Island pet owners affected by the COVID-19 lockdown have requested more than a ton of pet food from the Hawaii Island Humane Society since Monday.
The agency announced Monday afternoon a Community Pet Pantry program, which allows those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to continue to care for their cats or dogs.
Lauren Nickerson, community programs director for HIHS, said the program provides primarily dry food for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies and is intended specifically for workers who were laid off during the COVID-19 crisis, the immunocompromised, senior citizens and frontline health care workers.
So far, the program has been popular. Although it was only announced late Monday, by noon Tuesday the agency already had received requests for more than a ton of food from around the island. Of those requests, 55% were made by people who have suffered a loss of income during the pandemic, Nickerson said.
Nickerson said the program originated after it became clear that the pandemic would have significant economic impacts to the state. Without sufficient income, she explained, pet owners might not be able to afford to care for their animals, which might lead to an influx of pets in Hawaii Island Humane Society shelters.
“We’d rather keep pets in homes right now, especially now that we need our pets more than ever,” Nickerson said. “We’re telling people that, if you can avoid giving up your pet, if you can afford food for your pet, please don’t surrender them to us right now.”
Fortunately, Nickerson said, there has not been a noticeable increase in surrendered pets so far.
The application — found on the HIHS website — requires applicants to provide identifying information, the ages, combined weight and species of their pets and their reason for needing assistance.
Supplies are limited, however, and the program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, Nickerson said.
The Humane Society is still soliciting pet food donations — dry food is preferred, but wet food is acceptable — but the program can only last as long as resources are available.
“We’re hoping that people will abide by the honor system,” Nickerson said after pointing out that the application form merely requires applicants to explain why they need pet food. “Hopefully people who can still afford pet food themselves can leave the program for people who need it.”
Meanwhile, Nickerson said, animal adoptions are still available around the island and remain popular.
“I think we’re seeing more pets leave the shelter now. There’s 12 leaving the Keaau shelter today,” Nickerson said Tuesday, adding that the need for social distancing has allowed for more planning and forenotice when adoptions take place.
The application for the Community Pet Pantry can be found at hihs.org.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.