A few years ago we traveled from Arizona to Kanab, Utah to visit Best Friends.
I had watched Dog Town on tv and was hooked. We traveled there and stayed on the grounds in our rv. We volunteered for two days, playing with puppies, walking senior dogs, washing doggie blankets and towels and participated in meal time. We saw many aspects of how Dog town operates on a daily basis. They are wonderful. They work like a fine oiled machine. We send support when we can because they are worth supporting. The place is beautiful, full of love and the most awesome critters on the earth . We love Best Ffriends.
We have supported Best Friends financially for over a decade, we adopted a senior Pet of the Week through them, and we receive and read their member magazine, Facebook posts, and other corresponce. What a wonderful, dedicated, creative and successful organization! They’ve gone from a unique stand-alone sanctuary to the driver of an international no-kill movement.
Best Friends is amazing! My son adopted an older cat, who has a bit of an interesting disposition. He will cuddle one second, and take a swing at you with his claws the next. Not the most adoptable characteristic! He spent a good deal of time at the shelter, waiting for the right home. He might not have lasted in a regular shelter. Best Friends ‘no kill’ shelter allowed him the time to find just the right home!
I visited the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab Utah twice. Both times I volunteered at several different animal areas, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pigs, and horses. Everyone I talked with was welcoming, knowledgeable, and professional. It is truly the best vacation I have ever had. Even the prearrangements were handled well. The volunteer web site is easy to use and thorough, allowing me to schedule my time well in advance of my trip.
I have long admired the goals and spirit of Best Friends. It was truly wonderful to experience the work of the organization first hand.
Best Friends is the leader in no kill shelters. They have a wonderful kind caring facility. They really,really care about animals. They help in all kinds of disasters.
Best Friends saved the lives of 10 of my beloved kitties. Back in 2013, I lost my home to foreclosure. I searched effortlessly to find forever homes for all 21 of my rescue fur babies. I was able to find homes for 8 of my cats. The lady who was helping me knew someone from Best Friends who came to Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. She informed me that Best Friends agreed to accept 10 of my cats and provide them with safe, loving, happy homes, whether they were adopted or not. It was devastating for me to have to give up my babies but I am forever grateful to Best Friends for taking my cats in, from Louisiana to Utah. I think about them everyday and miss them terribly however I know that, at Best Friends, they are well taken care of and Loved as much as I Love them. Thank you Best Friends, for all that you do!
Best Friends is a great organization that does so much for the animals in our area. I've adopted my cats and dog from them. Love their nice, clean Adoption center. I look forward to taking my dog to Strut Your Mutt every year. Save Them All!
So thankful for Best Friends animal society.
People who care, love and protect these precious creatures.
I adopted a 10 year old cat from Best Friends - he had spent 7 years in a shelter before making it to the Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah where I adopted him. I was blown away by the sanctuary and and the people that care for the animals - they set the bar for what it means to be a no-kill organization in the quality of care they provide. Because of them, the cat I adopted had a second chance at life in a home that showed him unconditional love. I can only hope the time we had with him made up for all the years he spent in a shelter. It breaks my heart to think of what would have happened to him without Best Friends.
I was driving to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT when I saw a puppy on the side of the rural highway pop her head out of the tall grass and hide again. I stopped and she came straight to me. She was a sweet, big pawed baby and dirty! She was all alone out there and I knew people had a tendency to dump their dogs there, so I took her with me. We weren't sure if Best Friends would have room for her, but they took her in right away. They searched for her family, but no one came forward. I visited a few weeks later to see how she was doing and saw this darling, happy, clean and spunky girl! She had already been adopted and was going to her new family that weekend! I've volunteered there many times since and am always so impressed with their dedication to the animals, the cleanliness of the facilities and the happiness of the animals. They work so hard to get the best outcome for the animals so they can live fulfilled and happy lives. I always have great interactions with the employees. They are so eager to teach and spread their passion for animals.
This is the place that will take any pet and give them love, safety, food and security. The people who work there really care, and the animals are happy! They took in the wounded dogs from the Vick case, and many others who would have died if not for Best Friends. I volunteered there just one day, but it lives on in my memory as one of my favorite.
