Founded in 1984, Best Friends is more than just an animal shelter. It’s a national movement driven by the unwavering belief that every animal deserves a second chance. Fueled by a shared vision of a world where euthanasia is never used for population control, Best Friends has become a leader in the no-kill movement.
Their journey began in Kanab, Utah, where a group of friends dreamt of creating a haven for homeless pets. Today, their sanctuary is the largest no-kill facility in the country, offering a loving home to around 1,600 animals, many with special needs. But Best Friends’ reach extends far beyond the sanctuary walls.
Lifesaving Programs Across the Nation
Best Friends champions a multi-pronged approach to saving animal lives. Partnering with shelters nationwide, they implement proven strategies to reduce euthanasia rates. These initiatives include:
- Spay and Neuter Programs: By tackling the root cause of pet overpopulation, spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals entering shelters in the first place.
- Community Cat Programs: These programs address the unique challenges of feral and stray cats. Through humane trapping, neutering, and vaccination, these cats are then returned to their outdoor communities or placed in adoption programs.
- Innovative Adoption Events: Best Friends understands the importance of finding the perfect match between animals and their forever families. They organize creative and engaging adoption events, making the adoption process easier and more accessible.
Beyond direct animal care, Best Friends empowers shelters and communities through:
- Regional Centers: With a presence in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, these centers target areas with high shelter death rates. They provide training, resources, and support to improve shelter operations and increase adoption rates.
- Training and Resources: Best Friends equips animal welfare professionals and volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best possible care for animals. This extensive training creates a ripple effect, improving animal well-being across the country.
- Advocacy: Lobbying for animal-friendly legislation and promoting responsible pet ownership are crucial pieces of the no-kill puzzle. Best Friends champions policies that protect animals and promote responsible pet guardianship.
- Research and Awareness: Investing in research helps develop evidence-based solutions to pet homelessness. They also raise public awareness through public campaigns, inspiring more people to adopt and become responsible pet owners.
The Road to No-Kill by 2025
With an ambitious goal of making America no-kill by 2025, Best Friends is actively transforming the landscape of animal welfare. Through tireless dedication, innovative approaches, and an unwavering commitment to compassion, they’ve helped reduce the national animal shelter euthanasia rate from a staggering 17 million annually to around 378,000 today.
How You Can Be a Part of the Solution
Best Friends Animal Society is a beacon of hope, but the fight against pet homelessness requires a collective effort. Here’s how you can join the movement:
- Adopt, Don’t Shop: Consider giving a loving home to a shelter animal waiting for their forever friend.
- Donate: Financial contributions fuel Best Friends’ lifesaving programs.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to shelters in your community.
- Spread Awareness: Talk to friends and family about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting shelter animals.
By joining forces with Best Friends Animal Society, we can create a world where every animal has a chance to find a loving home. Together, we can make a difference, one wagging tail at a time.
