Tours, Activities and Volunteering

So many ways to get to know the animals — choose the one (or several) that works for you!

Whether you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and help with daily caregiving, pick up a pal for a field trip off site, or simply check out the various animal care areas via an official tour, there’s a way to meet and greet the animals that’s perfect for you. Check out all the ways to meet the special pets here at the Sanctuary.

Person and dog overlooking a canyon in the Utah desert

Tours of the Sanctuary

If you’ve never visited before, tours are the best way to take in the beauty of the canyon while getting an overview of the different parts of the Sanctuary.

From grand tours of the entire Sanctuary to more focused visits to our animal care centers, there are plenty of opportunities to check out all there is to see, from cats and dogs who are learning how joyful life can be to birds, pigs and horses who are receiving the TLC they need to heal and grow.

There’s even a variety of family-friendly options, so be sure to bring the kids!

We’re not able to accommodate walk-in visitors to our animal care areas, but each area offers its own tour, as does Angels Rest, where beloved animals have been laid to rest.

Book a Free Tour

Looking to explore on your own? Download our Sanctuary app to discover the Sanctuary’s best hikes and sights.

Two volunteers sitting on a bench next to a dog

Time with the animals

Volunteering is the best way to get hands-on with dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, birds and pigs while at the Sanctuary.

This is a working sanctuary where structure and routine can be key to the animals’ sense of safety and security. With that in mind, walk-ins are not permitted at our animal care centers, but we encourage you to sign up to volunteer.

You can join the thousands of people who come from all over the world every year to volunteer with the animals at the Sanctuary. From strolling with a dog to sprucing up a rabbit run to simply keeping a shy cat company, there are plenty of ways to make a difference.

Other options to spend quality time with the animals? Host a sleepover at your pet-friendly accommodations with an adoptable dog or cat, or consider going on an outing with an approved resident pup.

Volunteer at the Sanctuary

By volunteering, you can get hands-on with dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, birds and pigs.

Volunteer at the Sanctuary

Person sitting on a couch with a cat and kitten

Host a sleepover

Consider giving an adoptable dog, cat or bunny some one-on-one time by hosting a sleepover at your pet-friendly accommodations.

Schedule a Sleepover

Person taking a dog for a walk in a canyon creek

Take a dog on an outing

You can take one of our approved resident dogs on an activity, such as a hike in the canyon or just hang in your pet-friendly accommodations.

Activities for kids

Volunteering is a great way for kids to spend time with the animals at our Sanctuary and also make a difference in their lives.

When supervised by a parent or guardian, kids can volunteer to help with cleaning, walking and caring for the animals. Kids under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times while volunteering. One adult can supervise two minors.

Kids can also sign up to become an official Best Friends Animal Society Junior Ambassador for free at the Best Friends Welcome Center.

Adopt a pet from the Sanctuary

By adopting a furry (or feathered) friend from the Sanctuary, you will be changing the life of a homeless pet and taking part in a lifesaving movement to Save Them All.

On any given day, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located in Kanab, Utah, is home to up to 1,600 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, pigs and others. Many of these animals come to the Sanctuary for extra care and healing until they are ready for new homes.

View Available Animals