Thanks for visiting the Best Friends Network at the National Conference!
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Become Eligible for $5,000 in Conference-Exclusive Grants
We will award five $1,000 grants to organizations attending the conference. Complete the following by Sunday, May 10, at 11:59pm MT to become eligible:
- Be a current network partner (Sign up today!)
- Verify your email address and select one (or all!) topics to receive materials, resources and content delivered straight to your inbox each month!
Turn Your Data into Leadership
At the 2026 Best Friends National Conference, we’re introducing the Shelter Pet Data Champions Program — a new initiative designed to help animal welfare professionals build data skills through hands-on engagement.
Participants who attend a series of data-focused sessions and conversations will be recognized for their commitment to using data to improve the lives of pets in their communities.
Learn more about the 2026 Shelter Pet Data Champions Program
Annual Network Survey
Participate in the 2026 Best Friends Network annual survey, and share insights into the challenges to lifesaving your organization is facing! The work you do every day informs everything we build — from webinars and challenges to grants and resources. Your responses ensure we show up for your organization in the ways that actually matter. The survey opens on May 13 so join our waitlist to be notified on launch day.
AI Prompt Kit for Shelter and Rescue Professionals
AI can help your organization be more efficient, giving you time back for lifesaving. But only if you know how to use it. This AI prompt kit has everything you need to hit the ground running.
Additional Opportunities
Looking Ahead — Join Upcoming Events
Explore our current opportunities page to stay up to date on upcoming in-person events, virtual training, and exclusive opportunities that will help you connect, learn, and grow with the Best Friends Network.
Regional Connections — Find Your Local Best Friends Strategist
The regional team members are dedicated to helping the network partners in their region be successful. These experts are your contact should you need assistance locally.
Connect with Best Friends regional strategists in your area.
Get the Free 1:1 Coaching You Need
Need help with budgeting or working with local officials? Our policy advisors are offering a limited number of free 15‑minute 1:1 coaching sessions. Tell us your situation, and we’ll help you find answers. We're not selling anything. This is just an offer of direct, free support. Sign up now
Subscribe To The Best Friends Network Mailing List
Sign up to receive email updates on everything happening with the Best Friends Network, from our network partner wins to more exclusive grant opportunities.
Sign up to receive emails from the network
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and if you're a Best Friends Network Partner, join our partner-exclusive Facebook group.
Am I A Network Partner?
The network is made up of 6,000 shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare organizations in all 50 states. Check the map to see if your organization is a partner, or if you need to become one.
See our current network partners
Gain free access to exclusive resources, one-on-one training, grant opportunities, and an extensive network of over 6,000 organizations to save more lives.
Join the network
Have questions? We'd love to hear from you!
Resources
Do:
- Quality of life assessment – U.S. animal shelter staff wellbeing
- Shelter self-assessment tool for increasing positive outcomes for (big) dogs
Read:
- 2025 National Shelter Data Report
- Digital Paws: Revolutionizing Animal Welfare Through Social Media Marketing
- Community Cat Programs Handbook
- Literature review: Housing
- Literature review: Adoptions
- Setting the record straight on managed intake
- Conversation-based adoption services
- Training new animal care staff
- Volunteer program overview training playbook
Watch:
- Caring for the People that Care for Animals: Prioritizing Staff Well-being in Animal Welfare
- Successfully marketing and adopting hard-to-place pets
- Using transparency to empower and support your community
- Expanding your walls: maximize lifesaving with a community-based foster program
- Lifesaving with the latest data technology webinar series
- Peer to peer fundraising webinar
Listen:
- Managed intake programs: finding the best possible outcomes for pets
- If "nobody's perfect," then why do we expect all pet adopters to be?
- Managing our mental health
Learn:
- Community supported sheltering
- Client services and barrier-free adoption
- Intake diversion in the field