I don't use Outlook, but it should be possible.
When your iPad is connected to the computer, go to iTunes and select your iPad from the Device list. At the top of the screen you'll see a Info tab. Select that. Then select Sync Contacts. Sync. Whatever you do,
do NOT go tot he bottom of the page and select the replace contacts options.
If you have Outlook installed on the computer that should be an option. If you can't use Outlook you'll see that you have an option to sync with Google Contacts. If you don't already have an account you can create one and use that instead.
The next time you sync all your contacts on he iPad and the computer (or Google) should be merged.
Once you've done that you've got a few options. You can use Outlook to export the contacts, then import them into your husbands Outlook or other program. Or you can attempt to sync with the same Outlook computer and account with your husbands iPad. Google has import/export options as well.
Unless you want to keep using it, go back into the iTunes settings for each device and disable the contacts syncing.
A better way to keep your contacts safe is for you both get Google accounts and keep your contacts synced with them. Once the accounts are set up on Google, use this method to set up the accounts.
Setting up Google Sync with your iOS device : Mail, Calendar, & Contacts - Google Mobile Help
The standard GMail account will not sync contacts.
When the popup asks about how to handle your Contacts or Calendars, be sure to choose merge, or keep. Whatever you do, do not replace the contacts on the iPad, or you'll be in the same boat your husband is now.
It is also a pretty good idea to do a backup on both devices before starting. Then if something goes wrong you can restore from backup and try again. To do a back up, just sync the devices before doing anything else. Or right click on the iPad and choose Backup.