Best Friends Animal Society was established in 1984 to help furry friends in need. The non-profit started as an Animal Sanctuary, located in southern Utah, which is still open. Over the past four decades, Best Friend Animal Society has expanded and has several locations in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Houston, Northwest Arkansas, Florida, and Pennsylvania. 

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the organization is focused on “end[ing] the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025.” The publication noted that since the non-profit launched, it has “helped reduce the number of dogs and cats being killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year … to about 347,000 today.” 

During a 2018 interview with the BUILD series, Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, discussed the history of the organization. She explained that the establishment of no-kill shelters, where animals are not euthanized did not seem possible. She explained that the “animal sheltering movement” started 150 years ago “in New York City where there was an overpopulation of dogs” and officials decided to kill the animals by drowning them “in the East River.” A shelter was eventually established in New York because of “ public outrage.”

“They decided to build a shelter and then the killing just continued to happen in the backroom and years and years went by and somewhere along the way, we lost our soul of how we were going to care for these animals. And you know, these remarkable founders at Best Friends came along in 1984 and said there is a better way, like let’s figure out how to best save the animals rather than how to best kill them,” shared Castle. 

Many celebrities are also supporters of Best Friends Animal Society, including Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, and Allison Janney. While promoting the non-profit, Janney encouraged her fans to visit their local shelter or rescue if they are interested in a new furry friend. 

"Please remember to adopt, don't shop. And if you're not able to bring an animal permanently into your home, please consider fostering or volunteering. Your life will be better for it,” said the Academy-award-winning actress. 

If you are interested in helping Best Friends Animal Society’s cause consider making a monetary contribution. If you are able and interested, you can also adopt or foster from the organization. Volunteering for the shelter is also possible, no matter where you live. The current positions available include Culture Council Volunteer Consultant, Grassroots Advocacy Translator, Instagram Social Media Managers, Digital Learning Interactive/Animation Asset Creation Volunteer, Video Editor, Best Friends Network Partners, Creative Content Volunteer, Member Appreciation Caller, Member Appreciation Note Writer, and Attorney Volunteer.