Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do?

Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and His Holiness Pope Francis, our mission is to expand the longstanding work of KARES Hawaii by building a world-class animal sanctuary that cares for and protects abandoned and abused dogs, cats, horses, pigs and goats on The Big Island of Hawaii and educates people on the importance of treating all animals with kindness and dignity.

Who is involved in this?

Why does this matter?

The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary matters profoundly because it addresses a critical gap in animal welfare by providing a dedicated sanctuary for abused and abandoned animals on The Big Island of Hawaii. As the first sanctuary of its kind in the region, it offers unparalleled care and rehabilitation for dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and goats who have suffered neglect or cruelty. This world-class haven not only provides essential medical treatment and emotional support but also prioritizes enrichment and quality of life for its residents, ensuring they receive comprehensive care.

Beyond its immediate impact, The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary serves as a beacon of hope and education, fostering a deeper understanding of responsible animal care and advocating for a compassionate approach to animal welfare. By engaging the community through educational programs and outreach, it inspires positive change and encourages proactive measures to prevent animal abuse. The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary stands as a testament to the power of dedicated care and collective effort, making a significant difference in the lives of animals and the broader community.

What are the values of The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary?

The Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of Hawaiian culture, which shape everything we do. At the heart of our sanctuary is the Hawaiian value of ohana—the belief that we are all connected, and that animals are not just pets, but treasured family members deserving of care, respect, and love.

Our sanctuary is built on five core values:

  • Trust: We are committed to earning the trust of our community, our supporters, and most importantly, the animals we care for. Trust is the foundation of every relationship, and we foster it through transparency, integrity, and dedication.

  • Love: The sanctuary is a place where love for animals is central to our mission. We show love not just through care, but by treating each animal with the same compassion and kindness we would offer to our own families.

  • Compassion: Compassion is at the heart of Hawaiian culture and at the core of everything we do. We act with empathy and understanding, recognizing the hardships many of these animals have faced and giving them the chance to heal and thrive in a safe environment.

  • Execution: We believe that great intentions must be met with action. At Saint Francis Ohana Animal Sanctuary, we work tirelessly to turn our vision into reality—through effective programs, efficient operations, and a relentless focus on making sure every animal in our care receives the help they need.

  • Impact: Our ultimate goal is to create a lasting impact, both in the lives of the animals we rescue and in the community we serve. By following these values, we aim to transform the landscape of animal welfare in Hawaii, making a meaningful difference for generations to come.

Rooted in these values, our sanctuary is a beacon of hope, bringing the Hawaiian spirit to life by creating a place where animals are truly treated as part of the ohana.

Where does my donation go—and how is it used?

Your entire donation is 100% tax-deductible and goes directly to KARES (Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service; EIN: 270575124) our trusted partner organization that has been dedicated to animal welfare on the Big Island since 2009.

KARES is responsible for developing, designing, and executing the vision of The St. Francis Animal Sanctuary. Every dollar helps create a world-class refuge for abandoned and abused animals, ensuring they receive the care, compassion, and rehabilitation they need. Your generosity will make a real, lasting impact. Thank you for your support!

Why KARES as your partner? Please tell me how KARES programs benefit the animals and people of Hawaii.

Since 2009, KARES has benefitted the animals and people of Hawaii—and they are the best partner for this new enterprise.

The mission of KARES is to rescue and relocate abused, abandoned and stray domestic animals, to provide temporary housing for them through our foster care network and to ease adoptions into permanent caring homes.

  • KARES has been helping the families of Hawaii since its incorporation in 2009.

  • KARES abides by a ‘no-kill’ philosophy respecting the value and life of all sentient creatures. We are a foster-care based, non-profit 501 (3) (c) rescue organization; we are not a shelter. KARES has no paid staff.

  • KARES volunteers are active throughout the island providing rescue of neglected and stray/lost animals, primarily dogs but also cats.

  • KARES provides free or cost aid for medical/surgical/dental care for pets of low income or economically distressed residents and the elderly, an expense that most cannot afford. In truth, KARES never turns anyone away who asks for help.

  • KARES Spay and Neuter Program, started in late 2011, has sterilized 7,200 dogs and countless cats, all at no cost to their owners.

  • These KARES services allow families to keep the pets that they have without the added economic burden of unwanted or unplanned litters of puppies and kittens for which they cannot cover the costs of food and veterinary care.

  • KARES helps between 1400 and 1800 pets and their owners each year.

  • KARES works to balance the animal surplus by finding foster care or permanent homes for rescued animals, and most importantly, implements humane control of the animal population with S/N surgeries.

  • KARES has placed over 600 rescued or surrendered dogs into permanent adoptive homes in the Hawaiian island or mainland in the last 2 years. We have successfully found “forever” homes for older dogs and physically impaired dogs; these are the ones that are rarely adopted in animal control shelters.

  • KARES services help to reduce the number of free-roaming (stray) dogs which cause damage to property and livestock and could cause potential health risks due to bites and the spread of disease.

  • KARES helps to set up feeding stations for feral/stray cats after they are sterilized and released back into the community. The program of trap, neuter, return and manage (TNRM) is advocated by the ASPCA as a humane means to control the overpopulation of free-roaming cats. Feeding stations are set up and kept at hotels, shopping centers, parks and in residential communities.

