Our Mission

Together with our community, Maui Humane Society improves the lives of animals through humane care, compassion, and respect.

Our Story

Maui Humane Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was first established as a non-profit in 1953, incorporated in 1962, and is the only open admission animal shelter on the island of Maui. The organization has a 9-member Board of Directors, a dedicated staff of 96, and an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million. The organization’s exceptional staff are passionate, devoted to the mission, and have cultivated an organizational culture that fosters collaboration and problem-solving. With strong leadership and strategic vision, Maui Humane Society’s innovative programs are saving more lives than ever before and enhancing the quality and availability of animal welfare services on Maui.

Part of Maui Humane Society’s fundamental mission and core values are to treat people and animals with deep respect, compassion, kindness, and Aloha.

This ‘Aloha spirit’ is reflected in the excellent care and love each shelter animal receives. Whether they are facilitating a happy reunion, helping a family find the perfect match, or helping you say goodbye to a best friend, the MHS staff are dedicated to responding to the needs of the community with sensitivity and compassion.

Maui Humane Society (MHS) serves as a cornerstone of animal welfare for Maui County. Each year, thousands of animals find critical care, shelter, and new beginnings through the organization’s programs and services, while families across the island benefit from resources designed to keep pets healthy, safe, and together. There are robust volunteer and foster programs which benefit from broad community support.

Maui Humane Society’s facility undergoes regular improvements to ensure its shelter is a welcoming, family-friendly place for people to visit, adopt, volunteer and shop to support the care of its shelter animals. Enrichment programs are designed through MHS’ Behavior & Training Department, such as daily Dog Playgroups, Beach Buddies, and the Volunteer Foster Program. Because of these programs, MHS is able to identify and respond to the medical and behavioral needs of each animal in its care, increasing the chances of adoption.

The organization’s other notable programs include The Hope Fund, which makes it possible for many of MHS’ animals to receive life-saving medical treatment above and beyond what is normally possible. The Maui Humane Society’s transfer program, Wings of Aloha, was created to fly pets to the mainland where there are animal welfare partners and new owners waiting for Maui’s homeless pets. This transfer program saves hundreds of animals each year by connecting animals with adoption-guaranteed care through a network of partner shelters and rescues across the United States, including California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho. Maui Humane Society’s newest community outreach program, 4EverPets, began during the COVID crisis, and was created to assist low-income families and individuals to help them keep their pets rather than surrender them to a shelter. Though one example, Maui Humane Society offers a variety of options and works with the people of Maui to assist with re-homing a pet, housing concerns, medical bills, behavioral concerns and financial hardship.

The organization also works in partnership with Maui’s public and private sectors to serve the community. MHS’ veterinary team provides year-round, no (or low) cost spay/neuter services, serving thousands of animals and their families each year. Its outreach-oriented Humane Enforcement Officers provide 24/7 Animal Emergency Response and Animal Management Services for the County of Maui and, in the event of disaster, MHS works in partnership with the Red Cross and Maui County Civil Defense to provide pet-friendly emergency shelter locations. The MHS staff is also authorized to provide veterinary inspections for the State of Hawai’i’s Quarantine Direct Release Program at Kahului Airport. It’s because of these combined efforts and resourceful programs that Maui Humane Society has increased its Live Release Rate (LRR) for dogs and cats year over year.

Maui Humane Society also partners with schools, community organizations and both local and national animal advocacy groups to offer a variety of Humane Education programs with the goal of providing Maui’s residents with the resources they need to be informed animal welfare advocates and responsible pet owners.

Federal Tax ID Number
99-6000953

Our Vision & Values

Our Vision

Maui Humane Society envisions a time when the spirit of kuleana ensures every animal is valued, cared for and loved.
 

Our Values

Compassion: At the heart of our work is compassion. We lead with empathy, showing kindness and understanding in all that we do.
Integrity: We are guided by integrity. We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency to do what is right for the animals and our community.
Collaboration: We believe that by working together — with our community, partners, and each other — we can achieve the greatest impact for the animals who depend on us.