K9 Kokua's main mission of providing direct outreach is to help keep good ohana together during the toughest times of their lives. 

However, there are times when a houseless dog is needing to be removed from their situation and a foster home is required to offer the dog a safe place to rehabilitate, medically or mentally while adjusting to an indoor homelife while waiting for a permanent home. At times there are law enforcement officers, mental health case workers, hospitals and good samaritans who contact us regarding help for a dog in distress. These dogs come from unknown backgrounds, unique situations and/or have been abused. Each dog is assessed and many have unique and/or special-needs coupled with an unknown or unproven past.

When there is an immediate need and more is yet to be learned about the newly rescued dog, we always err on the side of caution and place that dog in a foster that does not have any other animals or small children until the dogs heals. Subjecting a dog to undue stress creates an unbalanced atmosphere that will cause a rescued dog to feel anxious, uncomfortable, unwanted and/or scared. Yes, sometimes children scare dogs. The process of rehabilitation for a rescued dog should never be rushed. Once the dog has settled in to a simple routine, broader socialization for the dog can begin in a safe and controlled environment.

Rescued dogs need humans to foster them with compassion while providing long-term security. Moving a dog from foster home to foster home would push a rescued dog's rehabilitation progress back and can negate any progress made. The questions on the foster application are geared to let us know you better so don't be shy about elaborating in any of the fields! Knowing your comfort level and/or experience level with dogs makes all the difference in your foster experience and most importantly, it will make all the difference for the individual rescue dog in your care. 

Mahalo for your interest in taking the first step to help a dog in need by opening your heart and home!