Berkeley Humane to welcome 125th Hawaii rescue dog at August 29 event

Berkeley Humane will mark a milestone for its Aloha Dog Project on Aug. 29 in Berkeley, when Moke becomes the 125th dog transported from Hawaii for adoption. The event highlights a cross-state rescue network that moves dogs from Kona to the Bay Area for medical care, support and new homes.

Why it matters: - The Aloha Dog Project helps move adoptable dogs out of an overwhelmed shelter system in Hawaii and into the San Francisco Bay Area, where adoption chances are higher. - The program has now reached 125 dogs, showing the scale of the partnership and the number of animals it has helped find new homes. - The milestone also underscores the role of volunteers, donors and rescue partners in keeping the pipeline working.

What happened: - Berkeley Humane will welcome Moke as the 125th dog from Hawaii during Bark (& Meow) Around the Block on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. - The celebration will take place at Berkeley Humane in Berkeley, California, during the organization’s annual community adoption event. - Families who adopted previous Aloha Dogs are being invited back with their dogs for a reunion to greet Moke and mark the milestone.

The details: - The Aloha Dog Project was launched with animal welfare organizations in Hawaii to give adoptable dogs a second chance in California. - Tourists and business travelers serve as flight escorts, helping transport dogs from Hawaii to Berkeley Humane. - Dogs arriving through the program receive vaccinations, a microchip, spay or neuter surgery, a full medical evaluation and any additional treatment needed before adoption. - Berkeley Humane says the cost to prepare one dog for adoption can range from $2,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on medical needs. - The program is supported by volunteer flight escorts, donors, the County of Hawaii Animal Control and Protection Agency and the nonprofit animal sanctuary Three Ring Ranch. - Kona’s public animal shelter serves the entire island and can become overwhelmed with adoptable dogs. - The program has helped relieve overcrowding at Kona’s shelter while giving dogs a fresh start in California. - Bark (& Meow) Around the Block will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and feature 300+ adoptable pets from 30+ shelters and rescue organizations. - Berkeley Humane adoption fees will be waived, with additional adoption specials offered during the event. - The event will also include two blocks of pet-related vendors, food, a DJ and activities. - Admission is free. - The event will be held at Berkeley Humane, 2700 Ninth Street, Berkeley. - More information is available on Berkeley Humane’s website and the event page.

Between the lines: - Executive Director Jeffrey Zerwekh said the program began as a pilot and has become one of the organization’s most rewarding collaborations. - Zerwekh said the 125th dog milestone reflects the power of partnership, community volunteers and the idea that geography should not determine a dog’s chance at a home. - The reunion format suggests Berkeley Humane is using the milestone to reinforce donor, adopter and volunteer engagement around the program.

What's next: - Berkeley Humane will introduce Moke at the Aug. 29 adoption event. - The organization will continue using the Aloha Dog Project to transport more dogs from Hawaii as long as volunteer escorts, donors and partner agencies remain engaged. - The event is positioned to help more animals find homes while keeping attention on the Bay Area-Hawaii rescue pipeline.

The bottom line: - Berkeley Humane’s Aloha Dog Project has grown into a cross-state rescue effort that is celebrating its 125th Hawaii dog while expanding adoption opportunities in California.