Best Friends Animal Society

What Best Friends Animal Society does

Best Friends Animal Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1984 and headquartered in Kanab, Utah, that operates the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary on nearly 5,800 acres with capacity for up to 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and rehabilitating wildlife. The organization runs five regional adoption centers in Los Angeles, New York City, Salt Lake City, Houston, and Northwest Arkansas, and coordinates a national network of more than 5,500 partner shelters and rescue groups. Its core mission is ending the killing of dogs and cats in American shelters, pursued through adoption services, foster programs, spay/neuter clinics, wildlife rehabilitation, professional education (including a 1,500+ learner partnership with Southern Utah University yielding 770+ certificates), and policy advocacy.

The organization's technology stack is partnership-enabled rather than proprietary-built. Best Friends integrates Amazon's AI-powered pet adoption matching tool (NLP with generative video, developed with PetArmor) and Ring's computer-vision Search Party feature for reuniting lost pets with owners. Distribution combines a national online adoption portal, the Best Friends Store e-commerce site for fundraising merchandise, the Sanctuary mobile app, and an extensive corporate partnership and event-driven marketing program across social platforms and brand collaborations.

Revenue is generated through diversified nonprofit streams: individual one-time and recurring Guardian Angel monthly donations, planned giving (bequests, trusts), corporate sponsorships and cause-marketing campaigns (Walmart, Skechers, Blue Buffalo, Whisker, Fresh Step, Ring, Amazon, and others), grant funding (notably Maddie's Fund and ASPCA), merchandise sales, and event fundraising including Strut Your Mutt. The organization reports that 87% of fiscal year 2024 spending went directly to programs and services, and holds a four-star Charity Navigator rating with Platinum Transparency recognition from Candid. Specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Best Friends Animal Society

Legal name

Best Friends Animal Society

Website

https://bestfriends.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Best Friends Animal Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary and a 5,500+ shelter network to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters through adoption, foster, and advocacy programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare Services

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Veterinary Services (54194)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animal Shelters & Rescue Operations (AFAEALAB), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare) (BPAGAIAJ)

Keywords

• Animal welfare services
• Pet adoption programs
• Shelter network partnerships
• Wildlife rehabilitation services
• No-kill advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Kanab

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and monthly donations from individual supporters. Monthly Guardian Angel program provides recurring revenue. Tax-deductible contributions as 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Merchandise Sales: Best Friends operates an online store selling pet-themed merchandise, with proceeds supporting animal care at sanctuary and nationwide programs.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorships and donations from corporate partners including Walmart, Skechers, Fresh Step, Blue Buffalo, Whisker, and others. Includes fee-waived adoption events and matching donations.
4. Planned Giving: Bequests, wills, trusts, and other planned giving instruments that provide long-term funding support.
5. Event Fundraising: National events including Strut Your Mutt fundraiser where supporters raise funds for Best Friends and network partners.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Best Friends Animal Society runs the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, five regional adoption centers in major U.S. metros, and a nationwide network of 5,500+ partner shelters and rescue groups that together provide pet adoption, fostering, spay/neuter, wildlife rehabilitation, and advocacy services. The organization funds this work through individual donations (including the Guardian Angel recurring monthly program), corporate sponsorships, planned giving, grants, and merchandise sales, while developing education programs such as Learn with Best Friends in partnership with Southern Utah University.

