Volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Make a difference: Volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and provide hands-on care to rescue animals.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of animals in need. On any given day, the sanctuary provides a healing home for up to 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and other animals. Nestled in the breathtaking canyons of southern Utah, this no-kill sanctuary offers volunteers an extraordinary opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable creatures while experiencing one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences available.
Volunteers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary provide the animals with what they need most: personal attention, hands-on care, and love. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending several days at the sanctuary, your contribution directly impacts the well-being and future prospects of animals waiting for their forever homes.
So Much Sanctuary, So Little Time
The beauty of volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary lies in its diversity of opportunities. Whether you snuggle with a senior cat or help spruce up buildings around the sanctuary, there’s a volunteer role perfectly suited to your interests, skills, and physical abilities. The sanctuary recognizes that every person has unique talents and preferences, and they’ve structured their volunteer program to accommodate everyone from first-time volunteers to experienced animal care professionals.
The awe-inspiring landscape surrounding the sanctuary creates a magical backdrop for meaningful work. Volunteers not only contribute to improving the lives of the animals but also experience personal transformation through their interactions with these remarkable creatures. Many volunteers report that their time at the sanctuary deepens their commitment to animal welfare and changes their perspective on rescue and adoption.
Dogtown: Making a Difference for Nearly 400 Dogs
Dogtown is one of the most popular volunteer areas at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and for good reason. Nearly 400 dogs call Dogtown their home-between-homes, each with their own story, personality, and needs. As a Dogtown volunteer, you’ll engage in essential daily care routines that directly improve these animals’ quality of life and increase their adoptability.
Volunteer responsibilities in Dogtown include:
– Walking and exercising dogs to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated- Socializing dogs to help them become more comfortable with humans and better prepared for family life- Assisting with feeding and basic grooming- Cleaning and maintaining dog habitats to ensure safe, hygienic living spaces- Providing companionship and emotional support to traumatized or shy dogs
The personal connections forged between volunteers and the dogs create transformative experiences for both. Many volunteers find that their work in Dogtown reignites their passion for animal rescue and motivates them to become lifelong advocates for homeless pets.
Wild Friends: Rehabilitating Animals for Release
Wild Friends represents a unique volunteer opportunity at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This program focuses on rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife so they can be successfully released back into their natural habitats. Volunteering in Wild Friends is educational, satisfying, and deeply fulfilling as you directly contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.
Wild Friends volunteers participate in specialized care that differs from traditional shelter work. This may include:
– Preparing nutritious meals and feeding wildlife- Monitoring animal health and recovery progress- Assisting with medical care under veterinary supervision- Creating enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviors- Learning about different species and their specific care requirements
This volunteer program is ideal for those passionate about wildlife conservation and interested in understanding the rehabilitation process that prepares animals for successful reintegration into the wild.
Help Out Around the Sanctuary
Beyond direct animal care, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary offers numerous volunteer opportunities that support the overall operations and infrastructure. From helping at Angels Rest, the sanctuary’s memorial garden for animals, to assisting with landscaping projects and building maintenance, there are plenty of ways to contribute your skills and expertise.
Additional volunteer opportunities around the sanctuary include:
– Landscaping and grounds maintenance projects- Building repair and maintenance work- Administrative and organizational support- Event coordination and community outreach- Clinic support and medical assistance (for qualified professionals)- Facility improvements and beautification projects
These opportunities are perfect for volunteers who prefer hands-on work outside of direct animal care or who possess specialized skills in construction, landscaping, or facility management. Every project undertaken strengthens the sanctuary’s ability to provide world-class care for its animal residents.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
Groups of all sizes can organize rewarding volunteer experiences at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Whether you’re part of a corporate team, community organization, family, or friend group, the sanctuary welcomes your collective effort. Group volunteering provides a unique bonding experience while contributing meaningfully to animal welfare.
Groups can:
– Schedule coordinated volunteer shifts tailored to group size and interests- Learn about Best Friends’ mission and the no-kill movement- Understand how to help animals in your own community- Work on specific projects suited to group capabilities- Build team cohesion while making a positive social impact
Group volunteer experiences combine personal fulfillment with team building, making them ideal for corporate retreats, family vacations, and community service initiatives. The sanctuary provides guidance and structure to ensure groups have meaningful, well-organized experiences.
Volunteer Schedule and How to Get Started
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary operates volunteer shifts year-round with remarkable consistency. Two volunteer shifts are available every single day of the year:
| Volunteer Shift | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Shift | 8:15 AM – 11:30 AM | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Afternoon Shift | 1:15 PM – 4:00 PM | 2 hours 45 minutes |
Note: The sanctuary operates on Mountain Time (UTC-7).
