On any given day, nearly 400 dogs and puppies wake up here at Dogtown, a multiple-building community created to provide the love, care, rehabilitation, and companionship needed to prepare them for adoption.

Many dogs are healing from abuse or neglect. Others are shy or undersocialized. Some have medical issues. All are healing in some form, and everything about Dogtown was designed to provide as much comfort and create as little stress as possible. Residents live in thoughtfully chosen pairs or groups, and all have access to indoor and outdoor space with room to run, plenty of toys and a cozy bed.

Welcome to Dogtown

Caring for dogs and puppies in need

Along with top-of-the-line treatment, these dogs get all the medical care, TLC and training they need to heal and thrive so that they can be adopted into loving homes.

Both mental and physical stimulation are vital to a dog’s well-being, and the residents of Dogtown get their fill of both. Walks and daily enrichment are just the beginning. The large fenced-in dog park allows energetic dogs to romp off-leash, do “zoomies” and play fetch. In the summer, kiddie pools provide relief from the desert heat.

For more structured fun, a covered training arena called Tara’s Run features agility equipment and different types of stairs and flooring — it’s not uncommon for pups to be wary or even scared of certain surfaces — to help them successfully transition into home environments once they’re adopted.

National Geographic’s DogTown and the Vicktory dogs

The series spotlighted individual animals and their caregivers and raised awareness about severely abused, neglected dogs and dogs with special medical needs.

Many people were first introduced to the Sanctuary through National Geographic’ Channel’s TV documentary series DogTown and the documentary film The Champions.

In its second season, DogTown profiled the rehabilitation of four dogs rescued from the property of former NFL player Michael Vick. Best Friends took in 22 of the most badly abused dogs from Vick’s estate after he pled guilty in 2007 for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. Dubbed Vicktory dogs, this special group changed the way people viewed victims rescued from dogfighting.

If you want to watch the series again, or experience it for the first time, episodes of DogTown are available on Amazon and Apple iTunes stores. Also, check out our popular DogTown videos on YouTube for an inside look at this incredible place.

Watch the "DogTown" Videos

Adopt or sponsor a dog from Dogtown

Looking to add a new pup to the family? Great! Start your search today.

See All the Dogs in Dogtown

Animal Previews

Animal Previews

Animal Previews

Animal Previews

Tour Dogtown

Schedule your tour today.

Join us for an in-depth tour and find out how Dogtown started. Tours happen every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 1:30 p.m. (duration: 1.5 hours | distance: 1 mile). Ages 16 or older are welcome.

Please be aware that this tour takes us through sand and uneven terrain, so navigating this tour by wheelchair, though possible, is difficult. (Service animals are not allowed on the tour.)

Book Your Tour Today

Looking for Dogtown on the map?

Find it on the map

Volunteer at Dogtown

Looking for face-to-face interaction with the dogs?

Come spend some time volunteering with the pups who reside at Dogtown, in a place of healing, learning, and fun for dogs and puppies.

It’s your chance to help with daily care, including dog walking, puppy socialization and more. Or lend a hand in the Sanctuary adoptions hub. Learn more about volunteering at Dogtown.

Volunteers with disabilities are welcome! Contact us to learn about volunteering with a temporary or permanent disability. Email volunteers@bestfriends.org or call 435-319-0622.

If you’ve volunteered with Best Friends before, go to the volunteer portal to see opportunities available to you.