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🐾 Save Them All

Adopt a pet and save a life

Looking to find your new best friend? You can save the life of a dog or cat by choosing to adopt from a shelter or rescue group instead of buying from a breeder or puppy mill.

A happy adoptable dog

Every adoption makes room to save another life

Millions of households will add a pet to their family this year. If just 1 in 17 more of those families chose to adopt from a shelter, we could reach no-kill in your community and nationwide.

So when you adopt from a Best Friend location, a network partner, or one of the many shelters and rescue groups around the country, you're not only adding a loyal and loving companion to your family — you're helping to save lives.

6,000+
Network shelter partners
1,600
Animals at our sanctuary
1 in 17
Families to reach no-kill
$100
Adult adoption fee
Story of the Week
Available now Kenji, a red Shiba Inu resting with a bandaged leg
Best Friend Animal Sanctuary • Kanab, Utah

Meet Kenji

3-year-old male Shiba Inu The little red fox Mountain survivor

Kenji arrived at our Sanctuary as our newest little red fox with a story straight out of the southern Utah wilderness. A hiker spotted him alone high up on a rocky trail in the mountains near Kanab — no collar, no microchip, no one looking for him. He was thin, dehydrated, and had clearly been fending for himself for some time. Our team brought him in, and after a full medical workup we found he was otherwise healthy — just incredibly wary of the world.

At first, Kenji kept to himself. He’s a classic Shiba: independent, observant, and a little aloof. He prefers his own space and will often choose a quiet corner or elevated spot where he can watch everything from a distance. He doesn’t play rough with other dogs and can get overwhelmed in noisy environments, isolating himself when unsure — curling up tight and turning his back to the world.

But here’s what we’ve learned about this handsome boy: once he decides he trusts you, he shows a completely different side. He’ll do his famous Shiba “talk” (those dramatic little grumbles and howls), lean against your leg when he wants attention on his terms, and even do happy little spins at dinner time. He’s smart, clean, and surprisingly cuddly once he chooses you.

Kenji is looking for a very specific forever home:

  • An experienced Shiba (or strong-willed breed) owner who understands their independent nature
  • A calm, predictable household — preferably adults or older teens
  • A home with a secure, fenced yard where he can patrol and explore safely
  • Someone patient who will respect his need for space while gently showing him the world isn’t so scary

Kenji has already come so far since that lonely day on the mountain. He’s no longer the scared stray — he’s a proud little Shiba ready to bond deeply with his person. He just needs someone who gets him.

00Includes neuter, vaccines, microchip & lifetime support
Find your BFF

Bring home your new best friend

Best Friend operates lifesaving adoption centers around the country, plus the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary. Pick a location to meet pets near you.

Dog in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City

Give a pet a home and alleviate the burden on shelters across Utah.

Adoptable Pets
Dog in Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Adopting is a fun and fulfilling way to help save homeless pets in L.A.

Adoptable Pets
Dog in Houston

Houston

Houston embraces community-based sheltering to prepare pets for adoption.

Adoptable Pets
Dog in New York City

New York City

Join a lifesaving team working to create a bright future for homeless pets in NYC.

Adoptable Pets
Dog in Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas

Adopting a pet is a rewarding way to make a lifetime of difference.

Adoptable Pets
Dog at the sanctuary

The Sanctuary

Adopt from our Kanab, Utah sanctuary and make room for incoming pets.

Adopt from Sanctuary
Advertisement Sponsored pet supplies

Free adoptions this May at select locations

Drop by a "Give Love. Save Lives." event — all adoption fees waived thanks to our partners.

Find an Event
Meet the pets

Adoptable pets near you

These adoptable dogs and cats are looking for homes of their own. Could one of them be your new best friend?

DogMr. Magoo

Mr. Magoo

Senior • Friendly • House-trained
Adopt Mr. Magoo
DogPikake

Pikake

Adult • Playful • Good with kids
Adopt Pikake
DogAjax

Ajax

Young • Energetic • Loves walks
Adopt Ajax
DogTwizzler

Twizzler

Adult • Gentle • Couch buddy
Adopt Twizzler
DogGrace

Grace

Senior • Calm • Lap dog
Adopt Grace
DogVincent

Vincent

Adult • Loyal • Smart
Adopt Vincent
DogReginald

Reginald

Young • Curious • Cuddly
Adopt Reginald
DogShotGun

ShotGun

Adult • Brave • Best buddy
Adopt ShotGun
Adoption FAQs

Everything you need to know

What is the adoption process at Best Friend?+
Browse our adoptable pets online or drop into one of our locations. Our team will meet with you, answer questions, facilitate interactions with animals you're interested in, and share what we know to help you make the best decision. Then complete a short survey, sign some paperwork, and bring your new pet home!
What are the adoption fees?+
Adult dogs and cats are $100; puppies and kittens 6 months and under are $150. Fees cover spay/neuter, vaccinations, a microchip, and a health check. We offer waived fees for senior pets, discounts for veterans and military, and two-for-one kitten adoptions.
What are the requirements to adopt?+
You must be 18 years or older to adopt from a Best Friend location. Our goal is to help loving homes find the right fit. Start your adoption survey or browse adoptable pets to get going.
Can I adopt if I rent?+
Yes, renters can adopt! We encourage you to check your lease or speak with your landlord about providing a loving home for a pet in need.
Can I meet an animal before adopting?+
Absolutely — we encourage it! Visit our locations to meet animals in person, spend time with your potential new pet, ask questions, and bring family members. Our adoption counselors will help you find the right match for your lifestyle.
What if the adoption doesn't work out?+
We want every adoption to be successful. If issues arise, contact us first — we offer training resources and behavior guidance. We also have a lifetime return policy, and it's a no-judgment approach. We want what's best for both you and the pet.
Happily ever afters

Why you should adopt a pet

CaseyDonna L.Casey, fox terrier mix

"Casey is my best friend because she pulled me out of the darkness and gave me a reason to smile again. When she gets a case of the zoomies, she'll stop and tap me as if to say, 'Look at me, Mom.' It's priceless."

PoppyJennifer A.Poppy Cakes

"Poppy Cakes is the soul I spend the most time with. She's always excited to go hiking — we go every day. She cuddles, she listens, she's smart, and she's interested in everything I do."

BrunoElaine K.Bruno

"Bruno is my happily grumpy sidekick. He loves his 'cookies' and will do a high five for one. He's been my confidant and snuggle bug since he was 2.5 months old. I love my little old man."

Find shelters near you

Give us your email and we'll send a list of shelters where you live, plus more on how you can help save the lives of homeless pets.