Location: Puunene,Maui, Hawaii, USA
Recommended by Tori of Tori Pines Travel
How do I know it’s ethical?
These dogs are cared for by the Maui Humane Society until they are adopted. This experience is ethical because they are trying to find forever homes for the dogs and give them as much exercise, love and socialization as they can while they are living at the humane society.
Description of the Experience
The Maui Humane Society runs the Beach Buddies program for visitors of the island. What’s better than taking an island vacation and being able to give back to the local community? The program allows visitors to take a shelter dog out for a day of adventure around the island and is offered every Wednesday and Friday. You must sign up in advance and arrive at the humane society by 10:45 am for an introduction. Then you can take your dog out for 4 hours, from 11 am to 3 pm for an adventure!
They encourage you to bring the pup to the beach, on a hike or even out to lunch at an outdoor seaside restaurant. Hiking is a great option because the upcountry of Maui is filled with shaded trails that will keep both you and the dog cool while getting exercise and exploring the beautiful land. Whatever you do, pick one of the many active things to do on Maui to help get the pup some great exercise!
The Maui Humane Society will provide you with everything the dog will need for his day of adventure. The bag includes a water bottle, bowl, towel, treats, poop bags, and even a doggy seatbelt. They understand that you won’t be traveling to the island with these things, so it makes it incredibly easy for you to do.
This program is hugely important to the island and the dogs who are living in the humane society. The Beach Buddies program gives the dogs one-on-one attention from caring dog lovers, the attention they need and desire! It gives them time away from the stressful life of living in the shelter and a chance to exercise and socialize. The dogs wear harnesses that dignify that they are shelter dogs and can be adopted, in the event you pass by a local in need of a furry friend. This could give them the chance they need to be adopted!
Company/ Cost:
The Maui Humane Society is the only place on the island that runs this program. You can sign up to host a dog for the day through the Beach Buddies program through their website. You must book in advance as they only offer 3 spots twice a week, and they typically book up about a month in advance. They require a minimum donation of $50 to the Humane Society, but this money will help care for the pets at the shelter.
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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.
Learn More About Ethical Animal Tourism
10 Questions to Ask to Ensure the Encounter is Ethical?
