Adopt a pet and save a life
Looking to find your new best friend? You can save the life of a dog or cat by choosing to adopt from a shelter or rescue group instead of buying from a breeder or puppy mill.
In 2024 alone, 425,000 cats and dogs were killed in this country’s shelters, including here in
We know millions of households will add a pet to their family this year and if just 1 in 17 more of those families chose to adopt a pet from a shelter, we could reach no-kill in
So when you adopt from a Best Friends location, a network partner or one of the many shelters and rescue groups around the country, you’re not only adding a loyal and loving companion to your family, you’re helping to save lives.
Adopt a pet from Best Friends
In addition to running our animal sanctuary in Southern Utah and partnering with thousands of shelters and rescue groups, Best Friends operates its own lifesaving centers around the country.
Adopt a pet from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
On any given day, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, located in Kanab, Utah, is home to up to 1,600 animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, pigs and others. Many of the animals arrive needing a little extra care and healing before they’re ready to join a family of their own.
When you adopt a furry (or feathered) friend from the Sanctuary, you’re not only changing that pet’s life, you’re helping to Save Them All.
Search for a Sanctuary animal
Meet a few adoptable pets at our sanctuary:
More places to find your bff
Best Friends is partnering with these communities throughout the country to help save their homeless pets, and you can be a part of that lifesaving when you adopt a pet.
Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group
When you give us your email address, we'll send you a list of shelters where you live. We'll also share more about how you can help save the lives of homeless pets.
Adoptable pets near you
These adoptable dogs and cats near you are looking for homes of their own:
Adoption FAQs
What is the adoption process at Best Friends?
The adoption process at Best Friends is simple and straightforward. Look above to browse our adoptable pets online or drop into one of our locations. An adoption counselor will facilitate a meet-and-greet with you and your potential new pet, as well as answer any questions, to help ensure a successful match. You'll then complete an adoption inquiry form if adopting from the Sanctuary, or browse our adoptable pets to find and apply at one of our other locations, and this may include a reference check or home visit, depending on the animal. Once finalized, you'll bring your new pet home! Please know that some adoptions happen same day while others take a few days to process.
What are the adoption fees?
Adoption fees for dogs are $100 (puppies 6 months and under are $150) and for cats are $50 (kittens 6 months and under are $100). Fees cover spay/neuter, vaccinations, a microchip, and a health check. We offer ongoing promotions, including waived fees for senior pets (7+ years old), 20% discounts for veterans and military, and two-for-one kitten adoptions. Check your local Best Friends center or the Sanctuary for current fees and special offers. Adoption fees support our lifesaving work.
What are the requirements to adopt?
To adopt a pet from a Best Friends location, you must be 18 years or older with a valid ID. Renters are welcome to adopt with proof of landlord's approval. To ensure a great match, we ask all members of the household come in to meet the potential new pet; in some cases, a home visit may be part of the process. Other requirements, such as a fenced yard for certain dogs, may be specified. Our goal is to make sure all adopters are able to provide the love, time, and resources needed for a pet to thrive. Submit an adoption inquiry if you're interested in a Sanctuary animal, or browse our adoptable pets at one of our other locations to get started.
Can I adopt if I rent?
Yes, renters are encouraged to adopt! You'll need to provide contact information for your landlord and/or proof of pet-friendly housing, as approval is required before an adoption can be finalized. Please check your lease for breed or size restrictions or speak to your landlord about your wish to provide a loving home for a pet in need — many landlords are more flexible than you might think! Find resources for renters, or submit an adoption inquiry if you're adopting from the Sanctuary, or browse our adoptable pets at one of our other locations.
How long does the adoption process take?
The adoption process can vary by location and other factors, but Best Friends tries to make the experience as streamlined as possible while ensuring great matches for both people and pets. Some adoptions are finalized same day; others take a few days, especially if references or home visits are required.
Can I meet an animal before adopting?
Yes! Meet and greets are required before adoption. When you adopt from a Best Friends location, a network partner, or one of the many shelters and rescue groups around the country, you're not only adding a loyal and loving companion to your family; you're also helping to save lives by making room for even more animals. Visit our locations to meet animals in person, spend time with your potential new pet, ask questions, and bring family members. Our adoption counselors will help you find the right match for your lifestyle and home. Or browse adoptable pets online above to start your search.
