Visitor accessibility

There are two handicap parking spaces in front of the Best Friends Welcome Center building, and the main parking lot requires visitors to climb several stairs to get to the main entrance. The lobby, store and patio are all wheelchair accessible, and many of our tours are wheelchair friendly (so look when you book). There are three public restrooms at the welcome center, all on ground level.

Service animals

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is a dog or miniature horse individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability (physical, psychiatric, intellectual or other). Service animals are allowed in public areas, such as Angel Village, hiking trails and the welcome center. Service animals are not allowed in the animal care areas.

Therapy, comfort or emotional support animals

These are animals who provide therapeutic benefit to their owners (without specific task-oriented training) through emotional support, safety, comfort or companionship to alleviate symptoms associated with mental or emotional ailments.

They are allowed in public areas, such as Angel Village, hiking trails and the welcome center, with the exception of indoor dining areas. They are not allowed in workshops or animal care areas.

Personal pets

Personal pets are allowed in public areas, including Angel Village, hiking trails and the welcome center, with the exception of indoor dining areas. Personal pets are not allowed in workshops or animal areas.

Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six 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.

If you are visiting the Sanctuary for the purpose of adopting an animal (yay!) and you have a personal pet with you, please make arrangements in advance by contacting our adoption department at adoptions@bestfriends.org or 435-644-2001, ext. 4791.