Animals are such incredible teachers. They immediately bring our focus to the present, open our hearts, encourage us to engage with others, and spread joy. The Nature Connection has recognized these abilities for 40 years and seeks to grow our programs that bring natural materials and animals to people with limited access to the outside world.
How You Can Help
The Nature Connection is currently seeking new animals to “volunteer” with us at our therapeutic nature programs. If you live in Concord, MA or the surrounding towns (anywhere in Middlesex County would be considered) and have a small pet with therapeutic/educational potential, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at volunteer@nature-connection.org or (978) 369-2585.
Two program participants pet a black and white rabbit in a basket.
In particular, we’re looking for host families of:
- Rabbits, Chinchillas, Guinea pigs
- Ducks and Chickens
- Turtles, Lizards, Snakes
- Other sweet or unusual animals
How to know your pet would make a good NC volunteer:
- Enjoys meeting new people/groups of people.
- Is not only comfortable with, but welcomes interactions with strangers.
- Thrives in new situations and environments.
- Is comfortable traveling in the car. They are willing to travel in a crate or container.
- Has no history of aggression or injuring either people or other animals.
- Has lived in your home for at least six months.
- You or a member of your household are available for weekday pickups and drop-offs, Tuesday through Friday sometime between 9am and 6pm (it can work if there are specific days that someone is home).
- Dog-Specific Requirements – all of the above, plus: 1) Has lived with you for a minimum of one year; 2) Is certified as a therapy dog; and 3) Has received rabies, distemper, and kennel cough vaccinations (titers are accepted), which are updated upon expiration.
A boy inspects a dark grey chinchilla being held by a program volunteer.
If your pet meets all the criteria above, next steps include:
- Call or email us for a phone screening and to set up an in-person meeting at our Concord office with you and your pet.
- Submit a Health Certificate from your veterinarian – this is a letter that states: “The animal is in good health and in good standing to participate in programs.”
- For dogs, also submit vaccination paperwork and therapy dog certification.
Some pet owners enjoy volunteering at our programs with their pets. While not required, you would be welcome to join us. In these situations, both you and your pet would be considered a volunteer and so we ask that you go through our volunteer training process. The first step is to fill out an application here.
Check out the animals currently “on staff.”
It’s important, fulfilling work—for us, for the participants, and for the animals themselves. Not to mention how it makes you feel. Supporting NC’s program animals helps enrich the lives of so many in such a significant way.
