Anyone looking to adopt a pet should visit Salem's Northeast Animal Shelter, a non-profit agency that does not euthanize animals. The shelter, which opened its new facility in 2008, takes in adoptable dogs and cats surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them, as well as strays found by local officials or rescue groups. In addition, the shelter transports from other states hundreds of homeless dogs that would otherwise be euthanized due to overpopulation. Northeast also rescues satos, mixed breed dogs found wandering the streets of Puerto Rico. Dog and cat adoption fees include spaying/neutering whenever possible. The shelter also participates in community outreach through its Humane Education and Senior Visitation programs.
For more than 50 years, the community center has been in the historic Ensign Thaxter House in downtown Hingham. The center offers more than 90 different special events, classes and activities. Hingham Community Center is a non-profit that relies primarily on membership fees and donations to keep running. Classes include gymnastics, preschool and dance for kids, as well as various classes for adults, such as ballroom dancing and CPR. There are also summer and vacation activities such as ceramic and painting workshops.