Hawaiian Humane Society Waives Dog Adoption Fees After Shelter Crisis
The Hawaiian Humane Society is waiving all dog adoption fees this weekend as overflowing shelters push the organization to critical capacity, with some animals now being housed in temporary pop-up crates.
More than 960 animals are currently in the society's care across shelters and foster homes, prompting what officials described as an emergency "Flash Adoption Special" aimed at easing pressure on facilities already stretched beyond sustainable limits.
The fee-waiver event runs from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24, 2026, and applies to all dogs and puppies at the organization's two main campuses.
Shelters Overwhelmed by Intake Surge
The unusually high intake has forced staff to take temporary steps to house animals, including placing some dogs in pop-up crates as overflow space. According to the organization, this is not a sustainable solution and falls short of supporting the animals' long-term physical and emotional well-being.
"Every dog in our care deserves more than emergency overflow housing, and right now we need our community’s help to change that," said Anna Neubauer, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Neubauer emphasized that while fees are being waived, the adoption process remains focused on long-term placements.
"Bringing a dog home is a years-long commitment, and helping people find the right match is work our team takes seriously every single day," she said. "We are asking Oʻahu to show up this weekend, and we will be ready when you do."
Where the Adoption Event Is Happening
Hawaiian Humane is encouraging residents across Oahu to consider adopting during the three-day event, when all adoption fees for dogs and puppies will be waived.
The Mōʻiliʻili location, at 2700 Waiʻalae Avenue in Honolulu, and the Kosasa Family Campus, at 91-1945 Fort Weaver Road in ʻEwa Beach, will both be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
An additional off-site adoption event is also planned at PetSmart Mililani on Saturday, May 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where fees will likewise be waived.
Why the Shelters Are Still Full
The emergency adoption push follows the recent BISSELL Pet Foundation "Empty the Shelters" nationwide campaign, which saw 330 animals adopted through Hawaiian Humane between May 1 and May 17.
Despite that success, intake numbers have continued to outpace adoptions.
During that same period, 925 animals were brought in as strays or owner surrenders, a trend that has persisted even after the event ended. As a result, the organization remains at capacity despite strong community participation earlier this month.
During the same period, 925 animals arrived as strays or owner surrenders, leaving the organization still operating at capacity despite strong community turnout earlier this month.
Other Ways People Can Help
For residents unable to adopt, Hawaiian Humane says fostering can still help relieve pressure on shelters.
Its Couch Crashers program allows people to foster a dog for one to two weeks, giving animals a temporary break from kennel life while also helping staff better understand their behavior in a home environment. Each foster placement also opens up space for another animal in need.
The nonprofit is also accepting donations of clean, gently used large towels and blankets for shelter pets.
More information about adopting, fostering or donating is available through the Hawaiian Humane Society's website.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 8:10 AM.