Mission Statement

At Aloha FurEver Pets Foundation, our mission is to compassionately reduce pet overpopulation on Maui by providing accessible, affordable, and humane spay and neuter services for cats and dogs. Guided by the spirit of aloha and kuleana (responsibility), we protect the delicate balance of our island home while honoring the deep bond between animals and the Hawaiian people.

We believe every animal deserves a chance at a healthy, loving life — and that responsible pet care begins with prevention. Through community outreach, education, and proactive veterinary care, we aim to reduce the number of homeless and shelter animals while improving the health and longevity of pets across Maui.

In Hawaiian culture, animals are ‘ohana (family) and deserve our compasion, protection, and respect. By uniting traditional Hawaiian values with practical veterinary solutions, Aloha FurEver Pets Foundation envisions a future where every pet lives with dignity — and no animal is born to only suffer.

Team Members

Wendy Hornack

Tamara Goebbert

Wendy Hornack

Founder, President

Aloha! I have been a lifelong pet lover and enthusiast, always passionate about the care and welfare of animals. Being a pet owner myself, I understand the financial challenges that come with providing proper care. When I began facing these struggles firsthand, I realized the need for more affordable solutions—so that ev

Founder, President

With a background in Information Technology and a natural drive to find solutions, I’ve dedicated myself to helping our community through volunteer service and compassionate action. Since moving to Maui in 1999, I’ve been proud to call this island home and am committed to using my skills and experience to create lasting, positive change for pets and the people who love them.

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Alec Estrada

Tamara Goebbert

Wendy Hornack

Co-Founder, Vice President/Treasurer

Aloha, and thank you for taking a moment to read this!

Growing up, I was always happiest surrounded by animals. Later, while serviiinga t my hometown’s humane society, I saw firsthand the challenges communities face in caring for them. Helping to create this nonprofit is one of the ways I give back to

Co-Founder, Vice President/Treasurer

Aloha, and thank you for taking a moment to read this!

By building a sustainable spay and neuter program, we can ensure that the animals of today—and tomorrow—are treated with the care and dignity they deserve. I bring to this mission both my professional experience as the owner of Grab & Go Market, a small business in Kihei, and my heart for service as an active and caring member of the Maui community. Mahalo!

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Tamara Goebbert

Secretary & Public Relations

Aloha, I’m Tamara, a proud Maui resident with a deep love for animals—five of whom happily fill my home and heart. I believe animals bring out the very best in us as humans. Each one teaches us compassion, patience, and unconditional love, values that I strive to extend into every part of my life and work.

My pa

Secretary & Public Relations

My passion for animal welfare and community connection is what drew me to Aloha FurEver Pets Foundation. By helping reduce pet overpopulation and supporting responsible care, we’re not only improving the lives of animals, but also strengthening the heart of the community.

With a background in communications, my goal is to help share that vision—to connect people with our mission and inspire collective action through education, outreach, and aloha. Together, we can build a future where every animal on Maui can live a healthier life.

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Got Questions? We've Got Answers.

For any additional questions or inquiries, please contact us at alohafureverpets@gmail.com. We're happy to help.

Community Benefits of Spay & Neuter Programs

Population Control: Sterilization prevents unwanted litters, helping reduce the number of homeless pets across our island.
Reduced Nuisance Behavior: Spayed and neutered animals are less likely to roam, fight, or mark territory, which reduces conflicts between pets and people.
Public Health: By lowering the population of stray animals, spay/neuter programs reduce the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases from animals to humans.
Aesthetic & Environmental Improvements: Managing community cat populations through Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programs prevents the "vacuum effect" creating a more stable, balanced, and humane environment.
Economic Relief: Affordable or free spay/neuter services ease the financial burden on pet owners, helping families keep their pets and reducing shelter surrenders.

Back to Basics: Understanding the Difference Between Feral and Stray Cats

Many people use the terms "feral: and "stray" interchangeable, but they describe very different types of cats. Understanding the distinction helps us respond appropriately and compassionately to each situation — and ensures that both cats and communities stay safe and cared for.

Feral Cats

A feral cat is an outdoor cat that has not been socialized with people. These cats prefer to live independently from humans and are not suited to be indoor pets. They are generally fearful of people and may react defensively when approached.

While some feral cats can gradually become more comfortable around humans, most do best in outdoor colony settings where they are cared for throguh Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programs. Feral cats are typically not candidates for adoption but can live healthy stable lives when managed responsibly.

Stray Cats

A stray cat is one that has lived with people before — often having been lost, abandoned, or separated from home. Strays are usually more socialized and may approach humans or allow gentle interaction. They can often be rehabilitated and adopted once they're spayed or neutered and receive proper care.

