The mission of Best Friends Animal Society is to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets®. We do this by helping end the killing in America's animal shelters through building community programs and partnerships all across the nation.

Thanks to you, 3.6 million cats and dogs were saved in shelters across the country in 2022. From tiny kittens to senior pups, that's 3.6 million reasons to celebrate as Best Friends works with animal welfare partners and caring people like you to lead the United States to no-kill by 2025.

Julie Castle Chief Executive Officer. Julie Castle was born and raised in Bountiful, Utah, a descendent of pioneers and entrepreneurs.

On any given day, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the healing home for up to 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs and other animals. The largest sanctuary of its kind in the U.S., Best Friends has become the heart of a collaborative no-kill movement, and a model for the future of animal welfare.

Having an animal as a best friend can take the form of relationship known as the "pet", but it can also take other forms. People who work with animals often characterize their non-human partners as friends.

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults.

Animals Helping People. Animals can serve as a source of comfort and support. Therapy dogs are especially good at this. They're sometimes brought into hospitals or nursing homes to help reduce patients' stress and anxiety.

Dogs Dogs do it all. Dogs are considered by many to be humanity's best friend for many reasons.

Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 355,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary.

1,600 animals How many animals live at the Sanctuary? The Sanctuary is home on any given day to around 1,600 animals, many of whom have special needs. Most of the animals are dogs and cats; the rest are horses, birds, rabbits, potbellied pigs, and an assortment of other animals.

Gregory CastleErnst Paul EckhoffMichael Mountain Best Friends Animal Society/Founders

1,600 animals How many animals live at the Sanctuary? The Sanctuary is home on any given day to around 1,600 animals, many of whom have special needs. Most of the animals are dogs and cats; the rest are horses, birds, rabbits, potbellied pigs, and an assortment of other animals.