While we know most people visiting Best Friends would do anything to rescue an animal, rules mandated by Kanab City and Kane County governments require us to follow procedures that help us maintain good working relationships. Well-intentioned visitors have in the past picked up stray dogs and brought them to the Sanctuary, thinking they were rescuing them. More often than not, these dogs already belong to someone. It's not uncommon to see dogs wandering freely around town or riding unsecured in the back of pickup trucks or even flatbed trucks (fairly common scenes in rural America that for animal lovers takes some getting used to).
Stray and free-roaming dogs must be reported to animal control. Kanab has one animal control officer who works out of the Kanab City Police Department. Kane County does not have anyone specifically assigned to animal control; however, the county sometimes works with the Kanab animal control officer. The following guidelines will help you stay within mandated parameters and help Best Friends maintain friendly relations with the residents of Kane County.
(While cats may not be specifically mentioned in local at-large ordinances, please do not pick up free-roaming cats. Most are family pets with outdoor access.)
If you spot a dog apparently running loose in Kanab
Do not pick up the dog and bring him to the Sanctuary. If you do, you could be accused of stealing a family's dog. Instead, report the dog to animal control by calling police department dispatch at 435-644-2349.
If you think that the dog is in imminent danger, you may offer to keep the dog at your residence until the owner can be found. But you must inform the police department of your intention. Make sure that you give clear contact information. Again, do not bring the dog to the Sanctuary. If you determine that the dog might have life-threatening injuries, report the situation to animal control, as well as the Best friends Clinic, 435-644-2001, ext. 210.
If you see a dog outside the city limits, but within Kane County
- Call dispatch at 435-644-2349 and report the location of the dog.
- Do not pick up the dog and do not bring the dog to the Sanctuary.
- If you determine that the dog might have life-threatening injuries, report the situation to animal control, as well as the Best Friends clinic.
Encountering wildlife
Please watch carefully for deer, wild turkeys, rabbits and other wildlife on the road and by the roadside. Remember that if you see one animal, more are likely to be around because they tend to travel in groups.
If you hit a deer, please do not approach the animal. Instead, call 559-MED-WILD (for genuine wildlife emergencies only). If it appears that an animal might require euthanasia, try contacting the Sheriff's Office dispatch at 435-644-5807.
You may encounter rattlesnakes during the summer months. If so, back up slowly and leave the area. If you are at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, please notify staff of the snake's location. Bees and wasps are common in the summer. Please notify staff if you see a nest in a public area.