If you’ve ever felt that tug in your heart to do more with your business—something beyond the day-to-day of boarding, daycare, or training—I want to introduce you to someone who followed that instinct in a big way.
I recently sat down with Matthew Kramer, owner of Olowalu Dog Ranch in Maui, and what he’s building out there is something special. After the devastating Lahaina fires in 2023, Kramer didn’t just rebuild his own life—he built a lifeline for others. His story is both inspiring and practical for anyone in the pet care industry looking to give back to their community.
Here are some lessons and takeaways from our conversation that might help you do the same—whether you’ve got a few extra kennels or a big vision that’s been sitting on the back burner.
1. You Can Start Small
Kramer didn’t begin with a grand master plan. He started by hiking with dogs, building trust, and growing community one pup at a time. When disaster struck, that same community came together—sometimes 20 volunteers at a time—to clear land, cut steel, dig fence posts, and build a shelter for displaced dogs.
2. Build Partnerships, Not Just Kennels
Matt Kramer’s passion for helping local dogs builds community that helps him advance his mission and his business.
When people lost homes after the Lahaina fires, they also faced losing their dogs. Kramer opened his land to these pets, building emergency housing from shipping containers and working closely with the Maui Humane Society to house pets temporarily—without forcing owners to surrender them.
Today, his nonprofit arm, Kuleana Canines, continues that work, helping families through housing transitions, medical emergencies, or economic hardship.
Tip: BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Reach out to local rescues, shelters, or even social services. Let them know you’re willing to help in temporary or emergency boarding situations. Relationships like these don’t just help the community—they build goodwill that money can’t buy.
3. Use What You Have—Even If It’s Off-Grid
Olowalu Dog Ranch is entirely off-grid. Kramer had to haul in drinking water for nearly a year and run everything—lights, pumps, even a toaster oven—on solar power. But that didn’t stop him. With grit, creativity, and a few good filtration systems, they made it work.
Tip: DON’T AIM FOR PERFECTION
Don’t wait for your business to be “perfect” or fully built out to give back. Community work often happens in the margins—in the extra kennel, the slow season, or the space you haven’t developed yet.
Matt Kramer had to learn new skills to make his vision a reality
4. Mix Business and Mission Without Burning Out
Today, Kramer runs both sides of the ranch: a boarding service that pays the bills, and a nonprofit that gives dogs a soft place to land when life gets hard. His plan? Eventually dedicate all 18 kennels to Kuleana Canines and build out more for paying customers.
5. Create New Models of Rescue
Kramer’s long-term goal isn’t just rescue—it’s reimagining rescue. He wants adopters to come to the ranch, hike with dogs, spend real time with them, and ease into the commitment. It’s all about setting dogs—and people—up for success.
6. Let the Community Help You
Olowalu Dog Ranch is entirely off-grid. Kramer had to haul in drinking water for nearly a year and run everything—lights, pumps, even a toaster oven—on solar power. But that didn’t stop him. With grit, creativity, and a few good filtration systems, they made it work.
Tip: ASK FOR HELP
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, donations, or volunteers. People want to support causes that matter. Especially when there’s a dog involved.
Olowalu helps out local families displaced by the fire so they don’t have to give up their pets.
Final Thoughts
Not every pet care business can do what Kramer’s done—but every pet care business can do something. Whether it’s helping one family in crisis, fostering one dog in transition, or simply building partnerships in your local rescue scene, you’ve got tools and heart that can make a difference.
Kramer’s story isn’t just about surviving a tragedy—it’s about using what you’ve got to build something better.
Let it inspire you. And if you’re already doing something like this in your community—I’d love to hear about it.
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