past. Tripler’s Human Animal Bond Program (808-433-6631) provides a similar service. In conjunction with the American Red Cross, the latter’s Animal Visitation program allows volunteers to bring pets into clinics, wards and waiting areas for casual visits. Both animals and handlers are screened before being provided with special training. Or consider fostering an animal after visiting and learning more at HHS’s Pets for Patriots (PetsForPatriots.org) or Dogs on Deployment (DogsOnDeployment.org). Whether you want to help a fellow service person being deployed or need to find a caring home for your pet while you’re away, these two organizations allow you to extend your sense of patriotism. RESOURCES A one-stop resource for Hawaii’s Armed Forces members owning pets, Hawaii Military Pets’ interactive Facebook forum shares banter about such animal-impacting issues as boarding services, military breed bans, pet limit policies, military pet education programs, Lost and Found, spay/neuter, military working/therapy/service dog programs and Trap-Neuter-Return. Also check out locally published Island Dog Magazine (IslandDogMagazine.com) for details on dog parks, after-hours emergency care and pet-friendly condos. VETERINARY CLINICS ON BASE • Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam – (808) 449-6481 • Schofield Barracks – (808) 655-5893 • MCB Hawaii – (808) 257-3643 • Fort Shafter – (808) 438-5231 Services provided on an appointment basis include vaccinations, internal/external parasite control, oral hygiene, microchipping, and health certificates for dogs and cats of authorized active duty, retired military personnel and their respective dependents. Fees are generally much lower than those charged at civilian veterinarian offices. Since these clinics aren’t completely “full service” and have no emergency option, it’s best to have a civilian vet as a backup. Again, appointments are required. Pets In Hawaii 70 HHS EASE The Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) now takes appointments for its Community Spay/Neuter Center. Sterilization services are available for pet dogs and cats, and for free-roaming cats. Call (808) 356-2255 or visit hawaiianhumane.org/spay-neuter for more information. ACQUIRING A PET IN HAWAII Pets in Hawaii are plentiful and easily found. Be sure to do your research before choosing one to see if it will fit your lifestyle and is allowed in your housing. Among the canine breeds banned for those living on base are Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and Wolf hybrids. If you own these breeds or have more than two dogs, consider off-base housing. Many base housing services offer dog parks. Check with your office for details. Great adoption resources for finding a wonderful four-legged buddy include OSPCA (808) 754-1519, HHS (808) 3562218, plus these options: • Hawaii Dog Foundation – (808) 782-8387 • Hawaii Animal Sanctuary – (808) 253-0675 • PAWS of Hawaii – PawsOfHawaii.org VOLUNTEERING Both OSPCA and HHS provide outreach programs on bases and in the community where you can adopt a pet, sign up to volunteer, and foster canines and felines. Other opportunities include Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs (info@HawaiiFido.org), a service dog organization for those with disabilities other than blindness. Raising a Service Dog puppy can be an intensely fulfilling experience allowing all family members to work toward a common goal. It does require a commitment of approximately one year to go through the process of developing the puppy’s temperament and personality. While it isn’t necessary to have previous dog training experience, it’s recommended for those who have a dog or had one in the
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