Located in Angel Canyon at Kanab, Utah, is one of the most magical places in the United States if you happen to be an animal lover. With so many RV'ers now traveling full-time with their own four-foots, (and other animal companions), it might be they would enjoy volunteering, even for a half-day at Best Friends Animal Society's sanctuary, the most unique animal rescue operations in the United States, near the Grand Canyon.
Best Friends Animal Society, says Patty Hegwood, Best Friends' Director Volunteer & Visitor Experience, “Is no roadside diversion. This is Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a lifesaving haven for hundreds of adoptable animals nestled between the sprawling red rocks of Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks." Hegwood suggests, “Lengthen your leash and experience for yourself the nature and nurture of the largest sanctuary of its kind in America.”
The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary has only two RV sites at their location, which fill up fast. Hegwood says of volunteers, “Best Friends Animal Society absolutely welcomes volunteers and visitors (but no tours on Christmas Day) and that includes RV'ers. All tours and volunteering are free, but it is really important to register ahead of time for both as they fill up fast! We have RV parks in our nearby Town of Kanab, five miles away, as well as other nearby locations." On the (website) lodging page, look under 'RV and Camping' options for parks to stay. Neat thing for RV'ers to know is that if they register to volunteer for a half-day in either the dogs, cats or even bunnies program, they are eligible to participate in our 'Sleepover Program'."
This program provides fun and a meaningful break for an adoptable pet who needs some extra quality time “at your pet-friendly accommodations.” This could even be at one of Best Friends' cabins, or in your RV, and many of our local hotels or vacation rentals accommodate pets -- be sure to ask ahead of time. "You get to spend some time snuggling with a wonderful, very appreciative cat or dog for a night. It's a win-win," Hegwood explains. Participants who do sleepovers normally observe and report the animal's behavior during a one-on-one interaction in a home-like environment; behavior that can be very different when they are around their Cat World or Dogtown friends. Hegwood notes, "You, or a member of your party, must first volunteer for a shift in the animal care area where your intended sleepover guest resides. You must not be traveling with your personal pets and all members of your party must meet minimum volunteer age requirements for that animal area." Cat World is 6+ years of age, Dogtown, 10+ years of age. If you are interested in a sleepover, you should first make arrangements with the volunteer coordinator.
Arlyn Bradshaw, Mountain West Regional Director for Best Friends Animal Society says, "We are building programs and partnerships beyond Utah's borders to save more pets in surrounding areas." Among the Best Friends' initiatives is No-Kill Utah, (NKUT), a final push to help turn Utah into a no-kill state. Best Friends Animal Society launched the NKUT initiative in 2014, bringing together passionate individuals, city shelters and an entire coalition of animal welfare organizations to end killing of cats and dogs in shelters throughout Utah by the year 2019. “By providing spay/neuter services where they are needed most, fewer animals ultimately enter shelters,” says Bradshaw. Last year, almost 2,000 animals were killed in Utah's shelters simply because they did not have homes. "We believe that number should be zero... And it can be,” he adds. “Together, we can save them all!” NKUT will sponsor a 'Super Adoption' May 4-5 at Salt Lake City's Legacy Event Center.
If the two RV sites are full at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, try Kanab RV Corral, 483 South 100 East, Kanab, Utah, 84741. Dale and Kristy Taylor are the new owners who report, “Our electrical system has been redesigned and rebuilt in order to support the ever-larger rigs. Two brand new transformers have been added on site to provide strong power where it's needed most, close to the rigs. Nine sites have been upgraded from 30-amp to 50-amp. There is an extra charge of $4 per night if more than that is needed.” Also upgraded, according to the Taylors, is Gig WiFi, renovated laundry and bathrooms, landscaping and a doggie park. “There is also a new home where we live and provide on-site, full-time service.”
The Hitch-N-Post at 196 East 300 South, Kanab, Utah, 84741, provides all 50-amp service at their sites along with weekly and monthly rates. Seasonal rates apply from November to April. Rates are $32 for 30-amp, full hook-up services for two people; $34 for 50-amp service with full hook-ups for two people; add $3 per extra person. Pets are welcomed. However no pets are allowed left out alone on leashes.
The Best Friends Visitor Center is located in the heart of Kanab. It is an interactive educational center for tourists to learn more about Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. "Information is also provided about our national programs, and – of course – the animals," according to Hegwood. Folks will have the opportunity to sign up for Sanctuary tours, get information on volunteering, grab a tasty drink, and even meet a few adorable, adoptable pets. She suggests checking out their upcoming events, like Kittens and Coffee and Paint you Pet's Portrait. The Best Friends Visitor Center is located at 235 South 100 East in Kanab, across from Glaziers Market. Summer hours, March-October, are Sundays through Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Winter hours (November-February) are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. The Best Friends Visitor Center phone is (435) 644-8584.