When you think of animal welfare, it’s hard not to think of Best Friends Animal Society. This organization has been making waves in the world of animal rescue and advocacy for decades. With their mission to “Save Them All,” Best Friends Animal Society is not just about rescuing animals, but about creating a future where every pet has a loving home. Let’s dive into what makes this group stand out and why it’s become a beacon of hope for so many furry friends.
What Is Best Friends Animal Society?
Best Friends Animal Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 with a bold vision: to bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets. Headquartered in Kanab, Utah, the organization operates the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary and has a national reach, working with shelters and rescue groups across the U.S. to promote adoption, spay/neuter initiatives, and community-based programs.
Their goal? Simple yet ambitious: to end the killing of shelter pets in America by 2025. How do they plan to do it? Through community support, strategic partnerships, and a whole lot of love.
Why Best Friends Animal Society Matters
The work that Best Friends Animal Society does goes beyond just rescuing animals. They are committed to advocating for animal rights, influencing public policy, and driving a movement to transform the way shelters and communities approach animal care. Here are just a few reasons why their work matters:
- No-Kill Advocacy: Best Friends Animal Society is at the forefront of the no-kill movement. They define “no-kill” as saving every animal in a shelter that can be saved. Through their efforts, many shelters across the country have adopted this model, leading to thousands of lives being saved.
- Community Outreach: The organization partners with communities to address local challenges. From offering spay/neuter services to helping manage feral cat populations, they work to prevent animals from entering shelters in the first place.
- Educational Initiatives: Best Friends runs educational programs for both the public and shelters, teaching people how to better care for animals, reduce overpopulation, and increase adoption rates.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Their efforts wouldn’t be possible without the thousands of volunteers who give their time to support animal welfare. Whether it’s fostering, transporting, or simply walking a dog, volunteers play a crucial role in their mission.
How Best Friends Animal Society Makes a Difference
The real magic behind Best Friends Animal Society lies in the impact they make. They save lives, change minds, and foster compassion across the country. Here are some key ways they’ve made a difference:
1. The Sanctuary in Kanab
Located on nearly 4,000 acres, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, is a safe haven for animals in need. It provides a refuge for dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and even farm animals. The sanctuary offers rehabilitation, medical care, and a whole lot of TLC. Many animals that come here are considered “unadoptable” elsewhere, but through their expert care, many go on to find forever homes.
2. National Programs
Through their Best Friends Network, the organization partners with over 3,000 rescue groups and shelters across the country. This network helps these groups by providing resources, training, and support to help them increase adoptions and reduce shelter killing.
3. Pet Lifesaving Centers
Best Friends runs lifesaving centers in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta. These centers work to get animals out of shelters and into homes, while also advocating for no-kill policies in their regions.
4. Disaster Response
During times of natural disasters, Best Friends steps up to help animals affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other calamities. Their disaster response team works tirelessly to rescue and reunite pets with their families or find them new homes.
How You Can Get Involved
Feeling inspired? There are countless ways to support the Best Friends Animal Society in their quest to “Save Them All.” Whether you’re looking to adopt a new pet or simply want to give back, here’s how you can make a difference:
- Adopt, Don’t Shop: If you’re thinking about bringing a pet into your home, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue group rather than buying from breeders. Best Friends has adoption centers across the U.S., or you can search their database online to find animals in need of homes.
- Donate: Monetary donations help Best Friends continue their lifesaving work. Every dollar goes toward helping animals in need, whether it’s providing medical care, funding spay/neuter surgeries, or supporting their no-kill initiatives.
- Volunteer: From walking dogs at their sanctuaries to fostering animals in your home, Best Friends offers plenty of volunteer opportunities. You can even volunteer remotely by helping with administrative tasks or becoming a part of their advocacy campaigns.
- Spread the Word: Even if you can’t volunteer or donate, simply sharing the mission of Best Friends with others can make a huge difference. The more people know about the no-kill movement, the faster we can make it a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean for a shelter to be “no-kill”?
A: A no-kill shelter saves all healthy and treatable animals, with a save rate of 90% or higher. The other 10% typically includes animals with severe health or behavioral issues that prevent them from being adopted.
Q: How can I adopt a pet from Best Friends Animal Society?
A: You can visit one of their lifesaving centers, attend one of their adoption events, or search their online database of adoptable pets.
Q: Is it safe to adopt an animal that has been through a disaster?
A: Yes! In fact, many animals that survive disasters are eager to find loving homes. Best Friends ensures all animals are rehabilitated and ready for adoption before placing them in homes.
Q: Can I visit the sanctuary in Kanab, Utah?
A: Absolutely! The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary offers tours, volunteer opportunities, and even lodging for visitors. It’s a great way to see firsthand how your support helps animals in need.
Conclusion: Be a Part of the Solution
At the end of the day, Best Friends Animal Society is about more than just rescuing animals. It’s about changing the world, one pet at a time. Through their sanctuary, national programs, and advocacy work, they’re leading the charge toward a future where every animal has a chance at a happy, healthy life. Want to get involved? There’s no shortage of ways to help, from volunteering your time to spreading the word about their mission.
Let’s join hands with Best Friends and ensure that one day, every pet will have a home. Because when it comes down to it, we’re all in this together, and every little bit helps save them all.