The Best Vacation Spots for Animal Rescue Lovers
Even if you’re a passionate pet person, this may sound nuts at first: going on a vacation and helping out at an animal shelter. Hosing out cages, cleaning out cat litter boxes or pouring food into bowls probably doesn’t sound like much of a vacation, but if you start imagining yourself socializing kittens or walking a dog against the backdrop an exotic location in a part of the world that you’ve never been to, you may start to see why it has become something of a trend for tourists to spend a little of their vacation time at an animal shelter. Of course, most animal shelters are not equipped to have anyone drop by and help out, but there are some that make it easy for people to incorporate helping out a needy pet into their vacation. Here are five of our favorites: The shelter: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah Why you may want to go to this area: Southern Utah is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the country, with Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and even the northern rim of the Grand Canyon within driving-distance of the shelter. Why this shelter should be on your itinerary: There aren’t many animal shelters that can boast of being famous, but this one is. The National Geographic Channel series DogTown filmed at the sanctuary, which works with shelters around the country, and tourists frequently come to the shelter for tours. In fact, you can even stay on the grounds in your own RV or at their cabins and cottages. The sanctuary houses approximately 1,600 dogs, cats and other animals, like birds and even sheep. If you’re willing to help out, volunteer duties include everything, “from walking an enthusiastic dog, to cleaning a rabbit run, to just sitting and talking to a shy cat,” according to the website. The shelter: Aspen Animal Shelter in Aspen, Colorado Why you may want to go this area: Between the skiing, the hiking and the mountains, Aspen is another achingly beautiful part of America.
