Discover The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: A Hub For Animal Welfare In Utah

Nestled in the red rock landscape of Kanab, Utah, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is more than a shelter—it's a haven for animals and a hub for compassionate action. As Michelle Sathe, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, recently explained during a radio interview, the sanctuary serves as the headquarters for Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit with a mission to “end the killing of dogs and cats in American shelters.”

Founded in 1984, the sanctuary spans 3,000 acres and cares for around 1,600 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, birds, bunnies, and even native wildlife. “It’s one of the few certified wildlife rehabilitation centers in Utah,” Sathe noted, referring to their Wild Friends program, which aims to release rehabilitated animals back into the wild.

Visitors can experience the sanctuary firsthand through free daily tours, animal care area visits, and volunteer shifts. “We have really great food and a cafe—it’s a $5 all-you-can-eat buffet with a million-dollar view of Angel Canyon,” Sathe added.

In addition to its Kanab location, Best Friends operates adoption centers in Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City, and a state-of-the-art facility in Northwest Arkansas. The organization also collaborates with over 5,000 shelters and rescue groups nationwide, offering grants, mentoring, and marketing support. “A lot of groups don’t have PR and marketing people,” Sathe said, “so we provide templates and best practices.”

Booking a tour or volunteer opportunity is simple through bestfriends.org/sanctuary, though Sathe advised planning ahead, especially during peak spring and summer months. Popular activities, like working with pigs or visiting Dogtown, fill up quickly.

For those seeking a unique team-building experience, the sanctuary offers spaces for corporate retreats. “We have Angels Landing, a natural outdoor amphitheater where you can host up to 300 people,” Sathe said. The nearby Best Friends Roadhouse in Kanab also offers overnight accommodations—and even sleepovers with sanctuary pets.

Adoptions are available year-round, with multiple adoption hubs throughout the sanctuary. “There’s always a wide variety of puppies, kittens, and adult animals,” Sathe said. “We can typically help you find great pets.”

Whether for a day trip or an extended stay, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary promises a memorable experience for animal lovers and curious visitors alike.

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You can hear all of our visit with Sathe in the podcast below, and to get more information on the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary click here.