During Your Visit: Tours, activities, and volunteering

From grand tours of the entire Sanctuary to more focused visits to our animal care centers, there are plenty of opportunities to check out all there is to see, from cats and dogs who are learning how joyful life can be to birds, pigs and horses who are receiving the TLC they need to heal and grow. 

There’s even a variety of family-friendly options, so be sure to bring the kids!

Each area offers its own tour, including at Angels Rest, where beloved animals have been laid to rest. We’re not able to accommodate walk-in visitors to our animal care areas, so be sure to stop by the Welcome Center to see what tours are available.

Chances are, your love of animals is the main reason for your visit to the Sanctuary. The best way to get some quality one-on-one interaction with the animals during your visit is to book a volunteer shift. If a particular dog or cat piques your interest during your shift, you can ask your volunteer coordinator about scheduling a sleepover or outing. 

You can join the thousands of people who come from all over the world every year to volunteer with the animals at the Sanctuary. From strolling with a dog to sprucing up a rabbit run to simply keeping a shy cat company, there are plenty of ways to make a difference.

No reservation is required at the locations below, and all ages are welcome.

Roxy's Room is adjacent to the welcome center and features a variety of adoptable dogs. Stop by any day of the week from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. to meet your potential match.

The Sanctuary Store (also located at the welcome center) gives you the chance to mix and mingle with some fabulous felines in the cat lounge toward the back of the store from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Looking to snuggle up to some friendly cats and dogs? You’ll find the adoption hub in our puppy preschool building in Dogtown. The hub is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Club Sinjin at Cat World’s Sinjin’s House is the perfect place to get your dose of kitty love. While you’re there, you can also snap a selfie in the snuggle swing. Club Sinjin is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Download the Best Friends Sanctuary app to get driving directions to these places while exploring the Sanctuary.

If you don’t have a specific animal in mind, the welcome center is often the first stop for visitors to the Sanctuary, so it's only fitting that there are a variety of furry, four-legged and feathered friends eagerly waiting inside to greet you there as well. 

Roxy's Room is adjacent to the welcome center, and features a variety of adoptable cats and kittens. The Best Friends Store (also located at the welcome center) gives you the chance to get your feline fix at the cattery toward the back of the store. 

Search for a Sanctuary animal

When supervised by a parent or guardian, kids can volunteer to help with cleaning, walking and caring for the animals. Kids under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times while volunteering. One adult can supervise two minors.

The Sanctuary store at the welcome center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, except Christmas. You can reach our store staff during normal business hours at 435-644-2001, ext. 4144. 

While you're shopping, don't miss a chance to get your feline fix at the cattery toward the back of the store! 

Best Friends–branded merchandise is also available at the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile (our hotel in Kanab) and in our online store.

Free guest Wifi

Reception at the Sanctuary may be spotty in certain areas, but nearly all Sanctuary buildings have free Wifi for guests. 

Restrooms 

If nature calls while you’re at the Sanctuary, there are three restrooms right outside the welcome center. Restrooms are also available at Angel Village café. 

Car-charging stations 

If your electric car needs a boost, please use our charging stations at the Welcome Center, Angel Village, or the Roadhouse parking lot in town.