Horse in pasture in Utah desert

Welcome to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

On any given day, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the healing home for up to 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs and other animals.

The largest sanctuary of its kind in the U.S., Best Friends has become the heart of a collaborative no-kill movement, and a model for the future of animal welfare.  

Today, because of people like you and rescues and shelters around the country,  we will bring the entire nation to no-kill in 2025.

Person on a hike with a dog overlooking a Utah canyon

The Dragon Bravo Fire near Utah

Best Friends is monitoring the Dragon Bravo fire burning along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim closely, but at the current time, it is still far enough away from the Sanctuary that we are not in danger. We have an emergency response plan in place and a team standing by ready to act should the people or pets in Kanab become at-risk.
Utah Map

Explore what makes the Sanctuary extraordinary

Tucked into the majestic canyons of southern Utah, the Sanctuary is truly a place like no other. See for yourself what a magical place it is.

Red-rock vistas meet endless blue skies as the sweet smell of sage lingers in the air. The beauty of the landscape is dwarfed only by the exquisite show of resilience and trust of the animals who come here — and by the love and compassion offered by Best Friends’ members, volunteers and caregivers. 

View All Areas
Happy dog smiling at camera from colorful ball pit

Dogtown: A chance to grow and thrive

Life-changing care — from healing broken bones to mending broken hearts — and loving companionship are part of each pup’s journey.
See Dogtown
Curious cat looking at camera in outdoor enclosure

Cat World: Custom care for cats and kittens

Whether they’re shy and scared, friendly and playful, or have special needs, Cat World provides a comforting place for every kind of feline.
See Cat World
Horse running in a pasture in southern Utah

Horse Haven: Health and healing for horses and other equines

Horse Haven residents receive not only outstanding medical and farrier care, but love, attention and room to run.
See Horse Haven
Smiling pig in the shade wearing sunglasses and a straw hat

Marshall’s Piggy Paradise: A place to snuffle and play

Mud baths, healthy food, social time, exercise and enrichment are all part of the program here.
See Marshall’s Piggy Paradise
Fuzzy tan bunny looking at the camera

Bunny House: A home for happy hoppers

The Bunny House offers companionship with other rabbits, expert veterinary care and places to dig and explore.
See Bunny House
Two birds sitting side-by-side on a perch

Parrot Garden: Refuge for feathered friends

In this light-filled, tropical environment, rescued parrots are assured the mental and social stimulation they need to thrive.
See Parrot Garden
Mouse holding a metal bar while looking at the camera

Wild Friends: Rehabilitation for the injured and orphaned

At Wild Friends, the goal is to restore the animals’ health and release them back into the wild.
See Wild Friends

Know before you go

The Sanctuary is an incredibly special place, and here’s everything you need to know to ensure that your visit is amazing. Remember, tours and volunteer shifts tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to book in advance.

Start planning your visit
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Getting here
Kanab, Utah, is slightly off the beaten path, but getting here isn’t difficult.
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At the Sanctuary
There’s so much to do, explore and discover, right here on the Sanctuary grounds.
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Tours and volunteering
The best way to see and interact with the animals? Take a tour and volunteer!
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Accessibility and animals
Best Friends is committed to ensuring that our facilities are accessible to everyone.
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Around Kanab
From hiking and camping to climbing and biking, southern Utah has it all.
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Where to stay
From boutique lodging to a rustic campground, you’ll feel right at home.

Make the most of your stay

Canyon night sky in Kanab, Utah

You've made it to Kanab?

Great! Bookmark this page for help with what to do and where to go.
Enjoy your visit
Person petting a pig on its nose in front of red rock canyon view

Join our online community

We hope you enjoyed your visit to the Sanctuary, and the animals hope you will stay connected!
Follow us on social media
Happy dog in a field of bright yellow flowers in front of a blue sky

See Best Friends Animal Sanctuary with our smartphone app

Take a self-guided tour of the world's largest no-kill animal sanctuary for homeless pets and meet the animals who call it their home-between-homes.
Learn more about the app

Compassion in action

Read more about the lifesaving work going on every day and the devotion of our animal caregivers.
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Meet the Caregiver: Ashley McDaniel

“The great thing about working with animals is that they bring so much life into my work, and each day is so rewarding.”
A recent grad’s journey
Smiling person feeding a rat

Meet the Caregiver: Brianna Vlach

A champion for misunderstood animal’s gives the residents at Wild Friends what they need to thrive.
The joys of caring for Wild Friends
Smiling person sitting with bird

Meet the Caregiver: Elle Greer

Elle Greer’s passion for rescue work and parrots brought her to Best Friends, but we think she stays for the dance parties.
Elle’s love for rescue
Person snuggling with a bunny on the ground

Meet the Caregiver: Sondra Lewis

A move across the country to be a part of the lifesaving work at Best Friends leads to the Bunny House.
The satisfaction of working with bunnies
Person sitting next to a dog in a golf cart

Meet the Caregiver: Tim Dempsey

"The best part of my day is first thing in the morning when I check on and say hello to each of the dogs in my care.”
Tim’s work at Dogtown
Smiling Husky in front of red rocks at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Make a difference for homeless pets

Your contribution will go straight to work helping animals at the Sanctuary and across the country.
Make a Lifesaving Gift

Contact us

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
5001 Angel Canyon Rd
Kanab, UT 84741
435-688-2327

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week

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Best Friends Animal Society logo mark

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends is working to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters in part by getting more pets out of shelters and into loving homes.

We’ve come a long way since the first known city reached no-kill in 1994, and now we’re closer than ever to making the entire country no-kill. Today, roughly 2,500 shelters are no-kill throughout the U.S. — and 700 more are just 100 pets or fewer away from reaching that milestone.

Best Friends is committed to working with passionate people like you to save homeless pets through adoption, volunteering, fostering, and advocacy. In addition to our lifesaving centers around the U.S, we also founded and run the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals.

Working together, we can save homeless pets in our communities and secure a better future for our best friends. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill.