Ask the Vet • FAQ • Links • Woof! Woof! Woof!

Frequently Asked Questions about HDF

1. What is HDF?

2. Who are you affiliated with?

3. Do you support the "no-kill" movement?

4. Do you charge an adoption fee?

5. Can I take one of your dogs home today?

6. If I find a homeless dog can I call HDF?

7. How will you find homes for rescued dogs?

8. What if I have to give up my own dog?

9. Do you charge for this service?

10. How do I volunteer to help HDF?

11. How do I make a donation to HDF?

12. How do I contact HDF?

13. Do you think your dog needs a better home?

1. What is HDF?
We are a small 501c3 nonprofit organization that takes homeless dogs and finds loving, nurturing homes for them. We currently use a network of foster homes but plan to build a shelter as soon as possible.

2. Who are you affiliated with?
The Hawaii Dog Foundation is independent from all other organizations. Although we used Best Friends as a guide when establishing our organization, we are not directly affiliated with them. There are a lot of wonderful groups working to better animals lives. We support most of the animal rescue organizations.

3. Do you support the "no-kill" movement?
Yes! It's actually in our mission statement. We believe that every healthy adoptable dog should have the chance to find a family - no matter long it takes.

4. Do you charge an adoption fee?
No. However, we ask that you help us cover the expense of caring for the dogs, including getting them spayed or neutered. We ask for a $95.00 donation for adult dogs and $125.00 for puppies. Puppies need their shots before they can be adopted, which is why we ask for a higher donation. Without your donation we would not be able to rehabilitate or provide any medical care for the rescued dogs.

5. Can I take one of your dogs home today?
No. We must carefully screen all people wanting to adopt our dogs. These dogs have been rescued and may have special needs or be very scared of people. We need to interview those interested in our dogs and make sure the dog is right for them and they are right for the dog. Most dog lovers understand and respect our adoption process.

6. If I find a homeless dog can I call HDF?
If you find a dog that appears to be homeless or lost, by law you must first report it to Hawaii Humane Society. The dog may have been separated from its owner, and the owner may be looking for it. If the dog is not claimed after 3 days, then we will do everything possible to help any homeless dog find a new home or hopefully reunite it with its own family. Unfortunately we are small and can only take a limited number of dogs. If we cannot take in the dog we will contact other animal rescue organizations and see if they are willing or able to take in the dog.

7. How do you find homes for rescued dogs?
We post the dogs' pictures on our website, send out flyers, use word-of-mouth and showcase our rescued dogs at our Meet & Greets, which are held at the Mililani Mauka Dog Park. We also attend other animal related activities.

8. What if I have to give up my own dog?
There are two ways we help dog owners find new homes for their dogs. One is to have the owner keep the dog while we go through our regular channels. We recommend that you also post ads in the newspaper and on Craigslist (http://honolulu.craigslist.org). The other method is to have the owner give us the dog and we put it in one of our foster homes. We prefer the first method because it gives us more room for our rescues. We have a limited number of foster homes.

9. Do you charge for this service?
No. Our mission is "No More Homeless Dogs in Hawaii". Although our focus is on homeless dogs, we are wiling to help find a new home for any dog. We do ask that you consider donating to our organization for this service.

10. How do I volunteer to help HDF?
You can email us or call us - it's that simple. We'll ask you some questions to find out your strengths and keep in touch to let you know how you can help. We especially need foster homes.

11. How do I make a donation to HDF?
You can visit our website donation page to donate with a credit card or you can print out our donation form here and just mail us a check. We'll mail you the receipt. Any donation is welcome. In addition to money we also need supplies - dog food, kennels, dog toys, leashes, etc..

12. How do I contact HDF?
Email us: info@hawaiidogfoundation.org
Call us: (808) 782-8387
Write us: Hawaii Dog Foundation, PO Box 30171, Honolulu, HI 96820

13. Do you think your dog needs a better home?
Remember that your dog is a part of your family. It should be an extreme circumstance that causes you to give up your best friend. He/she is loyal, loving, and trusting. You owe it to your best friend, the guardian of your home and your family, your loyal companion to do everything possible to keep him/her in your life. YOU ARE YOUR DOG'S ONLY FAMILY!