dog licking face of smiling man

At the Sanctuary

There’s so much fun and magic to experience at the Sanctuary — here’s how to make the most of every minute.

Not sure what to expect? No worries. We’ve got the scoop on everything from the best ways to meet and get to know the animals to the basics like cell phone service, internet access, food and drink options, Kanab weather and more.

Happy orange cat relaxing in a cattery at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

See Best Friends Animal Sanctuary with our smartphone app

Take a self-guided tour of the world's largest no-kill animal sanctuary for homeless pets and meet the animals who call it their home-between-homes.
Learn more about the app
Two volunteers playing with a puppy in a grassy area

Time with the animals

Signing up for a volunteer shift is one of the best ways to ensure that you get quality time with the animals.

You can also visit Puppy Pre-school or Sinjins for other opportunities to meet some special pets, depending on when you stop by.

The welcome center is often the first stop for visitors to the Sanctuary, so it's only fitting that there are a variety of furry, four-legged and feathered friends eagerly waiting inside to greet you there as well. 

Roxy's Room is adjacent to the welcome center, and features a variety of adoptable cats and kittens. The Best Friends Store (also located at the welcome center) gives you the chance to get your feline fix at the cattery toward the back of the store. 

Our caregivers are busy keeping the animals happy and healthy, so our animal care buildings are not able to accommodate walk-ins from visitors wanting to see the Sanctuary’s furry and feathered residents.
 

Sign Up to Volunteer

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, and 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.

Bright and cheery lunch room

Lunch with a view

Join staff members, volunteers and visitors at the Angel Village café for a delicious plant-based buffet lunch.

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The cost is $5 per person and cash, checks, debit and credit cards are accepted.

The menu changes daily but consists of a main dish, two sides, fruit, a salad bar and dessert. Water and a coffee bar with hot tea are available all day, and there’s a soda machine outside for those in search of caffeine and carbonation. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Angel Canyon from the spacious deck.

See the Menu
Person walking with a pig on a sandy road next to a green pasture

What to bring and wear

Your packing list will vary, depending on the season and your planned activities, so we’ve got recommendations for all.

Kanab sits at a high-desert elevation of approximately 5,000 feet. Low humidity and bright sunlight are the norm, so sunblock and a hat are year-round essentials.

Some people find that the altitude affects their breathing and energy level, though for most it is not an issue. Because the climate is very dry, we advise visitors to bring bottled water with them.

During the fall and winter months, we recommend dressing in layers. Mornings and evenings can be quite cool, with the temperature often dropping substantially overnight and warming up in the afternoon. Summer daytime temperatures can reach 90 degrees or higher.

You will be walking in sandy terrain, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. (Rugged sneakers or light hiking boots are best.) Long pants are a good idea if you will be working with the animals, and it’s a requirement when volunteering with the horses and pigs.

Seasons at the Sanctuary

When to expect sun, rain or snow.

January to March: The weather is often cold and sunny with occasional snow or rain. Be prepared for all types of weather, though, because temperatures sometimes are as high as the mid-60s.

April to June: April can be stormy and windy. Otherwise, it’s usually sunny with temperatures in the 50s to 70s through May. June is warmer, usually into the 80s.

July and August: These are the hottest months, with temperatures often between 90 and 100 degrees, but it’s a dry heat. We typically experience summer thunderstorms and rain during this season, although the storms are usually brief. Flash floods can occur and they can be unpredictable, happening even when skies are sunny. Whenever there’s heavy rain, there is a danger of flash floods in the canyons and washes, so hikers should always use great caution.

September and October: Once the summer rains are over, it is typically dry, mild and sunny. It’s the best season to be outdoors and take in the beautiful fall colors.

November and December: There is snow occasionally before Thanksgiving, but November can also be mild and beautiful. December is cold, often with rain or snow.

Get information on road conditions

A few other things to consider

Pigeon perched on a person's mobile phone that the person is holding

Cellphones and internet access

Reception at the Sanctuary may be spotty in certain areas, but nearly all Sanctuary buildings have free Wifi for guests.

Smoking and Best Friends facilities

Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited in all Best Friends buildings and work vehicles (including golf carts) and within 25 feet of building entrances, exits, air intakes and windows. To reduce both litter and the risk of brush fires, all cigarette butts must be disposed of properly in a designated receptacle.


Firearms

For safety reasons and in keeping with our principles, firearms are not allowed.