Tours, Activities and Volunteering – Free Tours in Kanab, Utah

Whether you're here a single day or a whole week, there's plenty to do and so many ways to get to know the animals — choose the one (or several) that works for you!

Whatever your interests – from rolling up your sleeves to help with daily caregiving, to picking up a pal for a field trip off site, or simply checking out the various animal care areas via an official tour – there’s a way to meet and greet the animals that’s perfect for you.

Tours of the Sanctuary

If you’ve never visited before, tours are a great way to take in the beauty of the canyon while getting an overview of the different parts of the Sanctuary.

From grand tours of the entire Sanctuary to more focused visits to our animal care centers, there are plenty of opportunities to check out all there is to see, from cats and dogs who are learning how joyful life can be to birds, pigs and horses who are receiving the TLC they need to heal and grow.

There’s even a variety of family-friendly options, so be sure to bring the kids!

Each area offers its own tour, including at Angels Rest, where beloved animals have been laid to rest. We’re not able to accommodate walk-in visitors to our animal care areas, so be sure to stop by the Welcome Center to see what tours are available.

Book a Grand Tour

Tours also depart from Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile in downtown Kanab from May 21 through October 31, as staffing allows. From there, it’s a short, scenic drive through red rock canyons to the main entrance of the Sanctuary. No reservations are required, though seating is limited.

The tour departing from the Roadhouse lasts from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and is typically available Thursday to Monday each week.

Celebrating a birthday? Traveling with a big group? Or just want a one-of-a-kind experience on your schedule? Private Sanctuary Tours are also available. Email groups@bestfriends.org to start planning your special day!

Person on a hike with a dog in Southern Utah

Looking to explore on your own?

Download our Sanctuary app to discover the Sanctuary’s best hikes and sights.

Learn more about the app

Volunteer to get time with the animals

Volunteering is the best way to get hands-on with dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, birds and pigs while at the Sanctuary.

Chances are, your love of animals is the main reason for your visit to the Sanctuary. The best way to get some quality one-on-one interaction with the animals during your visit is to book a volunteer shift. If a particular dog or cat piques your interest during your shift, you can ask your volunteer coordinator about scheduling a sleepover or outing.

You can join the thousands of people who come from all over the world every year to volunteer with the animals at the Sanctuary. From strolling with a dog to sprucing up a rabbit run to simply keeping a shy cat company, there are plenty of ways to make a difference.

Explore Volunteer Opportunities

This is a working sanctuary where structure and routine can be key to the animals’ sense of safety and security. With that in mind, walk-ins are not permitted at our animal care centers, but we encourage you to sign up to volunteer.

Person sitting on a couch with a cat and kitten

Host a sleepover

Consider giving an adoptable dog or cat some one-on-one time by hosting a sleepover at your pet-friendly accommodations.

Scheduling a sleepover

Person hiking with a dog in red rocks in southern Utah

Take a dog on an outing

You can take one of our approved resident dogs on an activity, such as a hike in the canyon or just hang in your pet-friendly accommodations.

Scheduling an outing

Go for a hike

Enjoy the Sanctuary’s natural beauty on foot (and on paw — leashed dogs welcome) via one of the hiking or walking trails.

Find the hike for you

Meet adoptable pets

If you’re looking to spend time with some adorable pets at the Sanctuary, there are several spots you’ll want to check out during your visit.

No reservation is required at the locations below, and all ages are welcome.

Roxy's Room is adjacent to the welcome center and features a variety of adoptable cats and kittens. Stop by any day of the week from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. to meet your potential match.

The Sanctuary Store (also located at the welcome center) gives you the chance to mix and mingle with some fabulous felines in the cat lounge toward the back of the store from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Looking to snuggle up to some friendly cats and dogs? You’ll find the adoption hub in our puppy preschool building in Dogtown. The hub is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Club Sinjin at Cat World’s Sinjin’s House is the perfect place to get your dose of kitty love. While you’re there, you can also snap a selfie in the snuggle swing. Club Sinjin is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Download the Best Friends Sanctuary app to get driving directions to these places while exploring the Sanctuary.

Adopt a pet from the Sanctuary

By adopting a furry (or feathered) friend from the Sanctuary, you will be changing the life of a homeless pet and taking part in a lifesaving movement to Save Them All.

If you don’t have a specific animal in mind, the welcome center is often the first stop for visitors to the Sanctuary, so it's only fitting that there are a variety of furry, four-legged and feathered friends eagerly waiting inside to greet you there as well.

Roxy's Room is adjacent to the welcome center, and features a variety of adoptable cats and kittens. The Best Friends Store (also located at the welcome center) gives you the chance to get your feline fix at the cattery toward the back of the store.

Search for a Sanctuary animal

Not sure which animal or what kind might be the perfect fit for you? Please fill out an interest form for a dog or cat and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Activities for kids

Volunteering is a great way for kids to spend time with the animals at our Sanctuary and also make a difference in their lives.

When supervised by a parent or guardian, kids can volunteer to help with cleaning, walking and caring for the animals. Kids under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times while volunteering. One adult can supervise two minors.

Food and drink

Join staff members, volunteers and visitors at the Angel Village café for a delicious plant-based buffet lunch, served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The cost is $5 per person and cash, checks, debit and credit cards are accepted.

The menu changes daily but consists of a main dish, two sides, fruit, a salad bar and dessert. Water and a coffee bar with hot tea are available all day, and there’s a soda machine outside for those in search of caffeine and carbonation. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Angel Canyon from the spacious deck.

This week's menu

Shopping and gifts

The Sanctuary store is the place to find Best Friends merch for you, your friends and family, and your four-legged friends.

The Sanctuary store at the welcome center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, except Christmas. You can reach our store staff during normal business hours at 435-688-2327, ext. 4144.

While you're shopping, don't miss a chance to get your feline fix at the cattery toward the back of the store!

Best Friends–branded merchandise is also available at the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile (our hotel in Kanab) and in our online store.

Placing a pet at Angels Rest

If you have lost a beloved pet, we are honored to assist you in making arrangements for the placement of your pet at Angels Overlook or Angels Rest.

Scheduling a placement

Sanctuary amenities

Free guest Wifi

Reception at the Sanctuary may be spotty in certain areas, but nearly all Sanctuary buildings have free Wifi for guests.

Restrooms

If nature calls while you’re at the Sanctuary, there are three restrooms right outside the welcome center. Restrooms are also available at Angel Village café.

Car-charging stations

If your electric car needs a boost, please use our charging stations at the Welcome Center, Angel Village, or the Roadhouse parking lot in town.