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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Join a lifesaving team working to create a bright future for homeless pets in NYC.
Adoptable PetsAdopting a pet is a rewarding way to make a lifetime of difference.
Adoptable PetsAdopt from our Kanab, Utah sanctuary and make room for incoming pets.
Adopt from SanctuaryThese adoptable dogs and cats are looking for homes of their own. Could one of them be your new best friend?
"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."
"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."
"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."
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.