Discovery Weekend: Immerse in Animal Sanctuary Magic
Experience the transformative magic of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary during Discovery Weekend, June 5-8.
Discovery Weekend represents a unique opportunity to step into the heart of animal rescue and conservation. Happening June 5-8, this immersive event invites animal lovers from across the country to experience the transformative work of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Nestled into the majestic red rock canyons of Kanab, Utah, Discovery Weekend offers an unforgettable journey into a world where compassion drives every decision and every animal receives the care they deserve.
What is Discovery Weekend?
Discovery Weekend is a special three-day event designed to give visitors an intimate look at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the lifesaving mission it represents. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a chance to become part of something meaningful. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of Best Friends, an animal welfare advocate, or someone curious about the work happening in animal rescue, Discovery Weekend provides a comprehensive introduction to the sanctuary’s operations and its impact on the lives of rescued animals.
The event showcases the sanctuary’s 3,700-acre property and its animal care centers, home to thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds, and pigs. Each animal has a story, and Discovery Weekend helps visitors understand these stories while contributing directly to the animals’ wellbeing through hands-on involvement.
Why Attend Discovery Weekend?
There are countless reasons to consider attending Discovery Weekend. This event offers several distinctive experiences that set it apart from regular sanctuary visits:
Connect With Animals in Meaningful Ways
Discovery Weekend provides multiple opportunities to interact with rescued animals. Unlike standard tours, attendees can participate in hands-on activities that create genuine connections. You might spend time grooming a horse, playing with adoptable dogs, or caring for cats in dedicated care areas. These interactions often prove transformative for visitors, reinforcing the human-animal bond and the importance of animal welfare.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
The event includes exclusive behind-the-scenes tours not available during regular sanctuary visits. You’ll learn about the daily operations that keep the sanctuary running smoothly, from nutrition and veterinary care to behavioral rehabilitation and enrichment programs. This insider perspective reveals the complexity and dedication required to provide world-class care to thousands of animals.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is the cornerstone of Discovery Weekend. Whether you’re feeding animals, helping with grooming, assisting with medical care, or participating in sanctuary maintenance, you’ll contribute directly to the animals’ wellbeing. Volunteers report that hands-on work provides the most fulfilling experience, allowing them to see the immediate impact of their efforts.
Learn the Mission
Discovery Weekend includes educational sessions about Best Friends Animal Society’s broader mission to end the killing of companion animals nationwide. Attendees gain understanding about shelter reform, adoption initiatives, and the organization’s strategic approach to creating a no-kill nation. These sessions provide context for the sanctuary’s work within the larger animal welfare landscape.
The Discovery Weekend Experience
Day One: Welcome and Orientation
Your Discovery Weekend journey begins with a welcoming atmosphere designed to help you settle in and meet fellow animal lovers. The first day includes orientation sessions that prepare you for the experiences ahead. You’ll learn about sanctuary safety protocols, animal behavior considerations, and the schedule for the following days. The evening welcomes you to explore the grounds and begin acclimating to the stunning landscape.
Days Two and Three: Full Immersion
The second and third days pack the most activity and engagement. These days feature a rotating schedule of volunteer shifts, tours, educational sessions, and animal interactions. You have the flexibility to customize your experience based on your interests and energy levels. Some attendees focus on specific animal groups—perhaps spending significant time with dogs or cats—while others prefer variety, rotating through different areas and activities.
Meals and Community
Meals are provided at various locations throughout the sanctuary, including Angel Village Café. These dining times become community experiences where you’ll connect with other attendees, share stories, and discuss what you’ve learned. The communal atmosphere fosters lasting friendships among people united by their passion for animal welfare.
Activities and Options
Discovery Weekend offers diverse activities catering to different interests and physical abilities:
Volunteer Activities
Hands-on volunteering forms the core of the weekend. Volunteer shifts allow you to work directly with animals in various care centers. Whether assisting with daily feeding, helping with cleaning and enrichment, or supporting medical staff, volunteer work provides immediate, tangible benefits to the sanctuary’s residents.
Guided Tours
Expert guides lead tours of different sanctuary areas, explaining the specific needs and stories of the animals in each location. Tours might focus on particular species—dog care centers, cat sanctuaries, or the wild horse facilities—or provide overviews of multiple areas. Behind-the-scenes tours offer particularly valuable insights into operational aspects visitors don’t typically see.
Educational Sessions
Seminars and presentations cover topics ranging from animal behavior and rehabilitation techniques to the sanctuary’s advocacy work and strategic initiatives. These sessions are led by experts, including veterinarians, behaviorists, and Best Friends leadership.
