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.

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.

Sanctuary FAQs

Can I visit the Best Friends sanctuary?

Yes! Tours are a great way to take in the beauty of the canyon while getting an overview of the important work at the Sanctuary. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time every day except Christmas. This is a working sanctuary where structure and routine can be key to the animals' sense of safety and security, so walk-ins are not permitted at our animal care centers, but we encourage you to sign up to volunteer and tour. More than 30,000 visitors come to the Sanctuary each year.

Where is the Best Friends sanctuary located?

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located at 5001 Angel Canyon Road in Kanab, Utah. Tucked into the majestic canyons of southern Utah, the Sanctuary is truly a place like no other. The Sanctuary is situated near several scenic wonders, including Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon's North Rim, Bryce Canyon, and Lake Powell. The entrance is between the 69 and 70 mile markers on Highway 89. Turn into Kanab Canyon when you see the big Best Friends sign. The Sanctuary is in the Mountain time zone. Get directions. Plan your visit.

How big is the Best Friends sanctuary?

On any given day, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the healing home for up to 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, rehabilitating wildlife, and other animals. The largest sanctuary of its kind in the U.S., it spans nearly 5,800 acres in Angel Canyon. Multiple animal care areas include Dogtown, Cat World, Horse Haven, Bunny House, Parrot Garden, and Marshall's Piggy Paradise. Best Friends has become the heart of a collaborative no-kill movement and a model for the future of animal welfare.

What animals live at the Sanctuary?

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the healing home on any given day for up to 1,600 animals, many of whom have special needs. They include dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, rehabilitating wildlife, and other animals. Many of them are ready to go home with loving families, making way for new arrivals. For the small number of animals who are never ready for adoption due to special needs, the Sanctuary is their home for life. Explore the animal areas. Browse adoptable Sanctuary pets.

Can I adopt an animal from the Sanctuary?

Yes! Many Sanctuary animals are available for adoption, making way for new arrivals. For the small number of animals who are never ready for adoption due to special needs, the Sanctuary is their home for life. You can visit the Sanctuary to meet adoptable animals in person or browse available pets online.

What is the Sanctuary experience like?

Visiting the Sanctuary is an experience like no other — just ask any of the 30,000 guests (annually) who visit the beautiful red-rock canyon retreat in southern Utah. Guided tours are available every 90 minutes with opportunities to meet the animals and learn about operations and care. Please book in advance! Or, enjoy your own self-guided exploration of the grounds and public areas. We also invite you to drop in to the Visitor Center, browse the gift shop, or grab lunch at the café. We look forward to hosting you. Plan your visit.

How do I volunteer at the Sanctuary?

Volunteering is the best way to get hands-on with dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, birds, pigs, and more while at the Sanctuary. Volunteers are always welcome and are a vital part of helping the animals to get ready for new homes. Volunteers come from all over and spend time working with the animals and giving them personal care and attention. Signing up for a volunteer shift is one of the best ways to ensure that you get quality time with the animals. Day shifts and volunteer vacations are available. Please make arrangements to volunteer before you arrive. Learn about volunteering at the Sanctuary. Book a volunteer shift.

Are there places to stay near the Sanctuary?

The Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is located in the town of Kanab, just a short drive from the Sanctuary. Or make yourself at home at one of Best Friends' cottages, cabins, or RV sites, all conveniently located on the Sanctuary grounds. Book in advance, especially during busy seasons. Kanab also has many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Many visitors combine their Sanctuary trip with visits to nearby Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Lake Powell.

What is Dogtown at the Sanctuary?

Dogtown is the Sanctuary's dog care area, where dogs and puppies receive healing, learning, and fun. As seen on the National Geographic TV series DogTown and The CW's Dog Town USA, many dogs are healing from abuse or neglect. Some have medical issues. All are healing in some form, and everything about Dogtown was designed to provide as much comfort and create as little stress as possible. Along with top-of-the-line veterinary treatment, these dogs get all the TLC and training they need to heal and thrive so that they can be adopted into loving homes. Dogs live in thoughtfully chosen pairs or groups with access to indoor and outdoor space. Browse adoptable dogs.

Can I bring my own pet to the Sanctuary?

Personal pets are allowed in public areas, including Angel Village, hiking trails, and the welcome center. Personal pets are not allowed in indoor dining areas, nor in workshops or animal areas for biosecurity reasons. Service animals are allowed in public areas but not in animal care areas. Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet when they are outside. The leash policy is strictly enforced. Please do not leave a tethered dog unattended, and do not leave your pet in a vehicle unattended, regardless of the weather. View visitor policies and accessibility information.

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.

Make the most of your stay

Compassion in action

Read more about the lifesaving work going on every day and the devotion of our animal caregivers.
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.

Contact us

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

8 a.m. to 5 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. Of the roughly 3,900 shelters operating in America today, 1,300 of them are not yet no-kill, but nearly half are close with 100 or fewer additional pets to be saved, and we know what to do to get them there.

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.