CONTACT US
(508) 825-CATS
(2287)
Nantucket Safe Harbor for Animals
11 Crooked Lane
Nantucket, MA 02554
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.
- Volunteers are at least 16+ years or old. (Please see Youth Programs for ways children can make a difference for our shelter animals.
- Time commitments vary depending on the position and will be discussed during orientation. We ask that if you plan to work hands-on with our animals that you are on Nantucket at least two consecutive months.
- 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:
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. 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 apply.
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. If you are interested, please apply.
Lost Cat Task Force
Sometimes, indoor kitties escape and don't know how to get back home. Our Task Force helps to humanely trap for these cats to get them safely back indoors. We need volunteers in various areas of the island to volunteer to set and monitor traps. This can sometimes mean checking the cameras overnight (from your phone) if the weather is particularly hot or cold so animals aren't suffering. We provide the traps, the cameras and all the training. If you think you can help, please apply.
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 and provide comfort. If you have a pet who might enjoy this kind of interaction, contact us for more information.
Training and Behavior
We need dedicated volunteers to work with our animals. That might be socializing shy or fearful cats or working with dogs who need extra training. Our behavior specialists will coach you to help our animals get ready for loving homes. Because it takes time to get our volunteers properly trained, we ask that you be available at least once a week for a minimum of two consecutive months. We are currently not accepting new cat volunteers, but if you think you would be a good fit to work with dogs who are struggling to find homes, please apply.
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. A few examples of our Community Events include:
- Adoption Events
- Nantucket Shamrock Run in March
- Seasonal Farmer's Market Tabling
- Daffodil Festival Parade
- Our Summer Gala in August