Best Friends really does what they say they'll do, jumping in wherever they're needed as well as running the main facility in Utah. They believe in their mission to help animals, to reduce and eventually eliminate space - related euthanasia in shelters across the country. Unlike some other national animal welfare organizations, Best Friends puts their money into programs, not TV ads or fundraising.
My husband and I have flown out to Utah two years in a row to volunteer for a week at this amazing animal sanctuary. The love and care the staff members give to these animals is so awesome to see in person! They really use their volunteers and if you have a chance to volunteer, please do it...you will be blessed. We are "dog people" so that was our favorite area, but there are several areas you can choose from.
I volunteered at Best Friends for a week and was so impressed with the wonderful homes the animals had at the sanctuary. The staff was professional and so caring - really going the extra mile to make sure all the animals live in the best conditions and have lots of positive human contact plus other animals they like to live with. I have worked with animals 35 years and have never seen a better animal facility. I will always donate to Best Friends because I have seen how the money goes for the best uses possible. I would love to move there and be a regular volunteer.
They say Disneyland/World are the happiest places on earth. I disagree. Best Friends sanctuary is the happiest place in the world. The facilities are amazing, the staff the best and the animals are so well cared for and loved. There is peace and love everywhere! Volunteering at Best Friends changed my life. Save Them All!!
Learning of Veterinarians when I was young was a marvel for me. Later, the SPCA’s mission of ending cruelty to animals became integral in my life. When I saw the motto of Best Friends it instilled in me a sense of awe, and it continues to do so. I was a BF volunteer one day/week for over a year while they operated from the middle of our city’s Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) building on their 3 year grant - if there was any way to save the animals Best Friends would find it. We humans created the problem of too many cats and dogs, and it is our responsibility to solve it. Best Friends supports the Trap-Neuter-Return system of population control for cats, and TNR’ed over 13,000 cats during their 3 years here in Philadelphia, PA. Their motto “Save them all” is what humankind can and should do.
Every person in this organization is kind, thoughtful and dedicated. I have visited twice and found them to be the most sincere group I have encountered. They are fantastic!
I live in Michigan and have been volunteeering at BFAS every year for the past 17 years. I have adopted five special needs animals. My two children ages six and eight have also volunteered. They raised more than $500 for the sanctuary by selling painted wooden cheese boxes. They have learned compassion for others by spending time here. Best Friends is a wonderful place where the animals are taken care of and loved. Their efforts to educate the public have helped to greatly reduce the number of animals that are needlessly euthanized.
I think the work that you do saving all kinds of animals is phenomenal,I hope that more organizations will pick up the practice, I think it's wonderful that they have a forever home with you even if their not adopted,I try to donate as much as I can as often as I can because I believe in what you stand for.i wish I lived nearby so that I could help with the animals because I love them all.
I remember when I first heard about Best Friends on tv and Dogtown. The fact that they have so many animals and dogs that live their lives out there should say it all. I have had friends volunteer there and spend the night with a dying dog so it wouldn’t be alone. They do such amazing work to give these animals homes- so amazing ❤️
Been a member of Best Friends for years. So proud to be a supporter of their amazing work. And they are a wonderful resource too with animal rights issues and concerns. They have bee so helpful and supportive when I've contacted them for guidance on the past.
I have donated to this charity for many years, they do great job with helping and rescuing. Animals❤
I’ve been a supporter of Best Friends since our visit in the late 90’s. I visited Benson’s house and was sold. My dream of all those cats coming up to meet me, it was awesome. I’ve seen all the wonderful things that have been done with the unadoptable. And I love knowing that they can spend the rest of their lives in safety and being cared for. Keep up the wonderful work.
I've been a supporter about 20 years. I'd been telling my sister about it. I finally got to take her there. We were so excited! We stayed in one of the cabins that overlooked the horse corral. We even "borrowed" a couple of kitty guests to stay with us. It was so lovely and felt so homey having the cats at the cabin with us. (Everything needed for the cats was supplied by BF).
We volunteered at the special needs kitty cottage. Since we both work for nephrologists, it was perfect that we ended up with the kidney failure group. This place is the cleanest, best cared for shelter l've ever been in.
My husband and l have also visited. The area is just so peaceful and gorgeous. The view from the cafeteria was breathtaking, we enjoyed a vegetarian lunch, too. All the people we met were enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
I felt good about the visit, the animals and encouraging anyone who will listen to donate to this place. I see where my money goes and it does my heart good. Thank you for this beautiful place and all the hard work you do there and all the help you provide to rescues across the country!