Getting started with volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is simple and flexible. To begin your volunteer journey:
Step 1: Visit the Volunteer Portal
Access volunteers.bestfriends.org to explore available opportunities and learn more about the application process.
Step 2: Create Your Schedule Online
The online system allows you to create your entire volunteer schedule with ease and flexibility, choosing shifts that work best for your availability.
Step 3: Contact the Volunteer Department
For questions or to discuss special volunteer projects, reach out directly:- Email: volunteers@bestfriends.org- Phone: 435-319-0622
Before You Visit: Know Before You Go
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary provides comprehensive information to help volunteers prepare for their visit to the sanctuary in southern Utah. Understanding what to expect ensures a comfortable, safe, and productive volunteer experience.
Key preparation tips include:
– Packing appropriate clothing for southern Utah’s climate and seasons- Arranging meals and refreshments- Understanding sanctuary safety protocols- Learning about specific animal area requirements- Planning transportation to and from Kanab, Utah
The sanctuary’s “Know Before You Go” resources address common questions and help volunteers feel confident and prepared for their arrival. This support demonstrates Best Friends’ commitment to creating positive volunteer experiences.
Additional Ways to Help Animals
For those who cannot visit the sanctuary in person, Best Friends Animal Society offers alternative ways to support animal rescue and advocacy. One particularly valuable option is fostering.
Fostering Animals in Your Community
If you live within driving distance of Kanab, you can foster an animal from the sanctuary. When you welcome an animal into your home for a short time, you free up valuable space for another animal in need. Fostering provides animals with a trial experience in a home environment, helps them become more adoptable, and reduces overcrowding at the facility. This is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to homeless pets waiting in shelters across the country.
Foster animals may include dogs, cats, bunnies, and other species. The sanctuary provides support and resources to ensure foster experiences are successful for both the animal and the foster family.
Inclusive Volunteering Opportunities
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is committed to making volunteering accessible to everyone. The sanctuary welcomes volunteers with disabilities and offers accommodations including shorter one-hour shifts to enable broader participation. This inclusive approach recognizes that diverse volunteers bring valuable perspectives and skills to animal care work.
Youth volunteers are also encouraged to participate. Children as young as six can volunteer alongside a guardian with select animals, while volunteers under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times. Each adult may supervise up to two minors, making family volunteering an accessible and enriching experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What animal care tasks do volunteers typically perform?
A: Volunteers participate in regular animal care routines including feeding, cleaning, grooming, and walking. Socializing animals is also crucial work, as it helps make them more adoptable and eases their transition to forever homes. Special projects in maintenance and other areas are available for those interested.
Q: Can my family volunteer together?
A: Yes! Families are welcome to volunteer together. Children ages six and older can participate with a guardian. Adults can supervise up to two minors, making it an excellent family bonding experience while contributing to animal welfare.
Q: How long do volunteer shifts last?
A: Morning shifts run from 8:15 AM to 11:30 AM, and afternoon shifts run from 1:15 PM to 4:00 PM. Shorter one-hour shifts are available for volunteers with disabilities or those who prefer limited time commitments.
Q: Are there volunteer opportunities for people with medical skills?
A: Yes. Licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other medically skilled volunteers may be eligible to volunteer at the Best Friends Animal Clinic with prior arrangements. Contact the volunteer department to discuss your qualifications.
Q: Can I volunteer remotely or from outside of Utah?
A: Best Friends offers remote volunteer opportunities through their National Operations Volunteers & Ambassadors (NOVA) program. Additionally, if you live in areas with Best Friends locations, such as Salt Lake City, you can volunteer with local programs supporting lifesaving work in your community.
Q: What if I want to help but can’t visit the sanctuary?
A: Fostering animals from the sanctuary (if you live within driving distance of Kanab) is an excellent option. Foster families provide temporary homes that help animals become more adoptable while freeing up sanctuary space for more animals in need.
Making Your Impact
Volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary represents more than just helping animals. It’s about joining a community of compassionate individuals dedicated to ending the killing in America’s animal shelters and creating a world where all animals have the opportunity to thrive. Your time, energy, and love directly contribute to the sanctuary’s mission of saving lives and building a no-kill nation.
With thousands of animals in shelters around the country hoping for their own families, one of the most valuable gifts you can give them is your time. Whether you choose to work directly with animals, support sanctuary operations, or foster in your home, your contribution matters profoundly.
References
- Volunteer at our animal sanctuary — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/volunteer
- Volunteer Animal Shelter | Best Friends Animal Society — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/volunteer/volunteer-faqs
- Lend a helping hand around our sanctuary — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary/volunteer/other-volunteer-opportunities
- Volunteer Program Overview Playbook — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/network/resources-tools/volunteer-program-overview-playbook
- Volunteer & Vacation at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — Visit Utah. 2025. https://www.visitutah.com/articles/best-friends-animal-sanctuary
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