal has other adoption applicants ready and willing to take him/her home a trial may not be approved.


We do not allow trials with our puppies. If you would like to have a trial with a puppy first to see if you are ready, please sign up as a foster!

CAN I ADOPT A DOG FROM PAWS OF HAWAII IF I LIVE ON AN OUTER ISLAND?

Absolutely! We do adoption all throughout the State of Hawai’i. Additional costs will include the flight costs and a carrier (if needed). There will also be an agreement that you will be responsible for the costs to return the dog to O’ahu in the event the adoption does not work out.

CAN I ADOPT A DOG FROM PAWS OF HAWAII FROM THE CONTINENTAL U.S.?

We do not allow out of state adoptions at this time. But we encourage you to contact your local rescue to find a great match!

DONATION

HOW CAN I DONATE?

Every donation for the animals is truly appreciated. Donations can be sent online or mailed via check to:
P.O. Box 6177 • Kaneohe, HI • 96744

DONATE

WHAT ITEMS ARE MOST NEEDED?

Please visit our Donation’s page for detailed information on our most needed items!

HOW WILL MY DONATION BE USED?

Donations are put towards medical care and supplies for our incoming rescues. If you would like your donation  to be used specifically for a certain purpose, please let us know and we are happy to follow up with you.

IS MY DONATION TAX-DEDUCTIBLE AND CAN I RECEIVE A RECEIPT?

Donations to PAWS of Hawaii are all tax deductible. To receive a donation receipt please email to following to info@pawsofhawaii.org:
  • Legal name of business name
  • Number
  • Email

AFTER ADOPTION

Mahalo nui for opening your home and hearts to a loving new addition.
  • register the microchip
  • purchase an ID tag
  • schedule a visit with your local veterinarian

HOW DO I REGISTER MY ANIMAL'S MICROCHIP?

To register the microchip visit found.org/start and follow the prompts.

WHAT IS AN ID TAG?

ID tags are also know as identification tags. These can be purchased at most pet stores or online. Your contact information and the dogs name will be printed on to the tag. This ensures a lost dog can get home safely and quickly if the dog has been found.

DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MY DOG AFTER ADOPTION?

When the dog is in the care of PAWS of Hawaii, we do keep them up to date on their medical  and monthly preventatives. Some dogs may require follow up veterinary visits or boosters. If you are unsure about what additional care your dogs need, please reach out to us via facebook or text. IN addition, we always recommend scheduling a follow up whether or not your dog needs additional care. It is a great way to introduce your new family member to their veterinarian!

REQUESTING HELP

DO YOU TAKE OWNER SURRENDERS?

Every dog adopted from PAWS of Hawaii is always welcome back to our rescue in the event their owners can no longer care for them. Return information is below, If the dog was not adopted from PAWS of Hawaii, you may request an outside owner surrender. Please keep in mind our priority is primarily homeless dogs and we do not always have  availability for outside owner surrender.

MY NEIGHBOR HAS A DOG THAT IS NOT IN GOOD CONDITION, WHAT CAN I DO?

Our mission at PAWS of Hawaii is to assist the community. We recommend to education and assistance above filing a police report or abuse claim. First step is to  approach them to offer assistance. Kindly, without judgement offer help and educate your neighbor. If the dog is underweight, offer them food. If the dog has no shelter, give them one. If the dog is on a short chain, give them a longer tie out. It may not solve all the issues, but it opens a pathway to forming a good relationship and opening them up to your assistance.

STRAY DOGS

I FOUND A STRAY, WHAT DO WE DO?

We recommend following these steps:
  • Check for a tag / collar
  • Take a photo of the animal
  • Have them scanned for a microchip at your nearest vet clinic
  • File an online report with the humane society
  • Post photos to local lost and found pet groups

I AM UNABLE TO HOLD ON TO THE STRAY UNTIL THE OWNER IS LOCATED, WHERE DO I TAKE THEM?

The Hawaiian Humane Society serves as our island lost and found center. They are open admission and can accept the dog 24/7.

I FOUND A DOG IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE?

If the dog is sick or injured you can call us at (808) 757-9220 and we do our best to offer assistance or advice. If we are not available, it is recommended to take the dog to a veterinary clinic nearest to you.

RETURN POLICY

All animals adopted from PAWS of Hawaii are required to be returned to PAWS of Hawaii if you are unable to care for them.  It is our goal to place our rescues in homes where they will be loved and cared for all their lives. If at anytime you are unable to care for them please follow these steps. Send a message to facebook, instagram  or email us at adopt@pawsofhawaii.org with the following:
  • your name
  • number
  • animals name
  • 1-2 photo
  • microchip number (if possible)
Although we may be able to take the animal back the next day we do ask (per adoption agreement) that you provide us with approximately 10 working days to find the animal a new family. This is to help ensure the animal is not moved around too much. If after the 10 working days a family to adopt can not be found, we will take the animal back in and place them in a loving foster home until they are adopted.

IF I CANNOT KEEP THE ANIMAL, BUT A CLOSE FRIEND OR FAMILY WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THEM IN, HOW DO WE TRANSFER THE DOG?

Simply contact us, we will take down the info of the potential new owners and arrange a meet up to transfer the animal’s info into their name.