We stopped at Best Friends in UT in Sept. Extremely impressed with the facility! All the animals are well cared for and the housing if each breed of animal is clean and have large runs. The shelter in our community is terrible, dogs hardly get outside, the cages are small.....it's very heartbreaking. I wish all shelters could learn from Best Friends
I love the positive message Best Friends provides regarding the work they do to save animals. Their newsletter is a joy to read, and even when reporting on "jeers", they keep their message on point and drama-free. They are an amazing sanctuary and I hope to be able to visit them someday. I've been contributing to their organization for the past 15 years!
I have been a supporter of Best Friends for several decades. Once I realized the magnitude of their contribution to no-kill animal welfare, I committed to supporting them regardless of other support I might give to local shelters. Their outreach and activism across the country make them the Number 1 animal welfare organization in the forefront of the "no kill" movement. I urge everyone to familiarize themselves with Best Friends and see why they are by and large the most extraordinary shelter in the country. I am delighted that they now have a presence in New York City and I have no doubt that they will not stop until they have "Saved Them All".
This organization speaks for the voiceless; such important work to rescue, and educate, and all with love. We need more selfless people like this.
Love their mission which remains the same but they are so innovative and creative in always finding new ways to achieve-Save them all!! Best organization I have ever been blessed to witness and be a part of if only in small ways. Great people with a monumental mission with tons of proof that it is working. Love love all they do!
I've been reading and learning about Best Friends for at least 12 years. What I love most is their extensive effort in education of pets and non-judgemental approach to training and rehabilitation of unwanted/senior/disabled animals. No one has been more hands-on in animal disaster emergencies either. They have set the bar in helping shelters everywhere to get animals adopted. Their marketing and media technics are proven winners. They have managed to include communities, volunteers, and lawmakers in their efforts. I've seen the shelters and philosophies of BF spread and succeed. It's the only non profit for animals that I feel confident in donating to, as their actions speak volumes. As they grow and expand they will only need further financial support, so please help continue their cause by considering them as Grant recipeients . Thank you, Lucy Kelly
Best Friends is the best! They do everything for any pet in need, their efforts for "save them all" are effective. The alliances with shelters across the country are remarkable.
I became aware of Best Friends on a TV program called Dog Town. I just loved what they did and have followed them since then. My beautiful boy Bogart, who I lost last year, has a memorial in their Angels Rest Cemetery. They are always working in disaster areas like Texas and Florida where I live and I just get a really good feeling about them.
I have been lucky enough to volunteer at Best Friends twice. It is an amazing animal sanctuary. But what makes them so special is there work nationally and worldwide to support the no-kill movement.
I have been to BestFriends twice to do volunteer work. They were both wonderful experiences. It is so reassuring to see so many people care about animals. The place is also so professional.
Best Friends is leading the way in the no kill shelter movement throughout the US. They have saved thousands of lives this year alone as well as spear headed the rescue and temporary housing of animals in Texas and Florida after the hurricanes. Their facility and staff go above and beyond to carefully place animals with the perfect owner. My daughter is looking forward to a visit to Best Friends in the future to volunteer and spend time there. There are not enough amazing descriptions to give about Best Friends. They have revolutionized pet rescue and no kill movement.
I was a volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society for thirteen years until health issues precluded my return. I never saw anything but intelligence, commitment, and dedicated devotion to every animal on the grounds (including wildlife: sticks left in water buckets so rodents or reptiles could climb out and not drown), gratitude and friendship to the volunteers, regardless of their age or efficacy, and cooperation and affection from and to the Founders and staff.
Regardless of an animal’s specie, age, gender, or physical condition, BFAS gave it a secure, safe home for as long as necessary. My work as a volunteer was a nit in the great scope of what Best Friends does and stands for, yet I felt as necessary and appreciated as everyone else. I will always be a Best Friends supporter and I will always cherish the time I spent there, the animals whose lives I touched and who so greatly enriched my life and the wonderful, life-long friends I made.
