The Independent Southern Utah Adoptable Pets Guide features adoptable pets from various animal shelters throughout southern Utah. Get a new pet today!
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located five miles north of Kanab at 5001 Angel Canyon Road. All adoptable cats and dogs are spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations. If you have questions about a specific pet or the adoption process, please email adoptions@bestfriends.org. If you’d like to apply to adopt one of these featured pets, click the link to their bio where you will find the adoption survey.
Niam
Niam’s very favorite thing is his ball. He loves playing fetch so much that he can be obsessive about it. He needs structure, including a specific area where fetch happens. Other things that Niam loves include jumping in his pool (or in any water) to cool off on a hot summer day and car rides. He’d be a great hiking dog, too. Niam is very anxious in fast-paced environments. He is currently on prescription medication, and he gets quiet outings to help with his anxiety. He calms down wonderfully when he has quiet time in one of the sanctuary offices and when he goes on sleepovers with Dogtown volunteers. He will likely settle down nicely once he’s spent some time in a home and has a chance to get adjusted to his new schedule. Born in 2011, Niam is very sweet with people, but he has shown aggression toward other dogs and will need to be the only dog in a home. At the sanctuary, he’s doing training to improve his focus on walks and his recall. He’s also learning to wait for his food bowl and for being leashed up. He’s doing nose work (a fun search-and-scenting sport) to get his mind focused on something else other than his ball. Niam would do best with a person who is active and patient and who can provide him with lots of training.
Ollie
Ollie is shy with strangers, but once you’re his friend he’ll show you only the deepest dedication. He overcomes his worries quickly, so all he needs is a little time to become someone’s best bud. Ollie was born in 2013, and he loves the great outdoors. He walks perfectly on a leash, enjoys having some space to roam around in, and would make a fantastic running partner. Ollie has come a long way since he came to the sanctuary, and he can’t wait to find a home where he can continue to overcome his anxieties and increase his confidence. He’d also prefer to be someone’s one and only, though he may be able to live with the right dog. If you’re ready to turn this shy boy into your very best friend, Ollie would love to meet you. Ollie has a generous sponsor who will cover his adoption costs.
Ponder
Ponder is a friendly, playful, and snuggly puppy! Ponder will need to be taught all those good things that puppies need to learn in order to grow up to be adult dogs, of course. A puppy is a project! But there’s nothing Ponder would love more than to grow right up into your family. Ponder was born in February 2018 and came from an animal rescue organization in California. All Best Friends puppies are already spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and infused with extra love and cuddles.
Nenet
It’s easy to see why Nenet was named after an Egyptian goddess. She has silky black fur with a white diamond on her chest and white tummy. Nenet is a sweet girl who welcomes affection from people and gets along great with other cats. Despite a broken leg that wasn’t treated in time, she walks, runs, and leaps without discomfort. In fact, she loves to go for walks on a harness and leash. She is on medication, though, and gets eye drops every other day. Born in 2009, she came to the sanctuary from an Idaho rescue group that ran out of resources. Nenet likes to play and enjoys petting and sunbathing. Most of all, she loves attention and hopes to find a home with somebody who will give her lots and lots of affection. If this little black beauty would make your home happier, Nenet can’t wait to be your new best friend!
Ollie
This laid-back big boy enjoys cat naps and rolling around in the sunshine. You can often find Ollie playing with his kitty friends. A little nervous around humans, he’s warming up and letting people pet him more and more often, and he likes to be brushed. Rescued with other cats from a hoarding situation in California, he was born in 2010 and is in good health. Ollie would be awfully grateful to find a real home.
Portia
Lovely Portia arrived at Best Friends when her former person became too ill to care for her. The transition has been challenging for Portia. She’s not particularly interested in other cats and has not yet become fully comfortable with sanctuary caregivers. So, she’s looking for a home where she’ll be given plenty of time and space to bond with her new people. Born in 2005, a warm spirit lurks beneath her protective exterior. Portia adores basking in the sun and enjoys good health. Many happy years await.
RSQ DOGS+
RSQ DOGS+ is southern Utah’s newest nonprofit animal rescue group. It is an all-volunteer group dedicated to saving the lives of animals in underserved, rural areas of Washington County. All of the animals in its care are fully vetted, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and any medical care they may need. Please contact RSQ DOGS+ for more information at (800) 897-1136 or rsqdogsutah@gmail.com, or visit rsqdogsutah.org.
