Have you ever wondered what it would take to make the world a better place for animals? Well, look no further than Best Friends Animal Society. This incredible organization has been on the front lines of saving lives, advocating for no-kill shelters, and helping communities provide better care for homeless pets. In a world where millions of animals face euthanasia simply due to a lack of resources, Best Friends Animal Society is a beacon of hope, changing the narrative one animal at a time.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the mission, programs, and impact of Best Friends Animal Society. You’ll learn why they stand out in the world of animal advocacy and how you can get involved in their life-saving mission.
The Mission of Best Friends Animal Society
At the heart of Best Friends Animal Society’s mission is a simple yet powerful goal: Save Them All. Since their founding in 1984, Best Friends has committed to eradicating the needless killing of pets in shelters across the United States. Their vision is a future where every dog and cat can be guaranteed a home and a life full of love and care.
To achieve this, they focus on:
- Advocating for No-Kill Shelters: Best Friends strives to create a no-kill country, meaning that shelters only euthanize animals if they are suffering from severe health issues or pose a danger.
- Community Programs: Best Friends offers various initiatives aimed at spaying, neutering, fostering, and adopting pets, helping communities manage and reduce pet overpopulation.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation: They specialize in taking in animals from high-risk shelters, providing medical care, training, and rehoming services.
A Look at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
One of the standout aspects of Best Friends Animal Society is their incredible sanctuary located in Kanab, Utah. Nestled in the stunning red-rock canyons, the sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and offers a refuge for nearly 1,600 animals at any given time. Dogs, cats, horses, pigs, birds, rabbits, and even farm animals are cared for in this massive sanctuary, each receiving top-notch medical care, rehabilitation, and love.
Visitors to the sanctuary can even volunteer to work directly with these animals—an experience that many describe as life-changing. Whether you’re walking dogs, playing with kittens, or feeding pigs, the sanctuary offers a hands-on way to be part of the no-kill movement.
How Best Friends Animal Society Helps Local Shelters
It’s not just about what Best Friends does on their own; they partner with shelters across the country to help them transition to no-kill facilities. Here’s how they make an impact:
- Financial Support: Best Friends provides grants and fundraising assistance to help underfunded shelters improve their facilities and services.
- Training and Education: They offer training programs to shelter staff, teaching them how to increase adoption rates, care for animals more efficiently, and implement community spay/neuter programs.
- Advocacy and Legislation: Best Friends plays a pivotal role in lobbying for animal welfare legislation. They work to end breed-specific legislation and advocate for more humane sheltering practices.
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Ever feel like you want to do more for the furry friends who need it most? Best Friends makes it easy to get involved:
- Volunteer: Whether it’s at their sanctuary or a local partner shelter, volunteers are always welcome to walk dogs, socialize with cats, or help with administrative tasks.
- Foster: Best Friends offers foster programs that allow you to temporarily care for animals in need, freeing up space in shelters and providing a more comfortable environment for pets to thrive.
- Donate: If time is short, donations go a long way. Best Friends accepts monetary gifts as well as in-kind donations like pet food, bedding, and toys.
The Impact of Best Friends Animal Society
Now, let’s talk numbers. Best Friends has made a monumental impact on the state of animal welfare in the U.S. According to their latest reports:
- In 1984, approximately 17 million pets were killed in shelters each year.
- By 2021, that number had dropped to around 350,000, thanks in large part to Best Friends’ advocacy and support.
- They’ve set a goal to make the entire U.S. no-kill by 2025, and with each passing year, they’re getting closer to achieving this remarkable feat.
FAQs About Best Friends Animal Society
Q: What is the main goal of Best Friends Animal Society?
A: Their primary mission is to create a no-kill nation, where every adoptable pet can find a loving home, and shelters only euthanize animals when absolutely necessary.
Q: How can I visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary?
A: You can visit their sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. They offer guided tours, volunteer opportunities, and even overnight stays for those wanting to immerse themselves in the experience.
Q: Can I adopt a pet from Best Friends?
A: Absolutely! Best Friends has an extensive adoption program, both from their sanctuary and through partner shelters across the U.S.
Q: How does Best Friends fund its operations?
A: Best Friends relies on donations, grants, and partnerships to fund their life-saving programs. They also host fundraising events and campaigns to support their mission.
Q: What is the No-Kill 2025 initiative?
A: No-Kill 2025 is Best Friends’ ambitious goal to make every shelter in the U.S. a no-kill shelter by the year 2025.
How You Can Help
Feeling inspired yet? Best Friends Animal Society offers numerous ways for you to get involved, whether you’re an animal lover looking to volunteer, donate, or even adopt. The more hands on deck, the faster we can move toward a no-kill future for all pets.
- Adopt: Open your home to a new furry family member from Best Friends or a partner shelter.
- Volunteer: Give your time to care for animals in need, either at the sanctuary or in your local community.
- Spread the Word: Share Best Friends’ mission with your friends, family, and social networks to help raise awareness.
Conclusion
Best Friends Animal Society isn’t just an organization; it’s a movement. A movement toward compassion, love, and care for every animal, regardless of their breed, age, or circumstance. As they march toward a no-kill future, the power to make a difference lies in all of us—whether through donations, volunteering, or adopting a pet in need. Together, we can indeed Save Them All.
Authoritative Links:
- bestfriends.org
- petfinder.com
- aspca.org
