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.

They provide companionship, teach our children about responsibility, give us new purpose during career changes or retirement, play vital roles in our communities, and offer much-needed laughter and love at just the right moments. They are our best friends.

Francis Battista Judah Best Friends Animal Society

81% of the 4.4 million cats and dogs that entered US shelters were saved in 2022. Sadly, 378,000 cats and dogs needlessly died.

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.

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.

Here's a look at some things that make dogs amazing and some reasons why dogs really are a man's (or woman's) best friend.

• Dogs Are a Great Company.
• They Have Unconditional Love.
• Dogs Can Benefit Our Health.
• Dogs Can Literally Save Your Life.
• Dogs Teach Us A Lot.
• We Have A Mutually Beneficial Relationship.

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

dog The term 'a dog is a man's best friend' was first used way back in 1789 by King Frederick of Prussia.

There are likely over a billion pets worldwide Families in the U.S., Brazil, EU and China alone account for over half a billion dogs and cats, while more than half the world is estimated to have a pet at home.

And what of "Man's Best Friend", the brave canines that helped pave the way for "manned" spaceflight? During the 1950s and 60s, the Soviets sent over 20 dogs into space, some of which never returned. Here's what we know about these intrepid canines who helped make humanity a space-faring race!

9,752 acre TWAS is the largest and oldest sanctuary of its kind in the World. The Wild Animal Refuge (TWAR) is a 9,752 acre property located in southern Colorado near the town of Springfield, CO.