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Volunteering at Best Friends is a stunning, life-changing, amazing experience. We were surrounded by beauty - that of the landscape, the animals who find sanctuary there and the incredible Founders and caregivers. One thing I noticed beyond the compassion of the staff and volunteers was the combined joy and peace the animals exhibited. I am honored to be a supporter of and volunteer at Best Friends.
I had the opportunity to visit / volunteer at Best Friends several yeats ago. I was positively amazed at the beauty and tranquility. All the furry and not so furry and feathered friends were so well taken care of. Clean cozy digs, diverse and healthy meals. Lots of squeaky, cuddly and rolling toys. Staff and volunteers who love ❤️ them and truly care. The various cottages! I could go on and on..... Bottom line for me - it was one of the most incredible and emotionally rewarding experience of my life!
We traveled to UT for vacation to spend 5 days volunteering at Best Friends. It was a spectacular experience.
They are a shelter that is doing everything right. I am so proud of the work they do, and how hard they wok to put kill shelters out of business.
I have spent nine visits of up to two weeks at Best Friends. There is so much good to mention but I’ll start with the wonderful caregivers. No stone is left unturned in figuring out what makes a dog tick. The grounds are peaceful, this is my “happy place”. There is nothing more wonderful than renewing yourself on mountain trails and doing good at the same time.
I have followed Best Friends for years. Then in 2016 I was gifted by my family to go volunteer with my adult daughter. We were amazed at the size of property. The excellent care all animals are given. The introduction to best friends for the new dogs to stay and are worked with to overcome their fears and issues.
Bring run by such a caring staff was impressive as well the cleanliness organization of it all left a lasting impression in my heart.
Can't wait to go back !!
We have been contributing to BF for many years now. This org is fabulous and we trust them to use funds appropriately. They keep donors informed and are very responsive. I have even received a thank you phone call from Gregory Castle in person (not a recording!). Now that is unusual! I only wish we lived closer to visit the facility in Kanab. I am also very impressed that they have reached out of Kanab to so many cities (LA, NY, etc.) to help with rescue and adoptions. Amazing org. Cannot say enough good about it.
Best Friends is a one of a kind organization, an organization that not only looks out for a wide variety of animals but is also responsive to the love that humans have for their animal friends. The organization provides shelter and hope for animals in need and also acts as an advocate for animal rights, successfully saving thousands of animals every year. One of the most unusual and touching moments at Best Friends is their memorial service for those that wish to pay tribute to their animals in a beautiful outdoor setting, an emotional and memorable experience like no other. This group takes their work seriously and are adept at telling the stories of individual animals in their care which provides a personal touch for potential donors. While there are many not-for-profit organizations that are deserving of support, I am glad to provide what monetary gifts I can to make certain Best Friends continues to operate in their honest, transparent and necessary way to eradicate homeless and unwanted animals.
I have been following this wonderful place since Katrina and am amazed at all the hard work and dedication for these animals. If anyone deserves recognition it should be them.
We visited Best Friends in Kanab, Utah a few years ago & were awestruck at the facility & the services available. Best Friends works 24/7 tirelessly rescuing, helping, educating, promoting animal rights, reform & care of all animals. They are the epitome of creature love & compassion.❤️
A relative is terminally ill and her biggest concern is for her fur babies; what will happen to them when she dies? There is no close family or friend who can take them. She contacted Best Friends Animal Society who put her in touch with a local, affiliated no-kill shelter. The knowledge that her kitties will be together and cared for is an awesome gift that will ease her passing. Thanks Best Friends!
I've been a supporter/fan of Best Friends for many years because of the valuable. life-saving work they do every day. 18 months ago my friend and I drive to the Utah Sanctuary from Arizona to spend a weekend volunteering at Dog Town. We got to see first-hand how much loving care is given to all the animals, how every single person dedicates their time and skills to saving these precious animals. Our weekend at the Sanctuary was one of the best of our lives and I also followed their work in Texas after the hurricane, donating as much money as I could to help with their efforts. Best Friends is the BEST!
