The goal of Beach Buddies is to provide enrichment and socialization for our dogs, thus making them more adoptable. A nice plus is that YOU get to enjoy some fun in the sun with one of our wonderful dogs!
Beach Buddies Kama’āina Program
If you live on Maui, we have a kama’āina program for you to be able to help our dogs enjoy a day away from the shelter. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
How to Sign Up
To participate in our Beach Buddies Kama’āina Program, you must have received proper Dog Training by taking our online, virtual, New Volunteer Orientation and filling out a Volunteer Application. As a part of the Dog Training class, you will have learned everything you need to know, including protocols, in order to take the dog out for the day!
How Does It Work?
Kama’āina Beach Buddies will be available 7 days a week, from 10 am – 3 pm. You must be here at 10 am to get started.
The first thing you will do when you arrive at the shelter for your outing will be for you to fill out a Beach Buddies Waiver Form that includes a phone number where you can be reached while on your outing.
Each day, we will have a short list of dogs who are available to go on an outing that day. It will be first come, first served, with no reservations. Once you have selected your dog, you will fill your Beach Buddies Backpack with all the supplies you’ll need for the day, harness and leash your dog, and head out for the day. Your backpack will also include an info card with emergency phone number, a Beach Buddies Google Map, and a list of recommended destinations.
When you return, you’ll return your dog to his kennel, unpack everything from the backpack, and put it all away.
The last thing will be to fill out a Beach Buddies Outing Log that tells us about your day, where you went, and how the dog responded to everything like the car ride, the beach, kids, chickens, strangers, etc. that we then will enter into the dog’s profile.
Beach Buddies Rules
The most important rule of the day is that none of our dogs can be around other dogs at any point during the outing, (including personal pets and other Beach Buddies).
The dog must be leashed at all times.
Your Beach Buddies dog cannot be in an open bed of a truck or convertible; he must ride in an enclosed vehicle and be secured with a doggie seatbelt (provided).
Can I bring my own dog on Beach Buddies?
Although our Beach Buddies dogs are generally dog-friendly, we ask that your Beach Buddies dog be the only dog on your excursion. Our shelter dogs often share kennels so they benefit greatly from the one-on-one attention that Beach Buddies provides. Plus, being the only dog gives your Beach Buddy a chance to shine to potential adopters!
Can I request a specific size or breed of dog?
The majority of our Beach Buddies dogs are medium to large sized and may be strong. Due to the constant flux of dogs in and out of the shelter, we cannot fulfill requests to be paired with a dog that excludes specific breeds or sizes.
Where can we go with our dog?
The brochure we provide will give you a general idea of where you can take your dog. We request that your excursion does not include the West Side (Lahaina/Ka’anapali) or the Road to Hana due to potential traffic issues. As some dogs have heat restrictions and other limitations, we may suggest that instead of the beach, you may want to venture Upcountry for beautiful forested hiking on the easy Waihou Spring Forest Reserve trail or the moderate Kahakapao Loop Trail in the Makawao Forest Reserve. Another destination option is that you may choose to take your dog out to lunch at one of our dog-friendly local restaurants that offer outdoor seating and shade.
Who do I call if I have any questions when I am out with my dog?
For non-emergencies (you are running late to return your dog, etc.), please call (808) 877-3680 ext. 224 or text 808-466-8701. For any emergencies, please call (808) 877-3680 ext. 222 which is our Humane Enforcement dispatch and they will help you.
Is Beach Buddies Kama'āina free?
Yes! If you are a full-time or part-time resident, Beach Buddies is free. You just need to go through our Volunteer training. Visitors must pay a $50 donation fee to participate. If you are a visitor, head here.
For more information about Beach Buddies, email us or call (808) 877-3680 ext. 224.