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 (808-638-0200), 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 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 past. Tripler’s Human Animal Bond Program (808-4336631) 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 provides an interactive Facebook forum to 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-NeuterReturn. 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. VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS VCA Animal Hospitals offer the highest standards of professionalism and care for pet needs, including check-ups, vaccine packages, routine spays/neuters and dental cleanings. Six VCA locations on Oahu include Pearl City, Kaneohe, Waipahu, Kapolei, Manoa and Hawaii Kai. Note that during COVID-19, walk-ins are discouraged except for emergencies. But you must still call before arriving to find out proper protocol. Visit VCAHospitals.com/covid19 for new admittance and check-out processes. Pets In Hawaii 72 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.
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