ADVICE

Lost Pet?

We know what a stressful time it is when your beloved pet is missing. The first thing you should do is report your missing pet to the Police Department (508-228-1212) and to us (508-825-2287).


Email a picture to us at: info@nishanimals.org and we will post on our public Facebook page. If you find your animal, please let us know, so we can update our records and let concerned citizens know the good news.


Here is what you should do if your dog has been picked up by the Animal Control Officer or a citizen and brought to NiSHA: the ONLY way you can retrieve your dog from the shelter is to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination, a valid driver’s license, and the necessary boarding fees incurred while your dog was with us. The boarding fee is $60 per calendar day, which includes a bed, food, water, walks with our staff and volunteers, and lots of attention. Having your dog vaccinated against rabies is a State Law; therefore, we cannot release a dog without proof. Please provide health certificate or rabies certificate.


Make sure your animal has proper identification on at all times and is microchipped in case they lose their collars. Have a current picture of your pet on file to email out or make posters if the need arises. Keep your pets vaccinated and retain copies for your records. Please remember that animals should not run loose, but if by unfortunate circumstances your pet is missing, we will do all we can to help reunite you with your animal as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT INFO  Posted on 3/16/2020, regarding shelter operations in the face of the ever-changing situation:

Dear NiSHA Friends,

I would like to update you on what NiSHA is doing to keep our staff, volunteers and members of the public safe during this time. This is a fluid situation and our understanding about this virus and its societal impacts is changing by the hour. We will continue to share information as we have it to ensure your safety, and that of our community, and the animals we care for.

NiSHA will be closed to the public starting today, Monday, March 16, 2020.

Staff members will be taking care of our animals on a limited basis in rotation. At this time, only staff, no volunteers, will be allowed in the building.

If anyone needs to surrender an animal or you rely on NiSHA’s Pet Food Pantry to feed your pets at home, please call us and we will arrange to assist you. We will continue to stay true to our mission that we will never turn away an animal in need. If you see a stray animal, please call the police department as they still have access to the shelter. If you have an animal medical emergency, please call Offshore Animal Hospital. They are also closed to the public, but still seeing emergencies.

NiSHA: 508-825-2287 Ext. 1

Offshore Animal Hospital: 508-228-1491

Police Department: 508-228-1212

Animal Care:

• There is no indication that animals can contract this illness. However, there’s the potential the virus
can live on an animal, like it can a doorknob, a countertop, or any object.

• We strongly encourage you to make plans for your animals just like you would if you were preparing to be away from home for a couple of weeks. That is, to stock up on an extra two weeks of pet supplies and have a pet sitter identified should you need hospitalization.

Key Points:

o Identify a family member or friend who can care for pets if someone in your household becomes ill;

o Have crates, food and extra supplies on hand for quick movement of pets;

o Keep all animal vaccines up to date in the event boarding becomes necessary;

o Ensure all medications are documented with dosages and administering directions, including the prescription from your veterinarian;

o Pets should have identification: collar with ID tag and microchip (best practice is microchipping);

o Have a medical consent form ready allowing a designated caregiver to make medical decisions for your pet if you need to be hospitalized.

Thank you for your understanding and patience. Stay well! Sincerely,

Jessica Sosebee, Executive Director
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