Maui Humane Society Issues Urgent Plea to Save 20 Dogs From Euthanasia
The Maui Humane Society (MHS) has issued an urgent plea for help, announcing that approximately 20 dogs may be euthanized by October 30 if they are not adopted or transferred to rescue organizations.
The shelter, located in Puunene, said in a social media post that its population has exceeded what is “safe and sustainable”, creating a crisis situation that endangers both the physical and mental well-being of the animals in its care.
“When we exceed that threshold, animals suffer,” the post read. “Healthy animals become sick, sick animals struggle to recover, and stressed animals are increasingly difficult to calm.”
For a shelter that has fought tirelessly to remain no-kill, this marks a devastating moment. MHS emphasized that it has “exhausted every other outcome” — including transfers, rescues, and return-to-owner efforts — before turning to euthanasia as a last resort.
The Toll of Overcrowding
The Maui Humane Society has been operating at or beyond capacity for much of the past year, reflecting a nationwide crisis affecting animal shelters from Hawaii to the mainland.
The shelter reports that even with daily walks, yard time, enrichment, and calming medication, the stress of constant overcrowding is taking a toll. Many of the dogs are deteriorating mentally from the noise and confinement.
“Our shelter population has exceeded what is safe and sustainable,” MHS wrote. “These pups are suffering in the kennels and the shelter environment. They need to be adopted by October 30th or humane euthanasia will be their outcome.”
Off-Island Adoptions and Transfers
To save as many lives as possible, the Maui Humane Society is working to coordinate off-island adoptions and transfers to both mainland and neighbor island shelters.
Anyone interested in adopting or transferring one of the at-risk dogs is urged to act quickly.
On Maui? Visit the shelter in person to meet available dogs.
On another island or the mainland? Email adoptions@mauihumanesociety.org for assistance coordinating transport.
Photos and bios of the dogs currently at risk can be viewed on the Maui Humane Society’s website and social media channels.
“Empty the Shelters” Adoption Event
In partnership with the Bissell Pet Foundation, the Maui Humane Society is also participating in the national “Empty the Shelters” event, running through October 15, 2025.
To make adoption easier, the shelter is offering reduced or waived fees:
Dogs and cats (6+ months): Adoption fees waived
Kittens (under 6 months): Reduced to $70
(County and licensing fee of $19 applies for dogs)
MHS hopes that this event will bring a wave of adopters and fosters to ease the overcrowding and prevent euthanasia.
“Every adoption counts,” the organization wrote. “We are overflowing with lovable, adoptable dogs and kittens just waiting to meet you.”
How You Can Help
Even if you can’t adopt, there are meaningful ways to support the Maui Humane Society’s life-saving mission:
Foster a dog — even temporarily — to open up shelter space.
Donate to help fund medical care, food, and transport for animals in need.
Share adoptable pets on social media to expand their reach.
Advocate for responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering, to help reduce future shelter overcrowding.
The Bigger Picture
The situation in Maui reflects a troubling national pattern. Animal shelters across the U.S. are grappling with declining adoptions, rising surrenders, and fewer fosters. Financial hardship, housing insecurity, and post-pandemic lifestyle changes have created a perfect storm for shelter overcrowding.
While MHS continues to work with rescue partners and community members to save every life possible, time is running out for many of these dogs.
If you’ve ever considered adopting or fostering — now is the time.
Take Action
Maui Humane Society
1350 Mehameha Loop, Puunene, HI
Adoptions: mauihumanesociety.org
Email: adoptions@mauihumanesociety.org
Deadline: October 30, 2025
Every adoption opens a kennel. Every foster saves a life.
