How to Start a
Sanctuary Workshop

Your dream is to provide a safe haven for animals in your community. You may already have cats, dogs, or other critters in your home. Now you want to do more, but where do you start?

How to Start an Animal Sanctuary is a weeklong intensive workshop held at Best Friends in Kanab, Utah.  This workshop is ideal for individuals who want to start a sanctuary or other program to help animals in their own community.  Mornings are spent with animal care staff members in order to gain practical, first-hand experience.  Afternoons are spent with various speakers covering a variety of topics that are essential to the operations of a sanctuary.

The workshop is designed so that you can see the physical, administrative and emotional sides of operating a sanctuary. You may be alternatively tired, amazed, overwhelmed, and emotionally touched by the animals here. Our hope is that this will reinforce your determination to carry out your own vision to help the animals.

Here's what past workshop attendees had to say about their experience:

The sanctuary we started, based on your workshop, is doing well.  In our first full year, we had 101 spays and neuters and 53 adoptions. There is no shortage of animals in this area who need help, but we need to work on increasing our income to better deal with the size of the problem.  Helping these little fur friends is the most rewarding work I've ever done.  Your workshop was the key to dealing with the very difficult issues that arise.  By telling your students both what works and what doesn't work, you helped us follow the most productive paths and make the best decisions possible under the  circumstances.

Thanks for making it possible for us to help the pets in need.
Teri Graziano, Executive Director, Forever Friends Animal Sanctuary, Tennessee

"I really appreciated the positive approach that Best Friends takes towards issues that are often difficult to deal with.  I also appreciate the willingness to share any information, resources and open door policy for future consideration that Best Friends has."  Pamela

"I'm sure it will take me some time to completely process all the info and love that was shared this week.  Both of which I am extremely grateful for.  This week, I'm sure, will be with me for the rest of my life."  Andy

"My experience here this week has been beyond anything I expected.  I am moved by the kindness of the staff and the love given to all animals... Thank you so much for all the kindness and sharing your slice of heaven with me."  Debbie

"It gives me great hope to see the work going on here at Best Friends for the benefit of the animals -- and to see the people from all over the country who are doing their small part."  Jeff

"Thanks you for your generosity to all of us.  You gave far more than information. You gave encouragement and affirmation, balanced with realism. Thanks for your warmth, patience with all our different personalities.  Thanks for giving us hope and ideas for all our individual gifts."  Suzanne

"Unlike other classes and seminars this one offers on-going support -- very important!  I am encouraged, inspired and feel energized by this seminar.  Thank you for focusing on the positive."  Tracey

How to Start an Animal Sanctuary workshops are held several times a year. Please visit our Workshops & Events page for upcoming dates.

Workshops are limited to 20 people each and fill quickly.  For registration information please go to the Resource section at: http://network.bestfriends.org/workshops.

Humane Education Department
Phone: 435-644-2001, X4317
Fax: 435-644-2399
E-mail: humane.ed@bestfriends.org