Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service (KARES)Funded 2020-2024
Founded in 2009, Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service (KARES) serves the Big Island of Hawaii, rescuing and relocating abused, abandoned, and stray dogs; providing temporary housing through a foster care network; and facilitating adoptions into caring, permanent homes. KARES focuses on community education and outreach to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal cruelty. KARES also raises awareness about the causes of animal overpopulation and advocates for spay/neuter surgeries, which are provided free to owned dogs of all ages.
The Grey Muzzle Organization grant will enable the KARES senior dog program to provide medical care for at-risk dogs. It will help older dogs remain in loving homes by offering free or shared-cost veterinary care when owners cannot afford it. Providing medical care to dogs rescued from abandonment or neglect will enhance senior dogs’ chances for adoption and help them live healthier lives in their forever homes.
The Grey Muzzle grant will help KARES provide medical care for dogs like 10-year-old Ziggy, who was abandoned and found severely malnourished with extensive mange and tumors and a deformed lower jaw. Ziggy is now in a loving home with the family who found him but who needed financial assistance to cover his medical expenses.
