Sanctuaries accept adoptable and nonadoptable pets in which none are destroyed. It's also an anti-cage facility. Dogs are kept in large outdoor pens and the cats share a large indoor room of their own. The adoptables are separated from the nonadoptables. Volunteers and veterinarians keep the site friendly and healthy.
Sanctuaries are a private, nonprofit organization funded by donations and grants.
A successful sanctuary in Utah, Best Friends, receives donated food and cat litter by the truckload from companies. The concept of a sanctuary as a pound alternative has not caught on very rapidly. In fact, convincing people to join her organization has been an uphill battle. Dakeen is feeling the growing pains of starting a nonprofit organization. She says that it's tough to find volunteers and get funding.