Three kittens lying together on a blue bed
Two kittens lying together on to of a blue plastic bin
This Giving Tuesday, homeless pets are counting on us.
Match my gift today

Give a lifesaving gift today.

Calico cat lying next to sign that says: grateful thankful blessed

10 Reasons to be Grateful for Pets

This season, take a moment to appreciate the many ways that cats and dogs make a difference in our lives.
Learn more
A collage of a barkcuterie board and a dog eating it

Treat Your Best Friend to a ‘Barkcuterie Board’

DIY a BARKcuterie board your dog will love.
Learn how
Scott Kroger selfie with his family, including two adopted dogs Summer Rain and Piney

Adopted Dogs are Veteran’s Best Friends

Two once-homeless dogs are now changing life for a U. S. Marine Corps veteran.
Read his story
Small brown dog with graying muzzle standing in some fallen leaves

8 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, visit your local shelter to meet silver-muzzled senior pets.
Learn more
Levi the dog offering paw to a person

Old Dog is a Master at Learning New Tricks

Agility, nose work, search and rescue, tricks: Super smart senior dog Levi knows it all
Read about him
Best Friends CEO Julie Castle with a cat in her lap and other cats around her

Julie Castle's Blog

Best Friends receives Utah Top Workplaces and CEO leadership awards from the Salt Lake Tribune.
Read latest post
Circular photo of tabby cat wearing a collar

Saving lives

We ensure second chances to pets at our sanctuary and lifesaving centers, even as we expand programs nationwide that keep animals out of shelters in the first place.
Saving lives
Gray and white pit bull type dog leashed, in front of a chalkboard sign

Standing with shelters

We work to save more lives faster by providing shelters and rescue groups with ways to collaborate and connect so they can increase the number of animals they can rehome in their communities.
Standing with shelters
Orange tabby kitten being held by a child wearing a Best Friends Purritos T-shirt

Teaming Up

We're right there with you as you make a better future for homeless cats and dogs, giving you the support you need to care for your pets and the pets and people in your community.
Teaming up with you

Who We Are

We started over 35 years ago with a no-kill sanctuary in Utah. Today, we’re helping homeless pets in every corner of the country.

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Animal characters mule pig cat and dog

Working Together

All across America, pets in shelters are getting connected with loving new families -- increasing the national save rate from 50% to 79% since 2014.

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Line drawing of people and pets

Our Impact

Last year, shelters partnering with Best Friends reduced the number of pets killed at 3.5 times the rate of other shelters. That’s 63,374 cats and dogs saved.

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dog tag with Best Friends logo
Tabby and white kitten surrounded by pine boughs and round gold ornaments
Spread joy. Save lives. Honor a loved one.
Give a symbolic gift

Act for Animals

We’re saving more animals now than at any point in our history, but our work isn’t done until every dog and cat gets the chance to know care and companionship … in a safe and loving home.

Brindle and white pit bull with small white map of United States in a gray circle

Is your community no-kill?

See how you can help your local shelters save more animals with comprehensive, up-to-date shelter and rescue group data for your community.

How's your community?
Person walking a pit bull type dog on a leash in front of some water

Join the 2025 Action Team

Help create big change for the pets and people in your community. Connect with a local team of advocates today.

Get started
Black cat walking toward the camera with two people in the background

Volunteer

Whether at the Sanctuary, or a shelter in your community, make a real difference in the lives of homeless pets.

Volunteer near you
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Find a pet

Ready to bring home a new best friend?  Adopt, foster or sponsor, and help a homeless pet find their forever home.

Adopt, Foster or Sponsor
Best Friends holiday ornament hanging on a plant

Pet lovers on your list this year?

Shop our Best Friends Store and help save lives.

Buy now!
Meet Opie
Help animals all year round by making a monthly gift today.
Give Monthly
Adopt a rabbit
Adopt Addi
Get to know Snickers
Adopt Holy Moly
Choose a Sanctuary animal to sponsor. Your gift helps find a loving home, spay/neuter, and much more.
Sponsor an Animal
Meet Keats
 

Thank you to the brands that love our pets, too:

Fresh Step Cat Litter Credit One Best Friends credit card Arcana logo AirVet logo