At KARES, no two days are ever the same—but every day is filled with urgency, heartbreak, and hope.

​

The phone is our constant companion. If it’s quiet for more than fifteen minutes, we know it’s only the calm before the storm. Other days, the calls don’t stop: reports of neglected animals, pets abandoned when families move away, or beloved four-legged family members whose owners can’t afford emergency care. Each call brings a new challenge, and we triage the most critical cases first, doing everything in our power to give animals the second chance they deserve.

​

We hear from people who’ve just moved to the Big Island and discover cats left behind by the previous property owner. We rush to help animals hit by cars or left injured on the roadside. And all too often, we respond to puppies and kittens dumped in boxes or left alone in the brush, fighting for survival.

​

This is the rhythm of rescue—nonstop, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming. Yet behind every frantic phone call and every heartbreaking situation is the reason we keep going: the animals. Their resilience, trust, and unconditional love remind us why we do this work, day after day.

​

But we cannot do it alone. It is only through the kindness of our community—those who foster, adopt, sponsor, or donate much-needed funds—that we can continue answering the call. With your support, KARES can keep helping animals and the people who love them through this ever-continuing crisis.​

​

Mahalo to all those who put their lives on hold, even for an hour or two to help save an animal. 

​

If you would like to help, donations are always greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible. Click here to visit our donation page.