Hawaii Canines For Indpndnc

- 1088 Bishop St STE 101, Honolulu, HI 96813

In Hawaiʻi, the concept of ʻohana, or family, extends beyond our human relatives to include our beloved animals. For many individuals with disabilities, a dog can become a lifeline, a partner that provides not only companionship but also crucial support and independence. While the name "pet store" may appear on a business listing, Hawaii Canines For Independence is in fact a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a much deeper and more profound purpose. Now officially known as Assistance Dogs of Hawaii (ADH), this organization is a local treasure dedicated to a powerful mission: providing professionally trained dogs to children and adults with disabilities to increase their independence and enhance their quality of life. They are a valuable resource that changes lives one dog at a time, providing a service that is essential to the community and a testament to the special bond between humans and canines.

Assistance Dogs of Hawaii was founded by Will and Mo Maurer, who realized the difficulties residents of Hawaiʻi faced in obtaining guide dogs. What began as a small initiative to help those with spinal cord injuries has since grown into a comprehensive, multi-faceted assistance dog program. The organization is fully accredited with Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a global coalition that sets the highest standards of excellence in the industry. This accreditation is a crucial feature that provides reassurance and trust, as it signifies a commitment to best practices in breeding, training, and placement. ADH is recognized as the largest provider of assistance dogs in the state and boasts one of the highest training success rates in the country, far exceeding the industry standard. Their dedication to excellence is a point of pride for the Hawaiʻi community.

Unlike a traditional pet store that sells animals and supplies, ADH’s "pet store" classification is a reflection of their central function, which is to provide canine companions. However, the animals they provide are highly specialized service dogs, not pets for general sale. These dogs are provided free of charge to their partners, along with lifetime follow-up support. This generous model is made possible through donations and community support, highlighting the organization's non-profit status and its deep connection to the people of Hawaiʻi. Their programs extend beyond simple placement, including a robust community outreach initiative that brings the healing power of dogs to hospitals, schools, and other organizations, benefiting over 16,000 residents statewide each year.

The work of Assistance Dogs of Hawaii is vital and far-reaching. They train service dogs to perform specific tasks related to a person's disability, providing a level of independence that might otherwise be impossible. Their programs include training for mobility service dogs, hospital and courthouse facility dogs, and social therapy dogs for those with special needs. This wide range of services shows their commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the community. For example, their hospital facility dogs provide comfort to patients and medical staff, while their courthouse facility dogs offer support to children who are victims or witnesses of crime. These programs demonstrate a profound understanding of how animals can assist people in many different contexts, not just in a private home.

The Honolulu branch, located at 1088 Bishop St, serves as an important hub for the organization. This office is more than just a place of business; it is a wheelchair-accessible hub for interviewing applicants with disabilities, providing follow-up services for the many graduate teams on Oʻahu, and expanding their community outreach programs. While their main campus is on Maui, the Honolulu office ensures that residents on Oʻahu have local access to interviews, training, and support. This local presence is essential for building and maintaining strong relationships with their clients and for ensuring the continued success of each dog-partner team. The commitment to accessibility, from the physical location to their services, is a core value of the organization.

In conclusion, while you won’t find a bag of kibble or a new toy at Hawaii Canines For Independence, you will find a team of dedicated professionals who are transforming lives. This organization, now known as Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, is a beacon of hope and a powerful force for good in our community. Their work in training and placing highly skilled assistance dogs is invaluable, providing independence and companionship to those who need it most. By supporting their mission through donations or volunteering, you are contributing to a cause that has a real, tangible impact on the lives of Hawaiʻi residents. They are a local treasure that embodies the true spirit of aloha, proving that a dog can be so much more than a pet—it can be a path to a more independent and fulfilling life.

Location and Accessibility

Hawaii Canines For Independence, or Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, is located at 1088 Bishop St STE 101, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. The Honolulu office is an important central location for Oʻahu residents. The office serves as a wheelchair-accessible hub for various activities, including interviewing applicants and providing ongoing support for graduate teams. This ensures that the organization’s services are accessible to the people who need them most.

Services Offered

• Providing professionally trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities to increase independence.
• Training and placing mobility service dogs, hospital facility dogs, courthouse facility dogs, and social therapy dogs.
• Offering a veterans' program to assist those who have served.
• Operating community outreach programs that bring the comfort of dogs to thousands of residents.
• Providing lifetime follow-up support to ensure the continued success of each dog and partner team.
• Conducting medical bio-detection research, including pioneering work in COVID-19 scent detection.

Features / Highlights

• A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, providing dogs and support free of charge.
• Fully accredited with Assistance Dogs International (ADI), adhering to the highest standards.
• Recognized as the largest provider of assistance dogs in the state of Hawaiʻi.
• Known for having one of the highest training success rates in the country.
• Offers a wide range of programs that serve a diverse group of people with special needs.
• The Honolulu office is a wheelchair-accessible hub for interviews and follow-up services.

Contact Information

Address: 1088 Bishop St STE 101, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

Phone: (808) 312-4017

What is worth choosing

For those in Hawaiʻi seeking a way to support their community or find a truly life-changing canine companion, choosing to engage with Hawaii Canines For Independence (Assistance Dogs of Hawaii) is a decision with a profound impact. While it is not a traditional retail business, it is a “pet store” in the most meaningful sense, as it provides highly trained and essential canine partners. What makes them uniquely valuable is their commitment to providing their services completely free of charge. This model, funded by the generosity of the community, removes financial barriers for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone who qualifies has the opportunity to gain a life-altering partner. Their accreditation, high training success rate, and dedication to lifelong follow-up support are all hallmarks of an organization that is not only passionate but also professional and effective. By choosing to support or work with ADH, you are contributing to an organization that is a genuine force for good in Hawaiʻi, empowering individuals, enhancing well-being, and building stronger, more independent communities across the islands.

Hawaii Canines For Indpndnc

1088 Bishop St STE 101, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA