When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Best Friends Animal Society
Why Best Friends Animal Society is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Best Friends Animal Society, founded in 1984 in a remote Utah canyon, is far more than an animal shelter—it is a sanctuary dedicated to saving every homeless pet, no matter their special needs. This organization pioneered the nationwide no-kill movement, creating a unique place of refuge and healing where every animal is treasured and considered adoptable. Visitors to the sanctuary experience an inspiring environment among approximately 1,600 animals including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, and birds, cared for by passionate staff who provide individualized attention and kindness. The property also features a beautiful pet memorial site, a vegan restaurant with stunning views, and interactive opportunities to meet various animals awaiting adoption. Beyond a physical location, Best Friends operates nationwide with a mission to make America no-kill by 2025 through adoption programs, spay and neuter initiatives, foster care, and rescue transports. Its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to kindness make it an exceptional place to gather and share a meaningful visit with friends while supporting animal welfare.
Here's what people think of Best Friends Animal Society
As of recent, Best Friends Animal Society holds a 4.6-star rating based on 1029 reviews.
User reviews of Best Friends Animal Society overwhelmingly praise the sanctuary for its compassionate and individualized care for a large variety of animals, describing visits as heartwarming and inspiring. Many highlight the well-trained staff's dedication and the sanctuary's peaceful environment nestled in beautiful Utah scenery. Guests appreciate the guided tours, opportunities for personal animal interactions, and amenities such as the on-site vegan café offering breathtaking views. The sanctuary's comprehensive mission to end shelter killing garners strong support and admiration. Positive reviews commonly emphasize the transformative experience of witnessing the sanctuary’s impact on homeless pets and lauding the professionalism and kindness of the team. Negative feedback is minimal but includes occasional comments about limited interaction with some animals like horses or logistical difficulties in scheduling tours. Some visitors note that the sanctuary's remote location requires travel planning, which could be a constraint. Overall, reviews conclude that Best Friends Animal Society provides a uniquely uplifting and educational experience that effectively combines advocacy, rescue, and community engagement to save countless lives and inspire all who visit.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
sophia tuft
This place is seriously the best, I adopted a sweet kitten for my boyfriend’s birthday to surprise him and I was welcomed right as I walked in. They directed me to the kittens who were all clearly well taken care of and happy. The facility was clean and taken care of. All the the staff clearly communicated everything and happily answered every question I had! The adoption ended up also being free which was a pleasant surprise(they had an event in July Warner Brother payed for all adoptions as a promotion). We were also informed of all her past vaccines, medication, and medical history. I walked out the door knowing if she had any health issues they would be happy to assist me. They also supplied a very nice sized bag of blue buffalo kitten food. And the icing on top of the cake, I just recieved a small package in the mail with a cat cake making kit!! Seriously, if you are looking for a new family member please consider Best Friends animal.
Anaya LaRose
My husband and I adopted this gorgeous (very big) boy, we absolutely love him. He is super friendly and loves to cuddle, he has been helping us both feel better emotionally 🫶🏼 I believe is was Bonnie who was helping us, she gave us a lot of information about him and his behavior, she answered all of our questions. She was so friendly and helpful. I would 100% recommend every visit here when looking for a new addition to their family.😊
carol l
Super cute animals, horrible conditions… I was there for over an hour. When we arrived, we noticed the puppy room had some vomit on one of the puppy’s kennel, blanket, and toy. We let the workers know, and over an hour later when we were leaving, the vomit was still there. The foster coordinators were just sitting around on their phones instead of cleaning it up… The smell was so strong and vile I couldn’t even go in for more than one minute… so I can’t even imagine how strong it was for them… poor babies 💔
Brian Best
We adopted our dog from them a few years ago, and we couldn't have been luckier!! The staff is always friendly and patient, answering our questions honestly. I also really like that they are a no kill shelter.
Sheila Blay Baraga
I love what they do here at Best Friends. Supporting our most vulnerable creatures by finding them loving homes.
How to reach Best Friends Animal Society
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Why Best Friends Animal Society may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Best Friends Animal Society with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Best Friends Animal Society offers a deeply meaningful and heartwarming experience unlike any typical meetup spot. This is not just a sanctuary for animals; it is the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless pets dedicated to the mission of "No More Homeless Pets®." Sharing time here means contributing directly to a compassionate cause—helping save and improve the lives of animals that have often faced abandonment or neglect. The sanctuary’s serene setting in Utah’s high desert provides a peaceful and inspiring natural backdrop that supports healing and kindness, creating a perfect environment for friends to connect over shared values of empathy and community service.
Moreover, Best Friends operates with a powerful community-driven approach, involving thousands of people nationwide who participate in rescue, adoption, and educational programs. This creates a special atmosphere where visitors can witness firsthand the impact of collective kindness and animal advocacy. Rallying here goes beyond socializing—it becomes a shared mission to support animal welfare, foster compassion, and learn about efforts that are transforming America’s animal shelters into no-kill havens. For groups wanting a meaningful bonding experience combined with fun, education, and a chance to make a difference, Best Friends Animal Society stands out as an ideal destination.
What activities does Best Friends Animal Society offer for groups?
Best Friends Animal Society presents an engaging variety of activities that naturally suit group visits, making it an enriching reunion spot for friends or family. Visitors typically start with guided tours of the expansive sanctuary, where groups can meet and interact with hundreds of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, and pigs. These tours provide a unique educational experience, as guests learn about each animal's story, the sanctuary’s mission, and the no-kill movement that the organization helped pioneer. This activity fosters conversation and creates bonding moments around shared compassion for animals.
