Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization founded in 1984. Based in Kanab, Utah, it operates the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary and works tirelessly to end the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters.
The organization was started by a group of friends who shared a vision of creating a better world for homeless pets. Over the decades, Best Friends has grown into a national movement, inspiring countless individuals, rescue groups, and shelters to embrace the no-kill philosophy. Their mission is driven by the belief that every animal deserves a loving home and that euthanasia should never be used as a means of population control.
With a dedicated staff, thousands of volunteers, and a network of partner organizations across the country, Best Friends continues to be at the forefront of the no-kill movement, advocating for compassionate solutions to end pet homelessness.
Best Friends Animal Society engages in a wide range of activities to save animals' lives and promote animal welfare. At their sanctuary, they provide care for around 1,600 animals daily, many with special needs.
Beyond this, they run lifesaving programs nationwide, partnering with shelters to implement proven strategies to reduce euthanasia rates. These include targeted spay/neuter initiatives, community cat programs, and innovative adoption events. Best Friends also operates regional centers in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, focusing on areas with high shelter death rates. They provide extensive resources and training to animal welfare professionals and volunteers, helping to spread best practices in animal care and shelter management.
Best Friends also advocates for animal-friendly legislation, conducts research to advance the field of animal welfare, and runs public awareness campaigns to promote adoption and responsible pet ownership. Their ultimate goal is to make America no-kill by 2025.