  • KARES also provide cat kibble to volunteers feeding managed colonies of sterilized stray/feral cats.

  • KARES works cooperatively with other nonprofit animal welfare groups that exclusively focus on feline rescue and feline spay and neuter.

  • KARES services are totally dependent on funding. We never want to turn away any pets that need our help. KARES does as much as we can with available donations and grants. We are tireless and dedicated in our efforts.

    For more information, contact:
    Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service (KARES),
    P.O. Box 44670
    Kamuela, Hawaii 96743.
    Phone: 808-333-6299.
    kareshawaii@gmail.com
    www.kareshawaii.org

Is this a Catholic Initiative?

The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary draws inspiration from both St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis, reflecting their shared values of compassion, stewardship, and respect for all living creatures. St. Francis, known for his deep reverence for nature and all its inhabitants, epitomizes the spirit of kindness and empathy towards animals. Pope Francis, in his encyclical "Laudato Si'," emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation and the moral responsibility humanity has to care for the environment and its inhabitants. These influences shape our vision of the Oasis as a sanctuary rooted in profound ethical and spiritual principles.

However, The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary is designed as an all-faiths, all-people initiative. Our mission transcends religious boundaries, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs to participate in and support our work. We believe that compassion and respect for animals are universal values that resonate across all cultures and faith traditions. By fostering an inclusive environment, we aim to unite people around the common goal of improving the lives of animals, regardless of their religious or spiritual affiliations.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that the principles of kindness, empathy, and responsibility are fundamental to human dignity and well-being. The Sanctuary provides a space where individuals from any walk of life can come together to support a cause that transcends individual beliefs. Through community engagement, educational programs, and collaborative efforts, we invite everyone to join us in our mission, celebrating our shared humanity and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

In essence, The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary embodies a universal message of love and care for all living beings, inviting people of all faiths and backgrounds to be part of a collective effort to nurture and protect our animal companions.

When will it be built?

We are underway on planning and development now, under the direction of Dieter Ehrengruber, Managing Director of the renowned Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf in Austria—which has perfected this model. We anticipate breaking ground on The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary in Q2 of 2025.

Where will it be built?

The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary will be strategically developed around the existing KARES ecosystem on The Kohala Coast of The Big Island of Hawaii, creating a seamless extension of the community’s commitment to animal welfare. By integrating with KARES (Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service), our new world-class sanctuary will build upon the strong foundation of care and community engagement that KARES has established.

The existing KARES community has been a cornerstone in local animal rescue and education, and our expansion aims to enhance and expand these vital services. The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary will bring additional resources, state-of-the-art amenities, and specialized care to further elevate the standards of animal welfare in the region. Our plans include incorporating advanced medical and rehabilitation facilities, spacious and enriching environments for diverse animals, and comprehensive educational programs designed to foster a greater understanding of animal care and conservation.

The integration of The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary with KARES represents a synergistic approach to animal welfare, leveraging the strengths and successes of both organizations. This collaboration will not only expand the capacity and scope of services available but also create a unified hub of compassion and education on The Kohala Coast. By working together, we aim to provide an even more robust support system for animals in need, ensuring they receive the highest level of care while also engaging and inspiring the local community.

In essence, this expansion around the KARES ecosystem will allow us to build on existing successes, creating a comprehensive and innovative sanctuary that continues to reflect the values of compassion, stewardship, and community engagement.

What is the origin of The Saint Francis Animals Sanctuary?

The origin of The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary is deeply rooted in a story of compassion and serendipity that honors the dedicated efforts of KARES Founder Debbie Cravatta and a remarkable encounter with an abandoned dog named “Dexter.”

For years, Debbie Cravatta, the driving force behind KARES, has been a tireless advocate for animal welfare on The Big Island. Her unwavering commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating animals has made a significant impact on the community, embodying the spirit of care and dedication that defines KARES.

The pivotal moment that sparked the creation of The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary began with Dexter, a neglected and abandoned dog whose plight deeply moved Ironman Triathlete, Eric Harr and his family. Dexter's journey from abandonment to recovery highlighted the urgent need for enhanced facilities and resources to support animals in distress. His story became a catalyst for change, inspiring a vision for a sanctuary that would elevate the standards of animal care and provide a comprehensive solution for animals in need.

This vision gained momentum through an unexpected and transformative connection with Eric.

Eric, deeply moved by Dexter’s story and Debbie’s dedication, joined forces with her to bring the concept of The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary to life. His unique perspective and network, coupled with Debbie’s grassroots experience and passion, created a powerful partnership aimed at expanding the impact of their shared mission. They came together with Dieter Ehrengruber, Managing Director of the renowned Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf in Austria--which has perfected this model and Priscilla Ann Presley, Chairperson of Elvis Presley Enterprises—and The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary was born!

The Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary is thus a tribute to the enduring legacy of Debbie Cravatta’s work with KARES and the profound influence of Dexter’s story. By honoring their contributions and harnessing the collaborative efforts of dedicated individuals, this new sanctuary represents a bold step forward in advancing animal welfare, blending compassion with innovation to create a sanctuary that truly makes a difference.