What if the adoption doesn't work out?
We want every adoption to be successful. If issues arise, contact us first. We can provide support, training resources, and behavior guidance to help. We have a lifetime return policy — we'll always take your pet back. If you are unable or unwilling to care for an animal adopted from Best Friends, contact Best Friends and return the pet to the location where the pet was adopted. This is a no-judgment approach. We want what's best for both you and the pet. Find pet care resources for training and behavior support.
Do you offer foster-to-adopt?
Foster-to-adopt is available at some Best Friends locations and is a great way to make sure a particular pet is a good fit for your home before making a bigger commitment. During the foster period, we'll provide all the supplies and support you need. Please contact your local Best Friends location to find out whether the foster-to-adopt option is offered, or learn more about our foster program.
Are Best Friends animals spayed/neutered?
Yes, all adopted animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered (included in the adoption fee) before going home. If a dog or cat is too young for surgery at the time of adoption, we'll provide a spay/neuter voucher to be used when the pet reaches the appropriate age.
What support do I get after adoption?
We want to ensure every adoption is successful and encourage you to call with questions at any time. We can offer behavior and training tips, along with pet care advice, as well as direct you to comprehensive online guides and other Best Friends resources. Some locations even offer post-adoption check-ins. Please don't hesitate to contact us — we're here to support both you and your pet. Explore our pet care resources for guides on behavior, training, and more.
Can I adopt a specific breed?
We have adoptable animals of all breeds and mixes, and you can easily search our site by breed, size, age, and other characteristics. At Best Friends, we believe that all dogs are individuals, and for that reason, we do not support breed-specific legislation. The important criteria to consider when adopting are the personality and needs of the particular animal. Our adoption counselors are there to help ensure a great match is made, based on your lifestyle and household.
How do I know if I'm ready to adopt?
Adoption is a big step — for both you and the animal — and it can be life-changing in all the best ways. So before bringing home a new dog or cat, you'll want to think about both the financial and time commitment of caring for that pet for the next ten to fifteen years. Consider your lifestyle and housing situation; budget for pet food, veterinary care, supplies, and even emergencies. Best Friends adoption counselors can help you decide whether it's the right time to adopt, along with helping identify which pet might make a great match! Learn how to choose the right pet, or explore our pet care resources.
Here's why you should adopt a pet
Pet adoption not only provides homeless dogs and cats the second chances they deserve, but it also provides people with loyal, loving companions who positively impact our health and well-being.
Casey, my funny, spirited fox terrier mix, is my best friend because she pulled me out of the darkness after my husband died and gave me a reason to smile again. When she has a bad case of the 'zoomies,' she'll stop and give me a tap as if to say, 'Look at me, Mom.' It's just priceless.
Poppy Cakes is the soul that I spend the most time with. She is my best friend because she is always excited to go hiking. We go every day. She also comes to the office with me while I am working. She cuddles, she listens, she's always in a good mood, she's smart, and she is always interested in everything I do.
Bruno is about to turn 12 on June 2; he's my happily grumpy sidekick. He loves his 'cookies' and will do a high five for one. He's been my confidant and my snuggle bug since he was 2.5 months old, a rescued pet from the Bahamas. He loves to get his face washed with a warm washcloth and loves butt rubs and neck scratches. I love my little old man; he's such a joy.
Rocky is a big gray tabby cat. He came to live with me when someone left him in the apartment parking lot 10 years ago. We have a nightly ritual: I work at home, and when my day is complete, I stretch out my back by lying on the floor and Rocky joins me. He rolls on his back and stretches his paws. Then we have dinner and play with his favorite ball. He is the best kitty in the world.
Our Rosie was adopted in December 2024 and has changed our lives tremendously. We never had a pet before, and adopting our cat Rosie was the best thing we have done. Rosie brings so much love and happiness to our home. She adapted to her new home immediately and now is the queen of our household. She loves us just the way we love her back.
Happily ever afters