Product overview

Best Friends Animal Society operates as a nonprofit animal welfare organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of services rather than a traditional product platform. The core offerings include the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah (the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary), regional pet adoption centers in Los Angeles, New York City, Salt Lake City, Houston, and Northwest Arkansas, and the Best Friends Network (5,500+ partner shelters and rescue groups). Supporting services include foster programs, spay/neuter clinics, Wild Friends wildlife rehabilitation, advocacy programs, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary mobile app, online adoption resources, Strut Your Mutt fundraising events, the Best Friends Store e-commerce site, and professional education programs through Learn with Best Friends. The organization does not offer a technology platform product with integrations, APIs, or SDKs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary The nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, on nearly 5,800 acres, providing a healing home for up to 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and rehabilitating wildlife. Open to visitors, volunteers, and adopters.
• Regional Pet Adoption Centers Five regional adoption centers in Los Angeles (NKLA Pet Adoption Center), New York City, Salt Lake City, Houston, and Northwest Arkansas, providing pet adoption, spay/neuter, and community programs in major U.S. metros.
• Best Friends Network A nationwide collaborative network of more than 5,500 animal shelters and rescue groups working with Best Friends on adoptions, transport, grants, training, and data sharing to achieve no-kill communities.
• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Mobile App Mobile application enabling visitors to experience the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary during trips to Kanab, Utah, or remotely from home.
• Foster Programs Short-term fostering programs, including kitten fostering and community cat programs, that engage community members to reduce shelter intake and help pets transition to adoption.
• Wild Friends Wildlife Rehabilitation State- and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation area at the Sanctuary providing care for injured or orphaned wild animals, with permanent placement for non-releasable wildlife.
• Strut Your Mutt Fundraising Event Annual national fundraising event in which supporters raise money for Best Friends and network partner shelters while walking their pets.
• Best Friends Store (Merchandise E-commerce) Online store selling pet-themed merchandise and apparel, with proceeds supporting Best Friends Animal Society's lifesaving work at the sanctuary and nationwide programs.
• Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Services Veterinary services providing spay/neuter procedures and medical care to reduce pet overpopulation and support community no-kill goals, delivered at the sanctuary and regional centers.
• Advocacy and Public Policy Programs Programs advocating for progressive pet policies, ending puppy mills, pit bull awareness, and animal-friendly legislation at local, state, and national levels.
• Learn with Best Friends (Professional Education) Professional education program offering stackable microcredentials in shelter operations, leadership, and lifesaving strategies, including the SUU Executive Leadership Certification partnership.

Quantifiable outcome

• 68% of U.S. shelters reached no-kill in 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and flagship.

• Whisker (Litter-Robot)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Covering cat adoption fees at all Best Friends locations nationwide throughout June 2026. Adopters also eligible to win Litter-Robot 4 Best Friends Bundle. Partnership since 2023 has helped support adoption of more than 25,000 cats.
• Pet Lovers' Choice AwardsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 May 2026Best Friends Animal Society named as beneficiary of public voting for 'Best in State' Awards competition with $250,000 in prizes. Each paid vote directly supports Best Friends.
• LevoitminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 May 2026Levoit donates 10% of proceeds from Vital Pet Pro sales through Best Friends Animal Society partnership page toward helping shelter animals.
• WalmartmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 April 2026National Pet Month campaign featuring fee-waived adoption events, multi-day festivals, in-store promotions, and register roundups across nearly all 50 U.S. states. Committed up to $550,000 with Blue Buffalo to cover adoption fees at Best Friends locations.
• SkechersmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 April 2026National Pet Month campaign partner donating $500,000 to Best Friends in 2026 for adoption events and promotional activities across the U.S.
• Blue BuffalomajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 April 2026Committed up to $550,000 with Walmart to cover adoption fees at Best Friends locations during National Pet Month campaign.
• ASPCAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Joint $14 million multi-year initiative to support LA Animal Services, representing the largest combined investment by these two national organizations in a single municipal shelter system. Funding supports 23 critical staff positions and embeds four experienced professionals for training and program development. Aims to improve animal outcomes through community engagement and operational improvements.
• FureelzminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 April 2026New social media platform for animal videos partnering with Best Friends Animal Society and PetSmart Charities to support animal welfare causes. Platform grew 40% since launch and expanded to 76 countries.
• PetSmart CharitiesmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 April 2026Partnering with Best Friends and Fureelz to support animal welfare causes through social media platform and adoption initiatives.
• AmazonmajorTechnology or Integration · 9 April 2026AI-powered pet adoption tool launched in collaboration with PetArmor and Best Friends using natural language processing to match pets with potential adopters, supplemented by generative videos and shelter infrastructure projects.
• Bar Dog WineminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 March 2026Official Wine Partner committing $1 per bottle sold (up to $100,000 annually) through 'Make Your Dog Famous' campaign to support Best Friends animal adoption programs and no-kill initiatives.
• Foley Family Wines & SpiritsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 March 2026Parent company of Bar Dog Wine launching 'Make Your Dog Famous' campaign partnership with Best Friends donating up to $100,000 annually.
• Petco LoveminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 February 2026Partnering with Ring and Best Friends to equip shelters with camera systems and help locate lost dogs through AI-powered Search Party feature.
• Fresh StepmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 February 2026Valentine's Day campaign 'Date Cats, Not Humans' partnering with Bumble and Best Friends. Providing free litter coupons to new cat parents and covering adoption fees (up to $10,000) during Valentine's Day weekend at multiple locations.
• BumbleminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 February 2026Valentine's Day campaign allowing Bumble users to swipe right on adoptable cats through partnership with Fresh Step and Best Friends.
• Ariana MadixminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 February 2026Celebrity partner for Fresh Step and Best Friends 'Date Cats, Not Humans' Valentine's Day campaign to promote cat adoption.
• Southern Utah University (SUU)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2026Partnership to expand professional education in animal services with over 1,500 learners participating nationwide and more than 770 professional certificates awarded. Provides stackable microcredentials in shelter operations, leadership and lifesaving strategies.
• e.l.f. CosmeticsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 October 2025'Animal Intelligence' campaign featuring pets to celebrate cruelty-free values. E.l.f. Cosmetics donated $25,000 to Best Friends Animal Society and engaged pet owners through social media.
• Spirit of GallominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 April 2025Launched Lucky One Lemonade partnership pledging to raise $1 million for dog rescue organizations including LifeLine Animal Project and Best Friends Animal Society through 'Our Pack Gives Back' initiative.
• Miss PeachesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 April 2025Viral pet influencer partnering with Spirit of Gallo to promote Lucky One Vodka Lemonade benefiting Best Friends Animal Society.
• Fetch Pet InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate partner providing pet insurance services through Best Friends network.
• Warner Bros. Pictures and DC StudiosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTeamed up with Supergirl to encourage pet adoption through 'Bring Love Home' campaign.
• Alex WarrenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerContent creator helping to 'Bring Love Home' campaign with Best Friends.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Adopt-a-Pet: Adopt-a-Pet operates one of the largest online pet adoption search platforms in the U.S., directly adjacent to Best Friends' online adoption portal and searchable network of adoptable pets.
• Alley Cat Allies: Alley Cat Allies is a national advocacy and grantmaking organization focused on community cats, TNR, and shelter-cat outcomes. Comparable in that it advances no-kill for cats, but narrower in species and program scope.

