The Hawaii County Animal Control Protection Agency has made changes to better handle the thousands of lost, abandoned or neglected pets that roam the island.
In the first three months of 2024, Animal Control took in 810 pets, of which 123 were claimed by their owners, according to shelter activity reports.
“We have improved in our efficiency with intakes, but that means we are maxing out the amount of animals we’re bringing into the facility every single week,” said Animal Control Administrator Matthew Rannells. “Right now, we’re really trying to push the importance of microchips and have as many people as possible microchip their pets.”
As of January 2022, the law requires dog and cat owners to have microchip identification implanted in their dogs and cats, and to register the microchip number and the owner’s contact information with a microchip registration company.
According to Rannells, about 90% of pets Animal Control has picked up are not microchipped, making it extremely difficult to find owners most of the time.
“Historically, microchipped animals go home with their owners and spend less than 48 hours in our facility,” Rannells said. “When a pet is not microchipped, or a microchip is not registered, we have no frame of reference to begin returning them.”
To combat the widespread lack of microchipped pets, Animal Control in a few months will be utilizing a $3,000 grant for a free microchipping initiative that will be available to anyone interested. Staff will be stationed at central locations in each district of Hawaii Island where they will microchip pets and register the information online.
“It will be up to the public to take advantage of that, but it will be a benefit for everyone,” Rannells said. “Ultimately, we are trying to simplify the process for owners. Instead of being worried, or leaving their animals in a shelter for far too long, they can get them back immediately.”
The agency also started posting pictures of animals they have picked up every couple days on social media, which has proven to be helpful in reuniting pets and owners. Photos often are shared across community pages that are used by people who have lost or found pets in the county.
“What is great with social media is that when something is out there, it spreads like wildfire,” Rannells said. “Other than micrchipping, the best method for looking for a pet is to post pictures and descriptions on all these pages.”
Those who find healthy strays or those who lose a pet are encouraged to post photos and descriptions on lost.petcolove.org. For microchip registration, Animal Control utilizes and recommends the national registry on my24pet.com.
While Animal Control is focused on its many services, the agency has developed partnerships with county organizations that regularly visit its shelters to view animals that qualify to be transferred to adoption-focused facilities.
In the first three months of 2024, Animal Control transferred 254 animals to its partner agencies. Action 4 Animals is one of those transfer partners that utilizes volunteer fosters to get pets out of the shelter while they await adoption.
“Our organization does not have a shelter, and animals solely stay with fosters or are taken out of the Animal Control shelters for the day,” said volunteer Sandi Alstrand. “All of our cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed and flea-treated while they stay with fosters.”
While its volunteers foster as many cats or dogs as possible, A4A also manages the cat cubbies at the Petco in Hilo by filling vacancies, cleaning the cubbies and feeding the cats daily.
On Saturday, May 18, A4A hosted a cat adoption event at the Hilo Petco for kittens and cats that are being fostered by volunteers. An Animal Control officer also brought some adoptable cats from the shelter.
“Animal Control works with us very well. One of the officers spent her own time bringing the kitties down here for the event,” said volunteer Elaine Partlow. “These kitties are all on death row, so we try to get them out as much as we can.”
A4A is always searching for dog and cat fosters as well as other volunteers who can help manage the Petco cubbies and assist Partlow with a new “working cat” program for shy cats that would not thrive as an indoor-only pet.
“These cats are adopted on larger properties for hunting things like rats, which people do really need. I run the entire program right now, and it’s labor-intensive, but it is the only way to get these cats into homes,” Partlow said. “These cats end up happy, as they are fed and taken care of in a way that works for them.”
To volunteer or adopt an animal from A4A, visit action4animalshawaii.com
Pet overpopulation is a substantial issue on Hawaii Island, so all the animals that are picked up by Animal Control and transferred to partner agencies are microchipped and spayed or neutered.
As has been the existing policy, Animal Control holds animals under its care for the required minimum period of 48 hours. Since operations began in July 2021, the average length of stay for dogs is approximately 45 days and 52 days for cats.
According to its website, Animal Control performs humane euthanasia services for unclaimed animals that pose a public safety risk, or cannot be medically rehabilitated.
In the first three months of 2024, Animal Control euthanized 391 animals. About 30 of these were by owner request.
All Animal Control services are divided into three priorities that involve different numbers and government entities, depending on the situation.
For Priority 1 calls — which are for injured animals, animals that pose a public safety risk, animal cruelty or when an animal’s owner has been arrested or has died with no family to pick up the pet — contact Police Dispatch at (808) 935-3311.
For Priority 2 calls — which are for lost or found pets and nonemergency issues — email hpdanimalcontrol@hawaiicounty.gov and call (808) 327-3558.When leaving a message, leave a name and contact information clearly, so that staff can return calls promptly.
For Priority 3 calls — which are for deceased animals on the roadway — call the Department of Public Works Highways Division at (808) 961-8349. If a deceased animal is on a state highway or road, call the state Department of Transportation Highways Division at (808) 933-8866.
Animal Control currently is seeking experienced kennel techs, Animal Control officers, and other positions in both East and West Hawaii. Applications are available at tinyurl.com/HICountyJobs
If a position is not listed on the county job site, submit a resume and desired position to animalcontrol@hawaiicounty.gov.
“We’re aiming to be fully staffed and trained within 90 days with all the tools necessary to service the county. And I’m hoping to see progress with all of our collective efforts in a year or so,” Rannells said. “I’m in my eighth month in this position, and it has been great being part of this new agency within the county.
It’s interesting tackling a challenging subject matter that often brings heavy debate, but I know what we’re doing is a necessity.”
For additional information and monthly shelter reports, visit hawaiicounty.gov/departments/animal-control
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