Hiking and Outdoor Exploration
The sanctuary’s natural beauty is part of its magic. Guided and self-directed hikes allow visitors to explore the red rock landscape while potentially encountering sanctuary animals in their outdoor spaces. The combination of natural splendor and animal encounters creates memorable moments.
Shopping and Gifts
The Sanctuary store offers Best Friends merchandise, from apparel to home goods. Shopping supports the organization’s mission while allowing visitors to bring home meaningful mementos of their experience.
Practical Information for Attendees
Travel and Accommodations
The sanctuary is located in Kanab, Utah, accessible via two major airports. Las Vegas is approximately three hours away by car, while St. George Regional Airport is about ninety minutes away. A rental car is essential, as public transportation is not available in Kanab. Several accommodation options exist, including on-site cabins and cottages, the Best Friends Roadhouse in town, and numerous hotels and vacation rentals throughout Kanab.
What to Bring
Participants should bring comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work and varied weather conditions. Sturdy shoes, sun protection, and layers are recommended. Check the specific packing list provided with your event confirmation.
Costs and Registration
Discovery Weekend is free to attend, though participants bear responsibility for travel, accommodations, and meals. Early registration is recommended, as spaces fill quickly. The registration process includes activity selection made closer to the event date on a first-come, first-served basis.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome throughout the sanctuary, including in public areas and on hiking trails. If you’re attending with a service animal, notify the event team to ensure appropriate accommodations and scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring my personal pet to Discovery Weekend?
A: Personal animals are not permitted in animal care areas or on official tours for safety reasons. However, pet-sitting services are available in Kanab if you’re traveling with an animal companion.
Q: What if I have physical limitations or mobility concerns?
A: The event team works to accommodate various needs. When registering, communicate any accessibility requirements so they can help create a suitable schedule with appropriate activities and support.
Q: Is Discovery Weekend suitable for families with children?
A: Yes, families are welcome. The event offers activities suitable for various ages, and volunteering can be particularly enriching for children interested in animal welfare.
Q: How much hands-on experience will I get with animals?
A: This depends on your activity choices and volunteer assignments. Most attendees report substantial animal interaction time, with opportunities to work directly with multiple species.
Q: Will I learn about adoption opportunities?
A: Yes, the event includes information about adoptable animals and the adoption process. Some attendees have actually adopted during or immediately after Discovery Weekend.
Q: What if I’m not available for the entire weekend?
A: While the full three-day experience is ideal, contact the events team about partial attendance possibilities. Some flexibility may be available depending on the specific event and your circumstances.
Q: Can I volunteer beyond the scheduled activities?
A: Discovery Weekend includes designated volunteer activities. For ongoing volunteer opportunities outside these events, Best Friends offers regular volunteer programs throughout the year.
Q: How do I register for Discovery Weekend?
A: Registration occurs through the Best Friends website’s events portal. Early registration ensures better selection of activities and accommodations.
The Lasting Impact
Discovery Weekend attendees consistently report transformative experiences. Visitors leave with deeper understanding of animal rescue, renewed commitment to animal welfare, and often-lasting friendships with fellow participants. Many become ongoing supporters of Best Friends Animal Society, volunteering regularly, making donations, or advocating for animal welfare in their communities.
The event embodies Best Friends Animal Society’s mission to save animals through direct care, community involvement, and changing hearts and minds. By participating in Discovery Weekend, you’re not just experiencing the sanctuary—you’re joining a movement dedicated to creating a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect.
Plan Your Discovery Weekend Adventure
Discovery Weekend offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in animal rescue and make tangible contributions to lifesaving work. Whether you’re drawn by the animals, the mission, or the desire to be part of something meaningful, this weekend promises memories, connections, and inspiration that extend far beyond your time in Utah’s red rock country. Start planning your Discovery Weekend experience today and prepare for an adventure that will transform how you view animal welfare and your role in creating change.
References
- Plan Your Visit: Tours, Activities, and Volunteering — Best Friends Animal Society. Accessed November 2025. https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/plan-your-visit
- Friends and Founders Events — Best Friends Animal Society. Accessed November 2025. https://bestfriends.org/events/golden-circle-events/friends-and-founders
- Lifesaving Events and Workshops — Best Friends Animal Society. Accessed November 2025. https://bestfriends.org/events
- Best Friends Animal Society — Official organizational website and mission documentation. 2025. https://bestfriends.org
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