In addition to tours, Best Friends offers volunteering opportunities that groups can participate in together. From playing with animals, assisting with basic care, to helping with facility upkeep, these hands-on activities turn a meetup into a purposeful engagement that benefits both people and pets. Volunteer sessions can be tailored to group size and interest, allowing everyone to contribute meaningfully while having fun. This active involvement promotes teamwork and leaves attendees with a lasting sense of accomplishment and connection to the cause.
Educational workshops and special events hosted by Best Friends further enrich a group outing. These cover topics like animal behavior, adoption processes, spay/neuter advocacy, and how communities can create no-kill shelters. Such programming stimulates collective learning and discussion, empowering groups to take home inspiring knowledge that can spark further positive change. With ample picnic and rest areas, groups can also enjoy meals together outdoors amid scenic surroundings, making the visit both socially enjoyable and memorable.
Why is Best Friends Animal Society perfect for hosting a group meetup?
Best Friends Animal Society’s blend of mission-driven purpose, expansive natural setting, and comprehensive visitor engagement makes it uniquely suited for hosting group meetups. For starters, the sanctuary’s size and layout allow groups to spread out comfortably yet explore together, facilitating a relaxed, stress-free day trip. The peaceful desert canyon offers a scenic but tranquil environment that naturally encourages reflection and warm socializing away from the usual urban hustle.
The organization’s core values of kindness, authenticity, and transparency resonate strongly with people looking for meetups that are meaningful beyond casual entertainment. Parties arrive not only to socialize but also to share a commitment to animal welfare, creating bonds grounded in shared compassion. The welcoming atmosphere at Best Friends includes people from all backgrounds, fostering inclusivity that can enrich group dynamics and conversations.
Logistically, Best Friends is well-prepared to accommodate group needs with organized programs, accessible facilities, and knowledgeable staff eager to guide visitors. The opportunity to interact directly with animals provides playful breaks between educational moments, sustaining energy and enjoyment for varied interests and ages. The sanctuary experience—combining social interaction, education, and community service—is distinctively memorable, making your gathering here stand out from typical venues.
How can a group make the most of a visit to Best Friends Animal Society?
To maximize the experience, groups should consider planning ahead to participate in scheduled tours and volunteer shifts. Booking guided tours ensures a structured, informative visit where everyone gains insight into the sanctuary’s work and the individual personalities of its residents. Coordinating volunteer activities amplifies the sense of team fulfillment and lets visitors contribute tangibly to animal care.
Groups might also arrange attendance during one of Best Friends’ special events or workshops, offering a deeper dive into specific animal welfare topics. Taking notes and discussing what is learned can catalyze ongoing engagement even after returning home. Bringing picnic meals or snacks supports extended visits—allowing the group to relax together outdoors and soak in the inspiring atmosphere.
Capturing moments with photos of animals and friends helps keep memories vivid and shareable, possibly inspiring others to visit or support the sanctuary in the future. Finally, groups keen to have a lasting impact should consider donating to Best Friends or adopting pets rescued from the sanctuary, extending the kindness experienced during their visit into sustained support.
What impact does visiting Best Friends Animal Society have on visitors and their communities?
Visiting Best Friends offers a powerful emotional and intellectual impact that often extends well beyond the day spent at the sanctuary. Encountering the stories and personalities of rescued animals fosters empathy and compels individuals to see animals as unique beings worthy of respect and care. For groups, this shared glimpse into animal welfare challenges and successes can create a collective commitment to advocacy and kindness.
This experience frequently motivates visitors to spread awareness, get involved locally in animal rescue efforts, or support no-kill initiatives in their own communities. The education provided naturally triggers discussions about humane treatment, the importance of spay/neuter programs, and policies to improve shelter conditions nationwide. Thus, a group visit can become a seed for ongoing community activism and compassionate living.
Moreover, the inspirational nature of Best Friends’ mission and its visible results often leave visitors feeling hopeful and connected—not just to animals, but to each other. This strengthens social bonds and promotes positive mental well-being among attendees. The sanctuary’s example encourages making kindness an everyday practice, producing ripple effects that benefit broader society.
What makes the reputation of Best Friends Animal Society so highly rated by visitors?
Best Friends Animal Society enjoys a stellar reputation reflected in its impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,000 reviews. Visitors consistently praise the sanctuary for its respectful, loving treatment of animals and the palpable sense of purpose throughout the grounds. The quality of guided tours, thorough education, and opportunities for meaningful interaction receive frequent commendations.
Reviewers highlight the sanctuary’s cleanliness, peaceful setting, and friendly personnel who embody the core values of kindness and authenticity. Many note the emotional depth of their experience, often describing it as transformative and uplifting. The organization’s commitment to transparency and clear communication builds trust with supporters and visitors alike.
This positive feedback indicates that Best Friends delivers a consistently excellent experience that balances enjoyment, education, and compassionate service. Groups looking for a meetup venue that doubles as a force for good find in Best Friends Animal Society a venue that meets and often exceeds expectations, leaving guests inspired and grateful for the opportunity.
Overall, Best Friends Animal Society is a distinctive and rewarding place to host a gathering of friends or family. Between its compassionate mission, immersive educational opportunities, abundant animal interactions, and beautiful natural setting, it elevates any group outing into a memorable occasion for making a difference together. The sanctuary’s welcoming community, thoughtful programs, and strong reputation ensure your meetup will be both meaningful and enjoyable—a perfect combination for today’s socially conscious groups.