At Home - Ongoing

All Ages

Calling all young animal lovers! Kids are invited to help brighten the days of our shelter animals by writing them letters, drawing their portraits, and creating fun “bios” to hang outside their kennels or rooms. It is a wonderful way to help each animal’s personality shine while making them feel extra loved and special.



NiSHA Shelter

11 Crooked Lane, Side Door

Fridays from 10am to 11am starting June 26th / Ages: 5+

Curious about what goes into caring for the animals at NiSHA? Join us this summer for a behind-the-scenes experience at the shelter. Get a tour, meet some of our animals, and take part in their daily routine. You will also make a toy or enrichment activity for one of our shelter animals.

This free program is open to children ages 5 and up when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.



Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm starting July 9 through August 13

Saturdays from 10am to 11am starting July 11 throught August 15

NiSHA's Pet Partner Therapy Animal teams are partnering with the Atheneum for a fun opportunity of reading with pets. Stop by, choose a book, and read to one of our therapy pets. A great opportunity to become more confident with your reading skills in a nonjudgmental enrivonment.

✅For ages 6-12 years old, sessions are 20 minutes each.

✅Cost is FREE, but registration is required.

Registration opens one week prior to the program dates. Register at the Weezie Desk at the Nantucket Atheneum or by phoning (508) 228-1110.

NiSHA Shelter

Cost per four-week session: $50 / Ages: Preschool to 7 years

Tuesdays from 3-4pm (Session 1 will be in July and Session 2 will be in August)

Have your little ones come and practice their reading skills while socializing with our adoptable cats. It's a win-win! Our kitties get used to being around children and benefit from lots of attention while the kids not only practice reading, but also learn how to compassionately interact with cats. If you are in need of financial assistance, please email us for scholarship opportunities.

Nantucket Atheneum - Weezie Library

1 India Street

Exhibit Dates: August 7th through August 14th

Humane Education in Art. Come see over a hundred original canvases at our annual art show at the Weezie Library this August. Kids from local summer camps choose an animal-related theme to then paint, draw or collage on a provided canvas to have displayed.

If you would like to participate, free canvases will be available at the shelter for pick-up starting July 1st and completed pieces will need to be dropped back off to the shelter no later than August 5th. Pick-up/drop-off at 11 Crooked Lane (side door).

This program is FREE.