Maui Humane Society

The Maui Humane Society (MHS) is a private nonprofit organization. The County of Maui contracts with our agency to provide animal control services and operate an animal shelter and adoption agency. Maui Humane Society’s motto is ‘We Love Saving Lives’ – and we are dedicated to maximizing positive outcomes for our shelter animals through adoption, transfer into adoption-guaranteed care, and reuniting lost pets with their people. Maui Humane Society’s facility undergoes regular improvements to ensure that our shelter is a welcoming, family-friendly place for people to visit, adopt, volunteer and shop to support the care of our shelter animals. Enrichment programs are designed through our Behavior & Training Department, such as daily Dog Playgroups, Beach Buddies and the Volunteer Foster Program. We are able to identify and respond to the medical and behavioral needs of each individual animal in our care, increasing their chances of adoption. Bi-weekly meetings take place to discuss the needs of all behavioral and medical animals in our care to establish the most productive and expeditious pathway to adoption or transfer. These meetings consist of representatives from every department and can be likened to an individualized case management approach for animals. The Hope Fund makes it possible for many of these animals to receive life-saving medical treatment above and beyond what is normally possible. 4EverPets is our new community outreach program that began during the COVID crisis as a resource to help keep pets in home. During the pandemic, Maui Humane Society provided over 100,000 lbs of pet food to families who were facing financial hardship. The program assists with supplies, medicine, flea/tick prevention, behavioral resources and solutions to prevent surrender. In a further effort to become more community-focused and support pets who are already in homes, Maui Humane Society employs a Pet Retention Specialist. This individual assists families to retain their pets rather than surrendering them to the shelter. We offer a variety of options to assist with rehoming a pet, housing concerns, medical bills, behavioral concerns and financial hardship. Our Wings of Aloha transfer program saved over 700 animals just last year by placing them into adoption-guaranteed care in Washington and Oregon and currently working on expanding the transfer program. Our responsibilities require us to accept all animals regardless of condition or circumstance. As such we receive a far greater number than can be adopted into our community. By creating this transfer program, MHS recognizes we can provide some of these animals with a second chance at recovery and the opportunity to find new homes. We are dedicated to helping animals and invite other animal welfare organizations to work together as Transfer Partners so that together we can improve the lives of companion animals here on Maui.

Rules/Guidelines for pulling animals For any shelters or rescue organizations interested in becoming a Wings of Aloha transfer partner please contact the Transfer Coordinator at [email protected] for more information. Transfer Partner Commitment A key factor to ensuring a cooperative and productive relationship includes an agreement to focus on common goals and a shared appreciation, compassion and love for animals. In this spirit we request that Transfer Partners (TP) formally agree to the below guiding principles: We recognize that all stakeholders in the animal welfare community have a passion for and are dedicated to the mutual goal of saving animals' lives. We, as animal welfare stakeholders, agree to foster a mutual respect for one another. When discussing differences of policy and opinion, either publicly or within and among our own agencies, we agree to refrain from denigrating or speaking ill of one another. We will also encourage those other individuals and organizations in our sphere of influence to do the same. TP must have sufficient space to appropriately house the transferred animals. No animal should be displaced or euthanized because of incoming transported animals. No MHS animals transported should be euthanized after arrival because of lack of space. It is the responsibility of the TP to clearly communicate with MHS staff intake criteria and availability. If the TP would like to request additional animals or a different type or breed of animal they are encouraged to contact MHS to make arrangements. An off island transfer is a one-way transport. A TP not on Maui cannot ‘reject’ an animal once it reaches the destination. TP must maintain animals in a healthy and safe environment with appropriate human interaction, meeting the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. The TP and/or the trainers it utilizes agree that the behavior modification techniques and methods used are not physically or mentally stressful or damaging to the animal. Medical care and treatment provided by TP shall be overseen by a licensed veterinarian. Any animal released to a TP must be surgically spayed or neutered as soon as reasonably possible. TP must agree to never allow an animal to be used for medical experimentation, research or fighting. TP must abide by any local, state or national laws and cannot knowingly place an animal with a person or group that is in non-compliance with local animal control and licensing codes. TP must agree to make every attempt to find loving, responsible, lifelong homes for their animals. If a transfer partner intentionally violates these guidelines/requirements, they risk severing their relationship as a MHS transfer partner. Animal Transfer Procedure Pre-Transfer Contact Communication between the designated coordinators of MHS animal transports and Transfer Partners (TP) is important to decide and confirm timing, number and types of animals being transferred, and any health considerations. MHS will send an email with a transfer request and information regarding each transfer candidate animal. MHS email blast will include the following information on all transfer candidate animals: Vaccinations and medical history Photo Description of animal Date of intake How the pet was acquired (owner surrender, stray, etc.) Pre-transfer behavior notes TP will thoroughly review the behavior observations and health record of each animal before agreeing to accept the transfer. Pre-Transfer Behavior Observation All animals selected for transfer will be observed by an MHS representative. During this observation, general notations will be made about the socialization and kennel habits of each animal. MHS reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the suitability of any particular animal for release to a partner organization. MHS will not knowingly release an animal that poses a threat to public safety. In situations where an animal has a history of behavior that causes concern or is showing behavior that is questionable, MHS