8 Great Places to Adopt a Pet

Best Friends Animal Society

What it is: Best Friends Animal Society was founded in 1984 by a group of animal lovers who refused to accept that humane societies and shelters "had no choice" but to kill unadoptable animals. Its headquarters in Kanab, Utah now runs the largest no-kill sanctuary in the United States. There’s also a branch in Los Angeles.

How it works: Go to bestfriends.org and browse through the available animals. Not located near Kanab or L.A.? That’s okay: Best Friends transports animals to adopters all across the United States and Canada.

Why it’s unique: Want to get up-close and personal with the thousand-plus animals—from dogs and cats to horses, pigs, ferrets, parakeets and beyond—at the Kanab sanctuary? Reserve a guided tour or sign up to volunteer. You can even spend the night in one of the on-site guest cottages or cabins, or on an RV site.