If you are an animal lover who wants to give back during your vacation to Kauai, I have just the thing for you. Through the Kauai Humane Society’s program, Shelter Dogs on Field Trips, visitors to Kauai can “check out” a dog for a day. Simply come to the Kauai Humane Society, where you will meet their big-hearted dogs. Then, you will be matched up with one to take out.
After being outfitted in an “adopt me” vest, the dog will be ready to spend the day with you.
Shelter Dogs on Field Trips
The main goal of the program is for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the lovely Garden Island and to get your “dog fix” by taking along one of the shelter dogs on your adventure.
You can take the dog to any dog-friendly beach or hiking trail in Kauai. These include Maha`ulepu Beach in Poipu, Kalapaki Beach in Lihue, Sleeping Giant in Wailua, Moalepe Trail in Wailua, Wailua Arboretum in Wailua, and Koke`e State Park/Waimea Canyon. Most beaches allow dogs unless they are county-maintained beaches or parks. Kapa`a Beach Path is the only exception.
The Kauai Humane Society is centrally located right in Lihue, where most people will fly into Kauai. And, it is not a far drive from many of Kauai’s main attractions.
An hour’s drive will bring you to Waimea Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in Kauai. One of my favorite hikes in Kauai, Sleeping Giant, is only 20 minutes away from the Kauai Humane Society. A little-known state arboretum, Wailua Arboretum has places to have a picnic and is only 30 minutes away.
If you prefer to stay in Lihue, there are some great beaches, like Kalapaki Beach.
Everyone wins
Having a dog with you might give you the opportunity to go on a hike that you hadn’t considered before. With your new friend, you just might explore new parts of Kauai that hadn’t been on your radar.
As a dog-lover myself, I think that exploring new places is even better when you get to see it through the eyes of a dog. It also feels good to know that you have made the place you visited a little bit better by visiting. Taking a shelter dog on a field trip just might be the highlight of your entire vacation to Kauai.
Many people enjoy going to the beach or going on a trail while they are in Kauai. This program enables visitors to the island to help out in a huge way while doing something they already wanted to do.
Plus, about once a week, a visitor to the island falls in love with the dog they take. They end up flying them home to be new members of their family! While there is no pressure to do so, this program benefits everyone. It’s so important for the dogs to get outside, exercise, and socialize while they wait to be adopted, and it helps some dogs get adopted.
This map shows where dogs from the Kauai Humane Society have found forever homes. Some now live as far as New England!
Guidelines
You can pick up the dogs between 11 am and 1 pm Tuesday through Friday, and 10 am to 12 pm Saturday and Monday. You have to return them by 5:30 pm Tuesday-Friday.
and 3:30 pm Saturday and Monday.
• Participant must be at least 18 years old.
• A liability waiver must be signed.
• Your credit card number will be recorded for a $200 deposit in the event the dog is not returned.
• Dogs must be in an enclosed vehicle. They cannot ride in an open convertible or in the open bed of a truck.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times. They are not allowed off-leash or in any dog park.
For more information about this program, visit the Kauai Humane Society’s website.
If you are interested in other volunteer opportunities while you are on vacation in Hawaii, give us a call. Because all of our travel agents live in Hawaii, they are familiar with ways to get involved in the community.
