The Best Friends Animal Society is a name synonymous with compassion, advocacy, and animal welfare. Their mission is to ensure that every homeless pet finds a loving home, and they’ve been making strides toward achieving that goal for decades. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what Best Friends Animal Society does, why it’s so important, and how you can be part of the movement to save animals’ lives.
Who is the Best Friends Animal Society?
At its core, Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization focused on ending the killing of pets in America’s shelters. Founded in 1984, they’ve grown into one of the most impactful animal welfare organizations in the country. They believe that every pet deserves a chance, no matter their age, breed, or background.
Their main goal? To achieve a no-kill nation where no healthy or treatable animal is euthanized in shelters. And guess what? They’re closer than ever to making that a reality. The organization provides resources, education, and advocacy to support shelters and communities in adopting no-kill practices.
What Does the Best Friends Animal Society Do?
You might be wondering, “How does Best Friends Animal Society actually help animals?” Well, they’re involved in various programs, each designed to save as many lives as possible.
1. Sanctuary in Utah
One of the most impressive aspects of Best Friends is their sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Spread over 3,700 acres, it’s the largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals in the country. The sanctuary is home to nearly 1,600 animals at any given time—dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and even pigs. The sanctuary provides care for animals who need rehabilitation, have medical issues, or are just waiting for their forever homes.
2. National No-Kill Initiative
The organization is spearheading a nationwide effort to make the United States a no-kill country. This means helping shelters across the U.S. reduce their euthanasia rates through partnerships, grants, and sharing best practices. In fact, thanks to their efforts, the national save rate for shelter pets is now around 77%. They aim to push this to 90% or higher, which is generally accepted as the benchmark for a no-kill status.
3. Rescue and Adoption Programs
Best Friends Animal Society organizes adoption events and partnerships with local shelters to help more pets find homes. From coast to coast, they’ve helped place thousands of animals into loving families through adoption events and foster care programs.
4. Disaster Response
Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or other natural disaster, Best Friends steps in to rescue and care for animals affected by these tragedies. They work closely with shelters and local authorities to save as many lives as possible, offering temporary shelter, food, medical care, and adoption services for displaced pets.
Why is Best Friends Animal Society So Important?
Now, you might be thinking, “There are plenty of animal welfare organizations out there, so what makes Best Friends different?” It’s simple—their commitment to a no-kill future is unwavering, and they’ve proven that it’s possible to turn this dream into a reality.
In the 1980s, millions of animals were euthanized each year simply because there weren’t enough homes for them. Fast forward to today, and that number has dropped drastically thanks to organizations like Best Friends. They’ve shown that with the right resources, community support, and education, shelters can become places of refuge and second chances, not death sentences.
How Can You Help Best Friends Animal Society?
One of the best things about Best Friends Animal Society is that anyone can help, no matter where you are or what your circumstances might be. Here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Adopt, Don’t Shop
If you’re looking to bring a furry friend into your home, adopting a pet from a shelter is one of the most impactful things you can do. Best Friends Animal Society has a national network of rescue groups and shelters where you can find your perfect companion.
2. Donate
Best Friends relies on donations to fund their programs, and every dollar helps save lives. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly contribution, your generosity makes a real difference.
3. Volunteer
Not only can you volunteer at the Best Friends sanctuary in Utah, but you can also help out at one of their regional centers across the U.S. Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a hands-on difference in the lives of animals.
4. Foster a Pet
If you’re not ready for the long-term commitment of adopting, fostering is another excellent way to help. By temporarily caring for a pet, you free up space in shelters and give that animal a better chance of being adopted.
5. Spread the Word
Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools in the fight to save animals. Sharing information about Best Friends Animal Society with your friends, family, and social media networks raises awareness and encourages others to get involved.
FAQs about Best Friends Animal Society
- What is Best Friends Animal Society’s mission?
Best Friends Animal Society’s mission is to create a no-kill nation where no healthy or treatable pets are euthanized in shelters. - Where is the Best Friends sanctuary located?
The sanctuary is located in Kanab, Utah, and it’s the largest no-kill sanctuary in the country. - How can I adopt a pet through Best Friends?
You can visit their website to find pets available for adoption or attend one of their many adoption events across the country. - How do donations to Best Friends Animal Society help?
Donations fund the care and rehabilitation of animals, support disaster response efforts, and fuel their national no-kill initiative. - What does no-kill mean?
No-kill means that at least 90% of the animals entering a shelter are saved, with euthanasia reserved for animals who are suffering or pose a danger to others.
Conclusion
The Best Friends Animal Society is much more than an animal rescue organization—it’s a movement. A movement toward compassion, love, and a future where every pet is given a second chance at life. Whether through adopting, donating, or simply spreading the word, everyone can play a part in this noble cause.
If you’re passionate about saving animals, supporting Best Friends Animal Society is one of the best ways to make a real difference. They’ve already come so far, but there’s still work to be done. Together, we can help turn their no-kill vision into a reality.