Woman with white dog on sand dunes

Take a dog out for the day

If you’re looking for an adventure with a sweet pup by your side, you’ll want to sign up for an outing.

Outings are the perfect way to see our beautiful sanctuary and the surrounding areas while giving adoptable dogs some valuable time to explore life outside of their daily routine. 

During your outing, you’ll get to do an activity with one of our approved dogs from the Sanctuary — such as hiking in the canyon or snuggling in your hotel room. The pup will get experience in the "real world" and become even more ready for a new home while you have fun getting to know them.

Outings enrich the lives of adoptable dogs

Whatever you decide for your outing, from taking a trip to nearby Kanab or exploring the beauty of our animal sanctuary, one lucky dog will appreciate spending quality time with you.

Check out how fun an outing can be for both dogs and people!

Here’s what you can expect when you take a dog on an outing

Get ready for a fun-filled day with one of our approved dogs from the Sanctuary.

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Volunteer Tasks

Depending on the dog and their preferred activity level, you can spend the afternoon enjoying the home-like environment of your hotel room together or splashing around in the creek that runs through the canyon at our sanctuary.

Using your personal vehicle, you’ll take one dog on an outing during your volunteer shift.

Our staff can provide guidance and maps for choosing activities best suited for you and your canine companion. Ideas for outings include car rides, hikes away from Dogtown (weather and dog permitting), or quiet time at your pet-friendly lodging.

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Time Commitment

Outings can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on your arrangements with the dog’s caregivers. 

If you don't want the fun to end and would like some extra time with your new best buddy, you can also sign up to take a dog on a sleepover.

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Volunteer Requirements

Your dog will be selected by staff, and you’ll need to stay within one hour of the Sanctuary. 

If you're staying in a hotel, please check in advance to ensure pets are allowed. Those traveling with personal pets will not be allowed to take sleepover pets. Dog outings cannot take place in national parks or on Dogtown trails. 

All members of your party must meet the minimum volunteer age requirement for Dogtown: at least 16 years old. 

Outings into town may be limited during holidays and select events because of possible fireworks and crowds that can present safety hazards. Animals from the Sanctuary are not eligible for patio dining, so please make alternate meal arrangements. Some dogs can only go on outings within Sanctuary grounds.

Two people hiking with a dog in Southern Utah

Book your volunteer experience

Sign up for an outing and get ready for a fun day with an appreciative pup by your side.

Scheduling your volunteer shifts in advance is highly recommended, and shifts can be scheduled as far as one year in advance. You can check the availability of shifts anytime. 

Signing up for an outing requires two steps: 

You’ll first need to sign up for your shift in our volunteer portal. To begin the process, please create a volunteer profile. Once you sign up and complete your volunteer agreement, you can access the full list of volunteer opportunities.

After that, you’ll need to fill out the outing sign-up form within 24 hours of signing up for your volunteer shift registration.

Sign Up for a Volunteer Shift

If you already have a Best Friends volunteer profile, go to the volunteer portal to see opportunities available to you.

Volunteers with disabilities are welcome! Contact us to learn about volunteering with a disability; we offer shorter hour-long shifts for anyone interested. Email volunteers@bestfriends.org or call 435-319-0622 with questions or sign up for a shift.

Group of smiling people sitting with a dog in sandy area in Utah desert

Volunteer opportunities for groups

We have rewarding group volunteer experiences for your business, organization, college, or community group looking for a one-of-a-kind volunteer opportunity.
Volunteering as a group

Adventure awaits when you adopt

If you don't want the fun of your outing to end here, you can adopt an adventure buddy of your very own. Check out all our adorable pups.

Animal Previews
Animal Previews
Animal Previews
Animal Previews

Sponsor a pet at the Sanctuary

By giving a gift of sponsorship to your friends or family, you can provide love and care to the animals at our sanctuary.

Sponsor an animal

Cat relaxing with a person in a hotel

Get even more time with a pet

A sleepover gives an adoptable pet a chance to experience life away from the Sanctuary and gives you extra one-on-one time with a loving dog or cat.
Hosting a sleepover

Know before you go

If you’re not sure where to get lunch or what to wear in southern Utah’s weather, we’ve got you covered.

Our animal sanctuary is an incredibly special place, and we’ll help you figure out everything you need to know to ensure that your visit is the trip of your dreams.

Find out what to expect
Entrance sign to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Getting to our animal sanctuary 

Ready to plan your volunteer trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in beautiful southern Utah? We have everything you need to know to get started. 
Start planning your trip
Smiling person with a parrot sitting on their hand

More ways to help at our sanctuary

With seven different animal areas and acres of canyon lands surrounding the Sanctuary, you’ll have plenty of choices for where you can lend a hand. 
Volunteering at the Sanctuary