I first learned of Best Friends soon after losing a very beloved cat named LILY. A dear friend donated to Best Friends in Lily's name and I received a beautiful card that warmed my heart and soul. I looked into them further and became a Best Friends supporter myself. After my sad loss came the Michael Vick scandal and for the first time ever I realized the enormity and the viciousness of dog fighting and helped all I could to assist Best Friends with the Vick dogs in their care. Years have gone by and Best Friends continues to amaze me with their love and care of so many animals - many that end up having no where else to go. Most important to my heart is their mission to end all homelessness for animals by 2025, everyone should do all they can to help with this wonderful, achievable endeavor. YAY BEST FRIENDS❣
One of the founders left me a voice message thanking me for my donation -- not asking for one, just thanking. How awesome is that?
I visited the sanctuary for 3 Days and I was very impressed. The care and attention that the animals received was awesome and everything was clean and organized. I highly recommend this to all any lovers and to those parents who want to teach there children about animals.
After visiting Best Friends, my impression of their organization is off the charts in a positive direction. They have done wonderful work to reduce and hopefully eliminate the killing of pets in shelters. Their entire organization is focused on this vision of no more homeless pets. Their staff is passionate, dedicated and animal centric. I met many staff members and volunteers who are totally committed to the dream of the original founders. This organization makes the world a better place.
I have followed the work of Best Friends Animal Society for years, and it was the very first charitable organization to which I ever donated money. I have seen them do amazing work, even though I'm on the other side of the country in Georgia. I fed a dog at my interstate exit for 8 years that I could never catch, and at one point I reached out to everyone I could think of for assistance and/or advice. Best Friends was the ONLY one who offered help, and gave me free access to their message boards to ask for that help. I will never forget that...they didn't have to help, but they did anyway. Best Friends is my favorite rescue of all time, and I've been in rescue work for about 14 years locally. Thank you, Best Friends, for ALL you do.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Best Friends Animal Society! I follow their great work closely on social media, at local events and through their magazine. They have campaigned and worked so hard for the welfare of animals and I can see so many of their efforts paying off! I was especially thrilled to see California pass a law requiring pet stores to offer rescued animals -- no more support of puppy mills! Such a step in the right direction and one that was championed by Best Friends Animal Society. They have my support!!!!
I have had the pleasure of volunteering at Best Friends 3 times with my children. To say it was amazing doesn't do it justice. The care, love and dedication of staff towards the animals in their care is, frankly, beyond comprehension. Every animal is treated as special and every animal is treated as an individual, with all their needs really thought out. If I could live in Kanab and play with the animals all day, I would be in heaven! This organization truly deserves all the accolades!!
Great and welcoming facility, friendly people who make you feel useful and at home. They appreciate volunteers and help to cater to people with different abilities an requirements. Great place for adopting from as well, as they offer support and guidance. Beautiful place, and I love it.
Best Friends is one of the best rescue associations anywhere. Their commitment to animals is heartfelt!
I am a dog lover, a dog companion to two rescue dogs, and a voice for the pit bull type dogs. What these people helped to do with the Vick dogs changed the way many people perceive the bully breeds. Fighting dogs were cared for and rehabilitated after relentless and virulent abuse within Vick's fighting rings. Many became therapy dogs and family dogs after their recovery at Best Friends and elsewhere. Best Friends Animal Society wants to do good in the world by being nice to animals. I can't think of a better way to impact the world we live in.
If Best Friends doesn’t get an award, no one else should because they are the gold standard in animal rescue, recovery and care. I’ve known about them for years but it was their work during hurricane Katrina that impressed me firmly.
I truly believe in the work that Best Friends is doing to combat killing of innocent animals. They provide a much needed service of giving a forever home to animals that aren’t adopted. Their no kill sanctuary is an example that all shelters should be using.
The tireless efforts to save all creatures great and small is exemplified at Best Friends Animal Society. I am grateful for all they do in the midst of tragedy such as a devastating hurricane. They do not turn a blind eye to the sick and wounded. I will not hesitate to send donations to this nonprofit because I know they will use them to benefit all that come through the gates of the sanctuary.
They serve with integrity, compassion,and a goal to Save Them All. Best Friends assists many other rescues and shelters and I'm very proud to be a supporter.
They are marvelous. Have watched this organization grow & grow and save so many animals. They're like the Red Cross of animals.... a disaster strikes, they are there! And the media now is sharing their story more than ever. I've been a supporter for over 25 years. Always wished to go to Utah to visit the sanctuary and it's still on my bucket list. Thank you, Best Friends, from the bottom of my heart for helping the animals.
