Become a Volunteer

It takes a small village to run an animal shelter, so volunteers are a must at NiSHA.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering!


NiSHA would not be where it is today without the dedication of our volunteers.


We constantly evaluate the needs of the organization, and we recruit new volunteers on an as-needed basis. During a recruitment period, our volunteer registration link will be present and active on our website. If it is not present, we are not currently accepting new volunteer applications. 


Our Volunteers:

  • Are at least 16+ years or old. (Please see Youth Programs for ways children can make a difference for our shelter animals.)
  • Be on Nantucket a minimum of two months.
  • Have a passion for animals and people.
  • Have a mature, compassionate, and respectful attitude towards staff, other volunteers, and our community.
  • Have access to a computer and internet so that they can use our volunteer software to sign up for shifts and track hours. (If you don’t have access to the internet, let us know and we will arrange alternate accommodations.)
  • Can’t commit? If you are unable to make our required time commitment, you can always call the shelter and make a one-time visit to see the animals or get a tour of the facility. Please call ahead to be sure that someone is available to meet with you: 508-825-2287 ext. 1

How Would You Like to Help?

Fostering

This is our most needed volunteer position! Foster homes are vital, because they help us save more lives and improve the lives of shelter animals until they find their new homes. Learn how to become a foster parent  here.

Transport Volunteers

NiSHA's Land to Sea Pet Rescue program transports healthy and friendly dogs and cats from overburdened shelters across the country—trying to do our part to help solve the overpopulation crisis.


We need volunteers who can help with transport on and off island. Most of the time, it's just going over on the fast ferry, picking up the animals, and coming back. Or driving animals from various places in MA to Hyannis. All expenses are paid through NiSHA. If you live on Nantucket, the Cape or the Boston area and can help with driving animals or accompanying them on the ferries, please email us at info@nishanimals.org.

Assist Seniors in Our Community

NiSHA knows that animals are our most loving companions. Sometimes pets are the only family members senior citizens have. When it becomes difficult for them to care for their pet, we try to help so that they can stay together. We need volunteers who can help scoop litter boxes, walk dogs, deliver supplies, and offer a kind presence. For more information, please email us at info@nishanimals.org.

Shelter Animal Enrichment

The cats and kittens in our care sometimes need help learning human interaction. We do that by engaging with them in low-stress, positive playtime. Our shelter dogs need walks, outings, training, and socializing. If you want hands-on animal work, animal enrichment might be the right choice for you. We are looking for year-round volunteers for these positions who can commit at least once per week.


We are not accepting enrichment volunteers right now, please check back soon. Thank you for your interest!

Become a Pet Partners of Nantucket Therapy Team

PPN is affiliated with the national organization, Pet Partners, whose mission it is to improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond. Pet Partners of Nantucket  trains human-animal teams to visit people in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and other settings where the interaction with an animal can ease suffering, bring calmness, lower blood pressure, or cause any number of life-enhancing benefits. If you have a pet who might enjoy this kind of interaction, contact us for more information.

petpartners@nishanimals.org

Social Media

Please help us get the word out, using your social media! 

  • Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) @nishanimals, and Tiktok @nishanimals.org
  • Like and share our posts of animals looking for homes 
  • Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, and share it with a friend. To sign up, let Stephanie know at: stephanie@nishanmals.org.

Friends and Fund Raising

Our Outreach and Event volunteers often serve as the face of NiSHA at community events. You provide extra hands, expertise, and smiling faces to help staff achieve our mission. Some examples of our Community Outreach/Special Events include:

  • Adoption Events
  • Nantucket Shamrock Run
  • Seasonal Farmer's Market Tabling
  • Daffodil Festival Parade
  • Holiday Stroll Marketplace
  • Our Summer Gala in August
  • And so much more!


Please Jillian at jillian@nishanimals.org for more information.

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