New Pilot Fund: Guardians of the Forest

Dogs of the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s K9 Program assist conservation efforts in the Park.

At Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, we are working with dog assisted field teams in protecting fragile native forests, endangered species, and culturally significant landscapes. Our “Guardians of the Forest” operate in rugged terrain and challenging conditions and occasionally, they’re injured while on duty.

Right now, when that happens, veterinary costs fall directly on the handler. Emergency treatment for cuts, eye injuries, or other field-related trauma typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 per incident. The Friends launched a pilot fund to cover verified, work-related veterinary care. Payments go directly to the veterinary provider, and all expenses are tracked and reported at year’s end.

We’ve secured seed funding to start the program on April 1, 2026. Now, we’re looking for supporters who want to help us sustain it long term. A gift of $500 could cover a single emergency visit. $1,000 could ensure a dog receives full treatment after a serious field injury.

This is a small, focused investment that directly supports the dogs helping protect Hawai‘i’s forests every day. If the pilot year demonstrates need and impact, our goal is to make this a permanent fund.

If you would like to donate to this fund and support our canine park rangers, please select “Guardians of The Forest (K9 Program)” as your Giving Fund.