Direct peers

• PetSmart Charities: PetSmart Charities funds adoption, spay/neuter, and shelter grants nationwide, and is a co-partner with Best Friends on the Fureelz social platform initiative. Closely aligned funding model and shelter-network focus.
• Petco Love: Petco Love is the nonprofit arm of Petco, funding adoptions, shelter grants, and the Ring/Amazon lost-pet partnership alongside Best Friends. Directly comparable in shelter grantmaking and adoption events.
• ASPCA: ASPCA is one of the largest U.S. animal welfare nonprofits, with overlapping mission around shelter reform, adoption, and legislative advocacy. Best Friends and ASPCA co-fund the $14M LA Animal Services initiative, signaling direct comparability in scope, donor base, and policy influence.
• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): HSUS is a national animal welfare nonprofit with broad programs in shelter support, disaster response, advocacy, and corporate partnerships. Comparable to Best Friends in mission, network reach, and fundraising scale.
• American Humane: American Humane is a long-standing national animal welfare nonprofit with shelter, rescue, and advocacy programs. Overlaps with Best Friends in mission and donor base, with a broader international footprint.
• Maddie's Fund: Maddie's Fund is a major animal welfare foundation that has granted directly to Best Friends ($780K in 2022, $1.5M in 2019). Comparable as a national no-kill funder with overlapping grantee network.

Others

• Petfinder Foundation: Petfinder is the largest online pet adoption directory and a key ecosystem platform for shelter pets; the Petfinder Foundation grants to shelters. Highly comparable in adoption-funnel infrastructure, even though it is platform/infrastructure rather than a direct shelter operator.

Broad incumbents

• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): PETA is a large, established animal advocacy organization with nationwide brand recognition and donor reach. Differs in tactics (rights-based advocacy vs. shelter-focused no-kill) but competes for the same donor mindshare.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bestfriends
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BestFriendsVideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/best-friends-animal-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/bestfriendsanimalsociety
• Pinterestpinterest.com/bfas
• TikToktiktok.com/@bestfriendsanimalsociety

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Best Friends Animal Society