Katie
Katie is a cuddle-bug! She is an 8-month-old purebred yellow lab with all her training! She loves people of all ages and sizes, but she is not great with small animals like cats or chickens. All she wants is a long walk in the park and all the cuddles she can get, which should be a lot because she doesn’t chew on anything she shouldn’t. She does shed a lot (just think of it as doggy glitter!) and she does fancy herself as an escape artist, so she will need a sturdy fence to keep her contained.
Bullett
Bullet is named after the gunshot wound that he has on his side. Despite his unfortunate accident, he absolutely loves people of all ages and just wants to play with them. Unfortunately, he can’t play with other dogs right now, but he doesn’t mind them at all when they walk past his cage. As he gets more comfortable, he will show more of his fantastic personality, and his new friends at RSQ Dogs will keep you updated, but maybe you could take him home and learn about him yourself?
Cuddles
Hi, my name is Cuddles! I was given the name because it’s one of my favorite things to do! I was found wandering the streets of Colorado City and was going to be put down because no one would claim me, but my new friends at RSQ Dogs saved me and are working hard to find me a forever home! I am a young pup, maybe a year old? I do well with other dogs, but some of the loud ones make me nervous. People are my favorite. I love sitting in their laps while they pet me, and I am very gentle with little humans. My new people think I need a young family (with a yard) who loves to go exploring in between cuddle sessions. Is that you? Will you be my fur-ever family? I was adopted but returned due to shedding. If you don’t mind some dog hair, I will be the best dog you can imagine.
Davidson
Davidson is a stunning long-haire guy. He could really use a good grooming to show off his gorgeous black mane, but even without it, he is a looker. He is a middle aged and really mellow cat. If you are interested in meeting Davidson please contact RSQDOGS+. Davidson is at their adoption center.
Copper
Cooper is a very sweet 1-year-old gorgeous male cat looking for his forever family. He is very calm and gets along great with other cats.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter is located at 795 Hardy Way and is open for adoptions Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Please call (702) 346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk, or visit mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at (702) 346-5268. Adoption fees include spaying or neutering and a one-year rabies shot. Mesquite residents only receive one-year city pet licenses.
Dash
Dash was found along the side of the interstate. He is a nice young dog who loves people and other dogs. He is good on a leash and knows the “sit” command. He will need basic training and house training. His adoption fee is $60.
Mario & Figario
The kittens were found as strays. They can be adopted but cannot leave the shelter until they are old enough to be altered. They are easily handled and love to play. The mother was feline leukemia virus negative. The kittens have received their first vaccinations. Their adoption fees are $40.
Sunny
Sunny was found as a stray. He is a wonderful cat and likes everyone and all the cats (even the babies). He was already neutered, so he had a home at one time. He loves to play in the water and is quite talkative. He loves attention and is easily handled. His adoption fee is $40.
Mr. Whiskers
Oh, what a wonderful cat. Mr. Whiskers’s family moved and could not take him with them. He is 8 years young. He is very friendly and loves attention and being petted and held. They were told he likes other cats and at the shelter; he just ignores the other cats and just goes about his own way. He comes when called. His adoption fee is $40.
Paris
Paris came to the shelter when her owner could no longer keep her and brought her to the shelter. She is approximately 4–5 years old. Paris never stops purring, loves to be petted, and is easily handled. She loves looking out the windows and napping where she can keep an eye on everyone. While at the shelter, it was discovered that Paris has a chronic medical condition. She is on a special diet and will need to be on this diet for the rest of her life. If you have room in your heart and home for this special kitty, please visit the shelter and meet this lovely lady. Her adoption fee is $40.
Mia
Mia’s owner moved and could not take her with him. She is 7 years young and declawed. Mia is in need of a diet and exercise plan. She is shy due to the change in her living arrangements, but she is calm and easily handled. She would make a good companion for someone wanting a couch potato to keep them company. Her adoption fee is $40.
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center is located at 1125 W 1130 N in St. George. Please submit an application at dixiepaws.org. Call (435) 688-9748 or email officepaws@gmail.com. All pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and current on vaccinations. Below are the pets currently available for adoption from the shelter.
Cray
Cray is a 2-year-old Staffordshire Terrier. Cray is such a good dog. She is polite and gets along with dogs, cats, and everyone she meets. She listens well and loves going on walks. Her adoption fee is $125.
Bean
Bean is about the cutest little feller ever. He is 6 months old and he is very social, playful, and oh so cuddly. His adoption fee is $200.
Callie
Callie is a 1-year-old DLH female Siamese lynx point cat. She is an affectionate girl and gets along with other cats. Her adoption fee is $150.
