This is my honest review of OahuSPCA. Overall, I believe they are a good organization, and I appreciate that they took in my kittens when I could no longer keep them because my landlord did not allow pets.
However, I do have one major concern. Last year, I surrendered my kittens to OahuSPCA and paid $150 per kitten with the understanding that they would be placed into loving, safe, and permanent homes.
Earlier this year, I unexpectedly came across one of my former kittens on TikTok. I recognized him immediately and spoke with both the content creator and the current owner.
I was told that she adopted him from the Hawaiian Humane Society in Ewa Beach, where he was housed alongside his three siblings. This was extremely upsetting and confusing to learn. I entrusted OahuSPCA with finding secure homes for them, so discovering that all four kittens ended up at the Hawaiian Humane Society left me feeling shocked and disappointed.
I truly cared about those kittens and only wanted the best for them. Knowing they were transferred elsewhere, let alone the Hawaiian Humane Society, after I paid surrender fees and trusted they would be directly placed into homes has been very difficult for me to process.
Don't get me wrong, I still think that OahuSPCA is okay, as they are a no-kill shelter, but they need to ensure NOT to place precious cats and dogs in the hands of the Hawaiian Humane Society, because of the history and treatment of unwanted animals, and overcrowding can lead them to put down unwanted and healthy animals.
Another issue is that, they spay and neuter kittens and puppies way too young. I've heard that some of these animal passed away because they got fixed too young. I hope that they STOP this practice, and neuter or spay them at 6 months and older to play it safe. Too many tragic stories of doing this when they are still pretty much babies.
As first-time pet owners, this adoption experience was extremely overwhelming. Within a day of adoption, our cat developed eye discharge and was later diagnosed by multiple veterinarians with severe stomatitis and likely feline herpes, requiring significant ongoing treatment. We’ve already spent over $500 in veterinary care and received estimates of $2,000–$3,000 for dental treatment shortly after adoption. What was most difficult was feeling dismissed when we reached back out for help and guidance, including delayed communication and lack of follow-up. We understand rescues cannot always predict every medical issue, but we wish there had been more transparency, support, and compassion throughout this process.
I do not recommend this facility because they lack transparency and the adoption manager (Kelsey Graupner) forces veterinarians to secretly perform late term spays on pregnant animals. During my time volunteering to walk dogs and clean kennels, I multiple times overheard staff discussions regarding the pressure placed on veterinarians by Kelsey to perform spay surgeries on full term pregnant animals. On one occasion, I observed a sweet pregnant mama being prepared for surgery and later witnessed a veterinary technician visibly upset following the procedure.
I understand population control is a challenge. However, based on what the shelter advertises regarding their core values performing these procedures creates a false impression for the public and volunteers.
I can no longer recommend or support the shelter under these circumstances. While I was initially eager to support a local shelter, I decided to stop volunteering after nearly two months due to the specific practices I witnessed under the direction of Kelsey.
Nice, local animal shelter. They have a program called Doggy Day Trip where you take out a shelter dog for a few hours of the day. I've done it a few times and the process couldn't be easier. Fill out a brief questionnaire on their website and someone will contact you in within a few days.. They'll set up a time that works for your schedule. Once you arrive, you'll fill out another super short waiver and off you go with your furry friend for the day with a backpack they provide with a bunch of doggy essentials. They'll even provide you a list of dog-friendly places to visit, if you're unsure of where to go. If this program is not for you, please at least consider donating money or food, or even new or gently used towels and blankets. Or even better, foster or adopt from here! Please help these these sweet, deserving animals.
