As the Fourth of July approaches, the Hawaiʻi County Animal Control Services reminds residents to prioritize their pets’ safety and well-being during this celebratory time. In conjunction with this message, the department is also announcing its transition to become the Animal Control and Protection Agency.
While the transition takes place, animal control services will continue to operate smoothly, ensuring the safety of animals across the county. It is important to note that the phone numbers for animal control services will remain the same. For lost pets and non-emergency situations, please contact (808) 327-3558.
Calls regarding animal control services will continue to be categorized as Priority One, Two, or Three, maintaining the existing system. Priority One calls include situations involving injured animals, animals posing a public safety risk, cases of animal cruelty, and instances where an animal’s owner has been arrested or deceased without any family to care for the animal. For animal emergencies, residents should continue to contact the Police Dispatch at (808) 935-3311.
Priority Three calls pertain to deceased animals found on county roads. If you encounter a deceased animal on a county road, please call the Department of Public Works Highways Division at (808) 961-8349. For deceased animals on state highways or roads, contact the State Department of Transportation Highways Division at (808) 933-8866.
Priority Two calls relate to lost or found pets. Here are several steps to follow if you encounter a stray animal or lose a pet:
1. Have the animal scanned for a microchip by a County of Hawai’i Animal Control Officer, a veterinarian’s office, or a local rescue group. If the animal is microchipped, veterinarians can try to locate the owner by searching for the microchip on my24pet.com.
2. Utilize the online platform https://lost.petcolove.org/ to post information about lost or found pets. Petco Love Lost is a searchable national database that employs facial recognition technology to expedite the process of reuniting lost pets with their owners. This user-friendly tool is accessible to participating animal organizations nationwide, as well as anyone who finds a lost pet. Hawai’i County Animal Control and Protection Agency, Hawai’i Animal Kuleana Alliance, and Hawai’i Island Humane Society are among the organizations utilizing this technology.
3. For inquiries regarding lost or found pets, please contact the Hawai’i County Animal Control and Protection Agency at (808) 327-3558.
4. As the new agency transitions, individuals who find an injured stray animal are encouraged to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
Throughout this process, the Hawaiʻi County Animal Control and Protection Agency will continue to manage shelter facilities in east and west Hawaiʻi, ensuring that the animals receive proper care and attention from the dedicated kennel staff.
For further information or assistance, please contact the Hawai’i County Animal Control and Protection Agency at (808) 327-3558.