Orange banner graphic with computer screen featuring the redesigned Best Friends Network website.

All-New Website: Easier Access to Tools, Insights, & Support

person and dog icon

Increase return-to-home rates

In 2024, network partners participated in the Return to Home Challenge to help lost dogs find their way back home faster, resulting in a 170% increase in return-to-home in-field outcomes alone.
line drawing of house with heart

Drive more adoptions

Last year, network partners participated in the Bring Love Home Challenge to decrease barriers to adoption and fostering, resulting in an 11.4% increase in adoption and foster placements for 209 reporting organizations.
line drawing of people with sign

Build lifesaving momentum

2024 data shows a 7.5% increase in transfers out, but there’s still work to do to create more movement in the animal welfare ecosystem and open up space in shelters for those in need.

Resource Library

Access proven lifesaving strategies in our free library of resources for shelters and rescue groups. Information-sharing is a key component of the Best Friends Network.

Browse by popular topics

 


— NETWORK PARTNER STATISTICS —
5 points

Higher save rate on average for network partner shelters than non-partners.

5,000+

Shelters, rescue groups, and support organizations make up the Best Friends Network.

$2.4M

In grants. This year, our partners can access more than $2.4 million in grant funding.

Events Icon

Opportunities to connect and save the lives of pets

Have fun and connect with fellow network partners and animal lovers at these upcoming events.

2026 Pet Lovers' Choice Awards graphic
Turn Your Adopters into Champions at the Pet Lover's Choice Awards
Nov 05 Jan 20
Get ready for the most exciting event of the year — introducing the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards! Best Friends is partnering with a new, star-studded, nationally broadcast event that celebrates our beloved pets, and we want your organization to be a part of it. This is the chance to engage your communities, have them celebrate your adoption stories, and receive critical funding — up to $20,000 — for your organization.
Vet and cat.
Expanding Veterinary Access in Shelters: Creative Models That Drive Lifesaving
Dec 10
It's no secret access to veterinary care has become a major hurdle. Traditional shelter staffing models can’t meet growing medical needs. This session on December 10th at 3pm CT explores creative, flexible veterinary relationship models and practical approaches — such as telemedical support, shared-care networks, and more — to help you expand access, reduce bottlenecks, and improve outcomes even in resource-limited environments.
Photo of a kitten with its arms up

Get the support you need

The Best Friends Network team is your lifeline to support for your organization and collaboration with other network partners.

We can also connect you with Best Friends experts, resources, funding opportunities, and so much more. Meet the team or connect with us on social media to stay in the loop about the lifesaving progress we’re making together.   

Let’s be friends! 

Connect with us on social media to stay in the loop about the lifesaving progress we’re making together.

Facebook logo    Instagram logo     LinkedIn logo   

Best Friends Animal Society logo mark

About the Best Friends Network

The network is a free community of over 5,000 animal welfare organizations, including shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter groups, transport groups, and other support organizations.

The Best Friends Network is your support system in your journey to save the lives of dogs and cats in your communities. Network partners gain access to exclusive challenges, grants, resources, and dedicated support.

Connect with partners across the country, access proven strategies, and collaborate to increase lifesaving nationwide.