Close up of dog in front of Best Friends Location

Help animals and start saving lives in your community today!

Every day, in communities of all shapes and sizes, compassionate people just like you are saving the lives of pets. Collaborating locally is having a life-changing impact for pets across the country.

You know that the animals in our lives are more than just pets. They offer us companionship and unconditional love. They add joy to our communities and remind us of what’s important in life. Unfortunately, in 2022 about 378,000 dogs and cats were killed in our nation’s shelters just because they did not have safe places to call home.

Kitten fostering and community cat programs are keeping cats safe and healthy. Local action teams are working to connect people with resources for their pets and to create pet-friendly policies that save lives. You have a place in that lifesaving picture and finding it has never been easier.

Volunteer to help pets in shelters

Wherever you live, whatever your experience or interests, there are countless ways to volunteer your time for pets in need.

From administrative, marketing and event support roles to opportunities to help with animal care, transport and community cat programs, you’ll find interesting roles best suited for you.

Start Volunteering Today

Advocacy: take lifesaving action

You can help create the kind of community you want to live in by teaming up with fellow community members.

Expand pet-friendly housing, provide resources for local community cats and kittens and their caregivers, make sure people can share their lives with any dog they choose, regardless of breed, and more.

You can make a major difference for animals — a difference that extends far beyond the walls of your local shelter — by working with people in your community to support progressive pet programs and policies.

Advocate for Animals

Foster pets to save lives

Fostering an adoptable animal in your home, even for just a few nights, is one of the most important things you can do to save a homeless pet’s life.

Whether it’s a senior dog who needs a break from the shelter or a handful of tiny kittens who need to grow a bit more before they’re ready for adoption, welcoming a furry houseguest or two into your home helps those pets while freeing up space in the shelter to save more lives.

Learn: your passion as a profession

If you’re the kind of person who’s always learning and eager to create positive change in the world, pursuing a professional certificate or degree in animal services could be your perfect fit.

Animal welfare is a growing field of study in which you can make a difference for pets in need and for your fellow animal lovers. Transform your passion into a profession through a continuing education course, certification program or academic degree in contemporary animal services.

Start Learning Today

Careers: join the Best Friends team

Want to make a difference for pets and their families nationwide while working with one of the most innovative animal welfare organizations in the country?

Whether you’re into accounting or animal care, strategy or social media, technology or training, there’s a career waiting for you at Best Friends. Find the perfect job that embodies your passion and purpose.

We're proud to be one of the 2022 Top Workplaces, and honored to be recognized for our innovative work to take the entire country no-kill by 2025.

Start Your Career

Donate: give to save lives

Your gift will go straight to work saving lives at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and around the country by providing homeless pets with the help and healing they need.

Your gift can range from planned or monthly giving to an animal sponsorship or vehicle donation, and it will help create a brighter future for cats and dogs in every community.

Make Your Lifesaving Gift