How to Tell the Difference

A feral cat will keep its distance, while a stray may approach or allow brief contact.
Feral cats crouch low and avoid eye contact; strays stand upright with tail up and make eye contact.
Feral cats are silent or hiss; strays may meow or purr.
Feral cats are most active at night; strays are often active during the day.
Feral cats are usually well-groomed (from outdoor survival behaviors); strays may look disheveled.
In a trap, feral move to the back; strays tend to move forward.
Feral cats rarely play with otys; strays often will.

(Adapted from content provided by the Stray Cat Project)

What is Kennel Aggression?

Kennel aggression (also called “barrier frustration” or “barrier aggression”) happens when a dog feels trapped, stressed, overwhelmed, or protective while inside an enclosed space.

Common causes:

Stress/anxiety from shelter or boarding environments
Feeling trapped with no escape option
Barrier frustration—they want to come toward you but the barrier increases their arousal
Lack of socialization or past negative experiences
Overstimulation from sights, sounds, and smells
Resource guarding of their “space” (rare but possible)

Important note:
A dog showing kennel aggression isn’t necessarily aggressive outside the kennel. Many calm down once the barrier is removed.

How to Handle Kennel Aggression

1. Approach Calmly and Consistently

Move slowly, avoid sudden gestures, and don’t loom over the dog.
Speak softly so you don’t increase their arousal.

2. Don’t Punish the Behavior

Punishment increases stress and fear, making the problem worse.
Instead, aim to reduce stress and create positive associations.

3. Build Positive Associations

Pair your presence with good things. Examples:

Toss high-value treats toward but not into the kennel
Quietly drop treats as you pass
Offer enrichment toys in the kennel

This helps the dog learn that someone approaching = something good.

4. Reduce Visual Triggers

Sometimes what the dog sees is what sets them off.

Cover the front or sides of the kennel with a blanket
Use visual barriers in shelter environments

This limits overstimulation.

5. Use Decompression Time

Let the dog settle in a quiet, low-traffic area when possible.
Overstimulated dogs often exhibit more defensive behaviors.

6. Train Calm Behavior

Teach the dog that calm behavior makes the door open:

Approach the kennel
When they’re quiet—even for a second—open the door
If they bark/growl/lunge, wait until they pause, then try again

This builds impulse control and predicts safe, calm interactions.

7. Kennel-Only Interactions with Trained Staff

For rescues, shelters, or foster homes:

Have only predictable, confident handlers open kennel doors
Let others interact outside the kennel only
Use leashes attached through the door to avoid hands near the barrier

8. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Pent-up energy intensifies kennel aggression.
Daily enrichment (walks, sniffing, toys, puzzle feeders) reduces frustration and anxiety.

9. Evaluate for Medical or Pain-Related Causes

A sudden onset of aggression can be due to:

Pain
Illness
Neurological issues

A vet exam can rule these out.

10. Work With a Professional for Severe Cases

A certified behaviorist or positive-reinforcement trainer can help create a behavior plan tailored to that individual dog.

Key Takeaway

Kennel aggression isn’t about dominance or a “bad” dog—it’s almost always stress, fear, frustration, or confusion. With patience, positive reinforcement, better environment management, and clear routines, most dogs improve significantly.

Coming Soon! Affordable Spay & Neuter Programs

Hello

Did You Know?

Mission Statement

Upcoming Event: December 20, 2025

Naughty or Nice: Holiday Pet Photos

Team Members

Wendy Hornack

Tamara Goebbert

Wendy Hornack

Alec Estrada

Tamara Goebbert

Wendy Hornack

Tamara Goebbert

Tamara Goebbert

Tamara Goebbert

World's Smartest Pet Tag

Got Questions? We've Got Answers.

How to Handle Kennel Aggression

1. Approach Calmly and Consistently

2. Don’t Punish the Behavior

3. Build Positive Associations

4. Reduce Visual Triggers

5. Use Decompression Time

6. Train Calm Behavior

7. Kennel-Only Interactions with Trained Staff

9. Evaluate for Medical or Pain-Related Causes

10. Work With a Professional for Severe Cases

Key Takeaway

Resources Available on Maui

Maui Humane Society

Maui Humane Society

Maui Humane Society

Good Cat Network

Maui Humane Society

Maui Humane Society

Kitty Charm Farm

Maui Humane Society

Kitty Charm Farm

Surf Cat Ranch

Emergency Animal Care and Help (EACH)

Kitty Charm Farm

Emergency Animal Care and Help (EACH)

Emergency Animal Care and Help (EACH)

Emergency Animal Care and Help (EACH)

Save Maui's Cats

Emergency Animal Care and Help (EACH)

Emergency Animal Care and Help (EACH)

Maui Cat Rescue

Fly Hawaii's Cats

Fly Hawaii's Cats

Fly Hawaii's Cats

Fly Hawaii's Cats

Fly Hawaii's Cats

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Aloha FurEver Pets Foundation

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