Belle
Belle is a large cat that is approximately 5 years old. She is friendly and gets along with other cats. Belle would be a great companion for a very lucky person. Her adoption fee is $75.
Piper
Piper is a beautiful one-year-old black female, and she loves people. If you are looking for a petite and loving cat, this might be your girl! Her adoption fee is $75.
Because Animals Matter
Because Animals Matter is dedicated to reducing animal abuse and neglect through education. It offers fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped animals for adoption through a network of foster homes and the Because Animals Matter Center, a transition facility. It also welcomes volunteers for a variety of activities and needs foster families for animals awaiting their forever homes. Please contact Because Animals Matter at (435) 773-5209 or visit becauseanimalsmatter.com for more information.
Bindi
Bindi is a border collie blend believed to be around two years old. She spent one night in a foster home after being pulled from the shelter to come to us. The foster parent wrote: “She loved my little boy and loves to explore the house. She did well in the crate last night and did pretty well with my dogs. She takes treats nicely and, surprisingly, she is very confident. I bet she’d make an amazing agility dog. She is very loving with people but seems to want to do her own thing around other dogs and doesn’t seem playful with them. I hope she finds a great home!” Bindi is a typical herding dog and will require an owner with experience. She is not good for a first-time pet owner. If you are interested in doing dog sports, we believe Bindi would excel at that. She will be available to be placed once she is spayed. Please call (435) 773-5209 to find out more about her. Bindi’s adoption fee is $125.
Lexi
Lexi is a 5-year-old blue nose pit with a sad story. She was dumped out of a car and left in Las Vegas. Through her microchip, she was traced to an elderly gentleman who had Lexi for the first few years of her life but had to move to assisted living and re-homed her. Information on her stops at that point until she was dumped out of the car. She is good with cats and kids. She needs work on leash training and staying around when not on a leash (she thinks you’re playing when she runs off). Other than that, she is an absolute peach. She is a complete snuggle bug who loves belly rubs and gives the best kisses with her giant tongue! She is so easy to love and has tons of love to give. A very friendly dog, she gets along with everybody. She’s been good with other dogs when the other dogs are somewhat calm. She hasn’t shown signs of aggression but gets too energetic when other dogs do and she doesn’t realize how big she is. She has arthritis and has mild skin allergies. For more information on Lexi or to make an appointment to meet her, contact Shayde at (208) 420-3764. Her adoption fee is $125.
Rex
Rex is a handsome guy who is still finding his confidence. He is approximately one year old, he is sweet and has a fair amount of puppy energy so will need regular exercise. He is just starting his training of walking on a leash and getting into a crate. He is so loving, and consistent guidance will help him grow into the wonderful adult dog he has within him. He hasn’t learned how to play with a ball or other toy yet but is good with people and plays well with other dogs of all sizes. Rex’s adoption fee is $125.
Sabrina
After being hit by a car, little Sabrina spent 8 weeks in a cast while her bones healed. She’s 10 years old but loves to adventure by car, trail, or river. Snuggles are her favorite, but she’s not a couch potato. Sabrina lives with several big dogs and enjoys their company. Never once have they heard her bark. Sabrina would be great in any home but, even with her cast off, she will still need tender care until her bones are strong. Sabrina does require daily medication for an enlarged heart but nothing stops this little dog from living life to its fullest. They are still working on house training, but the process is slow due to her broken bones. Sabrina sleeps through the night without urinating and does not urinate on the carpet but will on tile. Her cast may be at fault, and now with it removed, she’ll be more agile and move more easily. To meet Sabrina or find out more about her, contact Andrea or A.J. at (612) 756-2374. Sabrina’s adoption fee is $100 and she is also eligible for their Seniors Helping Seniors Program.
Turbo and Freckles
They were told that Turbo is a 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel/shih tzu blend; Freckles is a 2-year-old Chihuahua/Yorkshire terrier blend. Both dogs are neutered, and they are a bonded pair. They can only be placed together and only with someone who agrees to keep them together in the future. These are the sweetest two little dogs ever! They are both cuddlers and love to give and receive attention. They like walks, going in the car, or being in the back yard or house with you. They do well with other dogs. They would do best with older, respectful children (age 8 and over). Turbo, as you can see is very overweight. He is on a diet and is exercising daily and won’t be available for adoption until his weight drops a bit. Any potential adopter must be willing to follow through with a weight loss regime for him. Freckles is a little overweight but not as severely as Turbo is. The adoption fee is $250 for the pair.
