A new animal rescue and advocacy group is working to get more dogs and cats adopted to help control the animal population on the Big Island.
Action 4 Animals is comprised of volunteers, fosters and animal lovers dedicated to getting as many at-risk animals adopted into loving homes as possible.
The group was formed in 2021 but received its nonprofit status last December. In 2022, the group assisted in the adoption of over 300 cats and about 25 dogs.
“This group began quite basically for the love of animals and seeing the dire need on the island to fix the animal situation,” said Lynn Morrison, president of A4A. “We have a surplus of animals here, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of motivation to do anything about it. A4A has taken on a life of its own, and now we are incredibly busy. It’s almost out of control.”
A4A works with Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary and Hawaii County Animal Control to get their animals fostered or adopted as quickly as possible.
Every month, the group hosts adoption events at Petco, where the community can come in and play with dogs or cats and potentially take them to their permanent homes.
“Up until recently, we were focused on adopting Rainbow Friends’ dogs to help with their numbers. We have recently become an Animal Control, partner making our work even more imperative,” Morrison said. “During our adoption events, kittens and cats go pretty quickly, but for dogs it varies. We’re happy to get at least one dog adopted.”
The next Petco adoption day is at the Hilo location from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Cats and dogs from Animal Control will be there.
To date, A4A has found homes for over 500 cats, 25 dogs, and has been instrumental in transporting 44 cats and dogs to the U.S. mainland and Canada.
A4A will be hosting its first fundraising event with the first annual “Howl-O-Ween Hustle” at Lili‘uokalani Gardens in Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 21.
A4A will have plenty of dogs and cats available for adoption that day, and the community is invited to register for a team dog walk, costume contest and dog trick contest. There also will be a microchip clinic for pet owners needing microchips for their animals.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and the dog walk will start at 11 a.m. The microchip clinic is $10 will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The costume contest will start at 12:30 p.m. and the dog trick contest will begin at 1 p.m.
“There truly aren’t enough venues for dog lovers to come together in Hawaii, so I think bringing dog lovers together and giving them the opportunity to walk together in costumes is a win-win,” Morrison said. “It’s fun idea where people can spend time with their animals while helping animals in need.”
Every Thursday, A4A hosts a “Doggie Café” at the University of Hawaii at Hilo to help animals from Rainbow Friends become socialized with people. Once a month, the Doggie Café involves a dog from Animal Control.
Last Thursday, a Rainbow Friends dog named Sandy received many treats and pets from students passing by the library while volunteers helped raise money for the organization.
“Andrea, another Rainbow dog who was a Doggie Café featured dog, just got adopted based on our social media of that event, and last semester, Rainbow dog Chico was sent to Montreal for adoption,” Morrison said. “We are hoping to help Animal Control dogs on our once-a-month cafés with them, because they are a very limited-access shelter with euthanasia.”
While A4A is a tight-knit group of nine consistent volunteers, the nonprofit is looking for more foster parents for dogs as they try to help house as many dogs from Animal Control as possible.
Although the work is constant, Morrison is happy with how much is being done by A4A and its volunteers.
“This is the most collaborative and communicative group I’ve worked with professionally. We’re pretty close-knit and communicate every day about our animals,” Morrison said. “Everyone is super dedicated and hardworking, which is amazing since some us still work full time or go to school. I’m amazed with this group and feel honored to work with them.”
Those interested in registering for the “Howl-O-Ween Hustle,” learning about volunteer opportunities and adoptable animals, or making a donation can visit action4animalshawaii.com.
The nonprofit also can be contacted at a4ahawaii@gmail.com and on Facebook at A4A.Action4Animals.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.