In a world where countless animals are left homeless or face euthanasia due to overcrowded shelters, the Best Friends Animal Society is a beacon of hope. Their mission is clear: to create a world where every pet finds a home, and shelters no longer need to euthanize animals due to lack of space. As an organization that has dedicated itself to saving lives, Best Friends Animal Society has transformed the landscape of animal welfare. Whether you’re a pet owner, an animal lover, or someone interested in making a difference, this article will dive deep into the impact and mission of Best Friends Animal Society.
What is Best Friends Animal Society?
At its core, Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization that works to reduce and ultimately eliminate the killing of animals in shelters across the United States. They do this through various programs, partnerships with local shelters, advocacy work, and public education. Since its founding in 1984, the organization has grown into one of the most respected and influential animal welfare groups in the country.
The No-Kill Mission
Best Friends’ most ambitious goal is to lead the nation to no-kill by 2025. What does that mean, exactly? A no-kill shelter ensures that at least 90% of the animals that come through its doors are saved. It’s a bold vision, but one that Best Friends Animal Society is actively working toward through their No-Kill 2025 initiative.
Key Points of the No-Kill Initiative:
- Collaboration: Partnering with shelters, rescues, and communities to save lives.
- Resources: Providing tools and resources to help animal shelters transition to no-kill status.
- Education: Offering educational programs for pet owners, fostering responsible pet ownership.
- Advocacy: Working with lawmakers to implement policies that support no-kill efforts.
How Best Friends Animal Society is Making a Difference
So, how exactly does Best Friends Animal Society achieve such a massive impact? Here are a few of their standout initiatives:
1. Animal Sanctuary
Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a home for hundreds of homeless pets. Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and even farm animals live in this sprawling sanctuary, many of whom are waiting to be adopted or need special care. The sanctuary serves as a safe haven and a place where these animals can thrive while awaiting their forever homes.
2. National Initiatives
Best Friends Animal Society works nationwide, partnering with local shelters, rescues, and municipalities. Their national programs include spay/neuter campaigns, adoption events, and fostering programs. They’ve also created comprehensive databases and online tools to make the adoption process easier for shelters and potential pet owners alike.
3. Community Cat Programs
Feral cats, often referred to as community cats, are one of the largest populations of animals euthanized in shelters. Best Friends has developed a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to humanely reduce the number of feral cats. This program focuses on trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, and returning them to their environment. It’s a humane and effective way to manage cat populations and prevent overcrowding in shelters.
4. Pet Lifesaving Programs
Whether it’s a large-scale disaster or a high-risk area with a high kill rate, Best Friends Animal Society has mobile rescue units that respond to emergencies, helping animals in crisis situations. These lifesaving efforts ensure that no animal is left behind.
Why Should You Get Involved?
Helping Best Friends Animal Society isn’t just about donating (although that’s always welcome!). You can make a difference in several ways:
- Adopt, Don’t Shop: When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you’re not only gaining a new furry friend, but you’re also saving a life.
- Volunteer: Whether at a local shelter or at the Best Friends Sanctuary, giving your time can help save lives.
- Foster: If you can’t commit to adopting a pet permanently, fostering an animal is a great way to give them a temporary home while they wait for their forever family.
- Spread the Word: Share information about Best Friends Animal Society on social media, tell your friends, and get the word out about no-kill initiatives.
FAQ: Best Friends Animal Society
What is the mission of Best Friends Animal Society?
Best Friends Animal Society’s mission is to bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets. They are working to make the entire country no-kill by 2025.
How can I support Best Friends Animal Society?
There are many ways to support the organization, including donating, volunteering, fostering, or adopting a pet. You can also advocate for no-kill policies in your community.
What is a no-kill shelter?
A no-kill shelter saves at least 90% of the animals that come through its doors, ensuring that pets are only euthanized if they are suffering or cannot be saved for medical reasons.
Where is the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located?
The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located in Kanab, Utah. It is a sprawling 3,700-acre safe haven for animals.
How can I adopt a pet from Best Friends Animal Society?
You can adopt a pet either by visiting their sanctuary in Utah or through one of their many national events and adoption partnerships with local shelters.
Conclusion
Best Friends Animal Society is more than just a charity; it’s a movement to save lives and create a future where no animal is left behind. By adopting, fostering, donating, or even just spreading the word, you can help bring us closer to a world where shelters no longer need to euthanize healthy, adoptable animals.
Join the movement, be a part of the solution, and together, we can make the world a better place for our furry friends.