Girl petting cat

Volunteer at Cat World

Looking for face-to-face interaction with the cats? This is your chance to help with daily care, including cat and kitten socialization, playtime, and more. 

Cat World is a special place at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, where 600 rescued cats reside — all of whom are thoughtfully placed in the area of Cat World that best suits their personalities, behaviors, and medical issues. That means there’s a whole lot of cats who would love to spend time with you. 

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The gift of your time will enrich the lives of the cats

Even better? You’ll get to have a fun and fulfilling day with fellow caring volunteers at Cat World.

 See what a day in the life of a Cat World volunteer looks like: 

Here’s what you can expect as a volunteer at Cat World

During your volunteer shift, you’ll get to spend lots of time with the cats while helping with everything from feeding to cleaning to taking a cat for a walk (yep, you can do that!). 

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Volunteer Tasks

There are lots of cats at the Sanctuary who really enjoy extra love and attention, so socialization is a big part of the volunteer experience at Cat World. Many cats just appreciate your presence while you clean their living area, so don’t be surprised when a spunky kitten chases the broom while you sweep.

You might also help with various cleaning tasks, feeding, grooming, landscaping (weeding, raking), maintenance tasks like fixing enclosures or building repairs, and even taking a cat for a stroller ride or walk!  

Adoption hub shifts 

Volunteers are also welcome at the adoption hub inside puppy preschool, where cats and dogs reside while they wait to be adopted. 

During a shift at the adoption hub, you might help with cleaning the dog spaces and cat room, dishes, laundry, sweeping and mopping, cleaning litter boxes, taking dogs for walks, and socializing the animals.

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Time Commitment

You can choose from two volunteer shifts daily: 8:15-11:30 a.m. and 1:15-4 p.m.   

We also offer disability-friendly shifts that are shorter and last for one hour total. 

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Volunteer Requirements

You must be 9 years old or older to volunteer at Cat World. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while volunteering. One adult can supervise two minors. 

Safety guidelines: We're focused on keeping you and our animal friends safe while you're volunteering. Before your trip to the Sanctuary, make sure you've read through what to expect at the Sanctuary and in specific animal areas.

Book your volunteer experience

Ready to plan your trip to Cat World? We’re so excited you’ll be joining us soon — and the cats are, too! 

Scheduling your volunteer shifts in advance is highly recommended, and shifts can be scheduled as far as one year in advance. You can check the availability of shifts anytime.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Once you sign up and complete your volunteer agreement, you can access the full list of volunteer opportunities.

If you already have a Best Friends volunteer profile, go to the volunteer portal to see opportunities available to you.

Volunteers with disabilities are welcome! Contact us to learn about volunteering with a disability; we offer shorter hour-long shifts for anyone interested. Email volunteers@bestfriends.org or call 435-319-0622 with questions or sign up for a shift.

Cat yawning and stretching

Overnight catnaps 

Hosting a cat for a sleepover (available to anyone staying in pet-friendly accommodations) is a great way to get some one-on-one time with a special feline.  to get some extra time with a special fe
Sign Up for a Sleepover

Read about our cats

Check out these tales about our cats and the people like you who love them. 

Fizz the young kitten with eyes still closed with head lying on a knitted toy

Bubbly kitten thrives after emergency C-section

Quick action from the Best Friends vet team saved the lives of Fizz and his mother, Soda.
Around the clock care saves Fizz
Video
Bubba the tabby kitten being held in a person's hands

Faces of No-Kill: Injury won’t keep playful kitten down

An accident left Bubba’s jaw severely injured, but this tiny tabby never lost his fun-loving spirit.
Read how he bounces back
Video
Waltz the brown tabby cat lying on a multicolored blanket

Cat goes from hissy to happy once he’s feeling healthy

With dental disease and a brewing FIP diagnosis, it’s understandable Waltz was standoffish at first, but now that he’s feeling better, he’s all purrs.
He's a changed man
Feature
Three cats in silhouette graphic

Adopt or sponsor a cat 

Looking to welcome a cat into your life? Start your search today and browse our adoptable cats.

Animal Previews
Animal Previews
Animal Previews
Animal Previews

Sponsor a Cat World resident

Touched by a cat’s story or feel a special connection to a feline here at the Sanctuary? Provide a little extra TLC with the gift of sponsorship.

See all cats available to adopt or sponsor

Three kittens playing with a ribbon

Volunteer opportunities for groups

We have rewarding group volunteer experiences for your business, organization, college, or community group looking for a one-of-a-kind volunteer opportunity.
Volunteering as a group

Know before you go

If you’re not sure where to get lunch or what to wear in southern Utah during seasonal weather, we’ve got you covered.

Our animal sanctuary is an incredibly special place, and we’ll help you figure out everything you need to know to ensure that your visit is the trip of your dreams. 

Find out what to expect
Entrance sign to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Getting to our animal sanctuary

Ready to plan your volunteer trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in beautiful southern Utah? We have everything you need to know to get started. 
Start planning your trip
Person taking care of a bunny

More ways to help at our sanctuary

With seven different animal areas and acres of canyon lands surrounding the Sanctuary, you’ll have plenty of choices for where you can lend a hand. 
Volunteering at the Sanctuary