will attempt to disclose any and all of the information within its control to the TP. Animals that are released to TP become the full responsibility of the TP including any behavioral incidents that may happen while in the care of the TP. In the event that an animal MHS has placed with a TP develops signs of inappropriate aggression toward humans or other animals after being transferred, MHS would not condone the adoption of an animal that potentially poses a threat to public safety and would recommend the TP humanely euthanize the animal. Pre-Transfer Medical Routine Medical treatment is subject to the discretion of MHS veterinary staff All dogs and puppies will have received the following: Intranasal bordetella vaccine. General health exam performed by vet tech. Dewormed with either Strongid-T or Ivermectin. DA2LPPV vaccine administered during check in exam, if not previously administered within the last 12 months. Additionally, puppies receive booster vaccinations every 2 weeks until 4 months of age. A heartworm test will be done on all dogs over 6 months of age. If negative, Ivermectin is used monthly on all adult dogs as a heartworm preventative. If applicable, a rabies vaccine will be given. A valid health certificate will be issued by a licensed veterinarian. Outgoing visual exam to be performed within 24 hours of transfer. Observing for any open sores/wounds, abnormally runny eyes (i.e. conjunctivitis), runny nose, any congestion or trouble breathing, loose stool, pronounced dermatitis, diarrhea, loss of appetite or lethargy. Health records will be updated and current on any medical issues observed. Frontline administered prior to transfer. All cats and kittens will have received the following: Intranasal FVRC vaccine administered upon intake. General health exam performed by vet tech FVRCP vaccine administered at intake. Kittens receive booster vaccinations every 2 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Oral capstar for fleas is given and thorough Wood’s Lamp examination for all cats Dewormed with either Strongid-T or Ivermectin. Ponazuril is given to kittens under 4 months of age for the treatment of coccidia. A FeLV/FIV test can be done upon request for $30. If applicable, a rabies vaccine will be given. A valid health certificate will be issued by a licensed veterinarian. Health records will be updated and current on any medical issues observed. Revolution administered prior to transfer. MHS will make every attempt to disclose any and all information related to the medical condition including making available any documents or records related to the animal. When approved by MHS, the TP can take animals diagnosed with a medical condition with the understanding that the animal will receive appropriate medical care as needed. After the transfer takes place, MHS will not be responsible for any medical conditions the animal may have, either diagnosed or undiagnosed. The TP will assume full responsibility for the animal’s medical needs and associated costs until such time that the animal is placed into a permanent home. Maui Humane Society provides the following for the animals in our care: Adult Dogs over 6 months old: -Intranasal Bordetella vaccine upon intake -DA2PPvL (Parvo/Lepto included) -Flea/Tick Preventative (Effitix), Capstar if needed -Dewormers -Microchip -Spay/Neuter -Heartworm Test -Heartworm preventative Puppies under 6 months old -Bordatella vaccine upon intake -DA2PPvL (Parvo/Lepto included) - receives a series up to 4mos -Dewormer -Flea medications (Effitix), Capstar if needed -Microchip -Spay/neuter** Adult Cats over 6 months old: -Intranasal FVRC vaccine upon intake -FVRCP vaccine during check-in exam -Dewormer -Flea medications (Revolution), Capstar as needed -Woods Lamp exam -Spay/neuter Kittens under 6 months old: -Intranasal FVRC vaccine for kittens at least 6 weeks old/ 1.5 pounds or more -FVRCP vaccine - receives a series up to 4mos -Dewormer -Flea medications ( Revolution), Capstar as needed -Woods lamp exam - spay/neuter** **If possible, can send puppies and kittens intact to be spayed/neutered after transfer. We are concerned about COVID spay/neuter delay and want to provide live outcomes as much as possible. As needed: Skin scrapes DTM plates Ear cytology Blood work Urine cultures Dentals (including cleaning and extractions) Enucleations Amputations Once an animal is chosen for transport, we provide a health certificate within 10 days of flight and administer a Rabies vaccine for animals 3 months and older. Confirming Transfer Once animals are selected by TP, arrangements for transfer will be scheduled for the soonest reasonable mutually agreeable date. After transfer confirmation, no changes can be made to the animals scheduled to be transferred unless new health or behavior concerns are identified. If new concerns are identified: MHS will contact TP to disclose the findings. Based on the new information, TP will confirm if they can still accept the animal or not. If so, transfer progresses as usual If not, attempts can be made to substitute another transfer candidate into the scheduled transfer if time allows. Once an animal has been accepted on the transport flight or into the hands/care of the transfer partner representative, “ownership” of that animal transfers to the transfer partner. Post Transfer Email or phone confirmation of received animals must be made from the TP to MHS within 24 hours of animal pickup. Any airline kennels or other MHS property loaned to TP for transport shall be returned to MHS at an agreed upon time. Animals transferred unaltered must have confirmation of spay/neuter surgery sent to MHS within an agreed upon timeframe. Upon request, TP must be able to provide disposition date and disposition type for transferred animals. Any photographs taken of pets while at the MHS are the property of MHS and may not be used without prior agreement. MHS will agree to provide photos for all animals that have completed transfer to a TP. Credit for these photos should be given to MHS when used on websites and other public, promotional vehicles. Rules and Guidelines for Transporting Animals -Arrive at the airport at least 1 hour prior to scheduled arrival time.. Transfer Coordinator will provide transporters with info needed to pick up animals from the airport. -Cats, kittens and puppies MUST NOT be removed from their kennels during transport to shelter/rescue. -OK for dogs to be removed for kennel for potty breaks , but must use the slip lead (will be attached to the top of the kennel) and be taken out of the kennel within the van. Must be leashed AT ALL TIMES. -Transporters must carry extra water to refill water bowls in kennels. Water bowls that will be used for transport may be filled from the outside of the kennel. -No overnight fostering of animals. Animals must be transported directly to the destination shelter/rescue organization. Animals must not be left unattended.