
Friends and Founders for Golden Circle members
Several times a year, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary hosts a special, invitation-only Friends and Founders event exclusively for our Golden Circle members. This two-day experience provides insight into the Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, which on any given day is home to around 1,600 animals. Members will connect with Best Friends founders and fellow lifesavers as they spend some one-on-one time with the animals and learn more about Best Friends and the work they’ve helped make possible. Attendees can customize their schedules from an array of activities that include behind-the-scenes tours and breathtaking hikes to memorable meet-and-greets with furry friends. Our hope is for every Golden Circle member to experience the magic of the Sanctuary.
Of course, all of our Golden Circle friends are welcome to visit any time of year. Our team will be happy to arrange a special experience on the dates of your choosing. Please click here to find out more about creating your own custom experience.
2022 Friends and Founders event dates
**All events are full to capacity for 2022**
April 28-29
May 26-27
September 29-30
October 27-28
Please note: We ask that guests adhere to any pandemic-related protocols in place at the time of the event. The protocols may include proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test and/or wearing a face covering during the event.
First day: Hike, private brunch, interactive discussion and more
We invite you to join some of the co-founders of Best Friends for a peaceful morning hike or a special Grand Sanctuary Tour, followed by a private brunch overlooking the beautiful scenery of Kanab. After brunch, you’ll take part in a fun and interactive discussion to learn how, together, we’re leading the country to no-kill by 2025. Then in the afternoon, choose your own animal adventure. You can spend time with some tortoises, paint your pet’s portrait while surrounded by colorful birds at Parrot Garden or meet mischief-making pigs and goats. Another option is to just kick back with some canine pals at Dogtown or chill with cats in Cat World. At the end of a perfect day, you are welcome to take part in our monthly blessing at Angels Rest to remember our beloved animal friends who’ve touched our lives.
Second day: Grand Sanctuary tour, animal encounters, training demos, and more
In the morning, choose between a Grand Sanctuary Tour or meeting the animals at Dogtown. After, visit Cat World, Horse Haven, the Parrot Garden, Bunny House, Marshall's Piggy Paradise or meet some Wild Friends. At the end of another fun-filled day, rejoin the founders for farewell drinks and stories at the Best Friends Welcome Center Patio.
During the event, there will be plenty of free time for you to check out the gift shop, Roxy’s Room, Angels Rest and the Gratitude Garden. And, of course, you are welcome to plan an extra few days at the beginning or end of your trip. There is lots to do at the Sanctuary and the surrounding areas!
Friends and Founders sample schedule
Thursday
7:30–8:00 a.m. |
Welcome and check-in |
8:00–9:30 a.m. |
Hike with founders – Experience the majestic red rocks of upper Angel Canyon. |
9:30–11:00 a.m. |
Private brunch with founders – Join a group of Best Friends founders for a delicious alfresco brunch overlooking the canyon. |
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
Beyond the Sanctuary: Our roadmap to 2025 – Join us after brunch for a fun and interactive discussion about some of the ways that, together, we’re leading the country to no-kill by 2025. |
1:30–3:30 p.m. |
Choice of one of the following special animal activities:
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3:45–5:15 p.m. |
Screening of The Champions – This award-winning documentary features the pit bull terriers rescued in 2007 from the property of NFL quarterback Michael Vick. An inspiring story, the film recounts the story of Best Friends and other organizations that rescued the dogs and how they did everything in their power to save them. |
5:30–6:30 p.m. |
Blessing at Angels Rest |
Friday
Choose from a variety of tours and activities
8:30–10:00 a.m. |
Grand Sanctuary tour – Take a driving tour of the Sanctuary and see firsthand what it takes on any given day to care for around 1,600 animals. Dogtown tour – There’s always something happening at Dogtown. Take a tour and say hello to some of Dogtown’s residents. |
10:15–11:30 a.m. |
Choice of one of the following special animal activities:
Enjoy lunch on your own, or join us for a complimentary meal! |
12:45–2:00 p.m. |
Choice of one of the following special animal activities:
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2:15–3:30 p.m. |
Choice of one of the following special animal activities:
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4:00-5:00 p.m. |
Farewell Reception – Join founders, animal caregivers and some animals for an evening of drinks and toasts. |
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Space is limited at each activity. All scheduled activities and locations are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. During all tours and activities, we ask that you please stay with your group and avoid venturing into other animal care areas.
Here are some useful links to help plan your trip:
- On-site lodging (limited availability)
- Directions to the Sanctuary
- Things to do around southern Utah
For further information about the event, please contact events@bestfriends.org.
The animals are looking forward to meeting you!