Finding a new pet is an exciting journey that brings joy to your home while providing a second chance to an animal in need. Best Friends Animal Society is a leading organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. By focusing on adoption, foster programs, and community support, they work toward a future where every pet has a safe place to call home.
This guide explains how you can participate in their mission, whether you are looking to adopt a new family member, volunteer your time, or support local rescue efforts. Understanding their process makes it easier for you to find the right pet and contribute to the no-kill movement.
The Mission to Save Them All
The core philosophy of this organization is the “Save Them All” mission. For decades, they have worked to reduce the number of animals euthanized in shelters due to lack of space or resources. Their goal is to make every shelter in the United States no-kill by the year 2025.
A no-kill shelter is defined as one where at least 90% of the animals entering the facility are saved. This recognizes that some animals may have terminal illnesses or severe behavioral issues that prevent safe rehoming, but ensures that no healthy or treatable pet is ever killed. By adopting from or supporting these programs, you are directly helping to reach this national milestone.
How to Adopt a Pet
Adopting a pet is a straightforward process designed to ensure a good match between the animal and the owner. Whether you are looking for a high-energy puppy or a calm senior cat, there are thousands of animals waiting for homes.
Search the Online Database
The easiest way to start is by using the online search tool. You can filter results by species, breed, age, size, and location. This allows you to see animals currently staying at the main sanctuary in Utah, as well as those in regional centers or with foster families across the country.
Complete an Application
Once you find a pet that catches your eye, you will need to fill out an adoption survey. This is not a test, but rather a tool to help adoption counselors understand your lifestyle. They want to ensure that a dog who needs five miles of running a day doesn’t end up in a small apartment with a low-activity owner.
The Meet-and-Greet
If you are near a physical location, you can schedule a time to meet the pet in person. For those adopting from the sanctuary in Utah while living out of state, counselors can often arrange video calls or provide detailed behavioral assessments. If you have other pets at home, the staff can provide guidance on how to introduce them safely.
Finalizing the Adoption
After the application is approved and the meet-and-greet is successful, you will pay an adoption fee. This fee typically covers vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. Once the paperwork is signed, you are ready to take your new best friend home.
Visiting the Animal Sanctuary
Located in the red rock canyons of Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the nation. It serves as a home-between-homes for up to 1,600 animals on any given day. This location is unique because it takes in animals that may need more time, medical care, or behavioral training before they are ready for adoption.
A Place for Healing
The sanctuary is divided into different areas based on the species, such as Dogtown, Cat World, Horse Haven, and Marshall’s Piggy Paradise. Each area is staffed by experts who provide specialized care. Many visitors travel from all over the world to volunteer at the sanctuary, helping to socialize the animals and keep them happy during their stay.
Taking a Tour
The sanctuary offers free tours to the public. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization operates and how they care for such a large number of animals. It is a great way to see the impact of your support and learn more about the specific needs of different rescues.
The Power of Fostering
If you are not ready for the long-term commitment of adoption, fostering is a vital way to help. Fostering involves taking an animal into your home temporarily to give them a break from the shelter environment. This is especially important for puppies, kittens, or animals recovering from surgery.
- Saves Lives: Every pet in a foster home opens up a kennel space at the shelter for another animal in need.
- Provides Data: Foster parents learn about a pet’s personality in a home setting, which helps the organization find the perfect permanent owner.
- Flexibility: Fostering can last from a few days to several months, depending on your availability and the pet’s needs.
Most organizations provide all the necessary supplies, including food and medical care, so the only thing you need to provide is a safe space and plenty of love.
Working with Network Partners
While the main sanctuary is in Utah, the organization works with thousands of “Network Partners” across all 50 states. These are local shelters and rescue groups that share the no-kill mission. By collaborating, they share resources, transport animals from overcrowded areas to places with higher adoption rates, and implement best practices for animal care.
When you search for a pet through the main website, you will often see listings for animals at these partner shelters. Supporting your local partner shelter is one of the most effective ways to help your immediate community reach no-kill status.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Not everyone can adopt or foster, but there are many other ways to support the cause. Community involvement is the engine that drives the rescue movement forward. Small actions often lead to big changes for animals in your area.
- Volunteering: Local centers always need help with cleaning, walking dogs, or assisting at adoption events.
- Donations: Financial contributions help pay for emergency surgeries, transport vans, and advocacy programs.
- Advocacy: You can support legislation that protects animals, such as banning puppy mills or ending breed-specific legislation.
- Spay and Neuter: Encouraging others to spay or neuter their pets helps prevent overpopulation before it starts.
Conclusion
Best Friends Animal Society provides a roadmap for a world where every pet is valued and protected. Whether you choose to adopt a dog from the sanctuary, foster a cat from a local partner, or simply spread the word about the no-kill movement, your contribution matters. By working together, we can ensure that every animal gets the chance to find a loving home.
If you are ready to take the next step, start by looking at local adoption listings or reaching out to a rescue group in your area. Every adoption saves two lives: the life of the pet you take home and the life of the animal who takes their place in the shelter. For more tips on pet care and helpful guides on animal welfare, explore our other articles to stay informed and inspired.