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.
Zemo
Shy Zemo has had to work hard to overcome his tendency to run and hide from people. Born in 2008, he came to Best Friends from a rescue group that closed its doors, and it’s likely he hadn’t had much human contact before. He is still learning that people are okay, and that trust is possible. He’s trying his best to get comfortable with humans and will accept pets. Being around other dogs really helps with his confidence, so he’d do best in a home with a doggie pal or two. But what he really needs is someone who is willing to be very patient with him and help him be the best and the bravest dog he can possibly be.
Achoo
Adopt a friendly, playful, snuggly puppy! They 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 these little ones would love more than to grow right up into your family. Achoo was born in April 2018 and came from an animal shelter in New Mexico.
Beatrix
After surviving Hurricane Harvey, Beatrix went to a rescue organization in Colorado and then came to Best Friends. It can take a little effort to befriend Beatrix, but yummy treats and baby talk really help. Once she gets to know you, she gets very excited to see you and will give you full body wags while she searches for the nearest toy to grab for you. She is happiest with a squeaker toy in her mouth and is the type of dog who will be your friend forever once you’ve bonded with her. Born in 2016, Beatrix is a little bundle of energy and loves to run the agility course at Dogtown and play with her toys. She’s recently started to play with a toy called a flirt pole, which lets her chase and catch a toy at the end of a rope. This helps her focus her energy even more. She is eager to please and excited to learn new tricks. She knows “sit,” “down,” and “sit pretty,” and besides agility, she likes to do nose work, a fun search-and-scenting sport. When she is done running around, Beatrix wants to crawl on your lap and is just happy to be where you are. Because she can be a little reactive and defensive with new people at first, she’ll need a person who is willing to take the time to introduce her properly to new people. She would do best in a home with adults only. Although she likes other dogs she’s met at the sanctuary, she would need to meet any potential doggie roommates before going home with them.
Zappa
“Please come meet the new me!” Zappa came from the Great Kitty Rescue in Pahrump, Nevada, where hundreds of cats were living at a shelter that had fallen apart, and they were hungry and scared. So when he arrived at Best Friends, he wasn’t so sure how to act. Sometimes he looks at you like, “Hello. Who are you?” and then runs instead of getting to know you. He has been a little traumatized. Every day, he’s trying his best to warm up but needs an experienced, cat-savvy person to help him trust again. He’s also great with other cats, and he enjoys flying toys. Won’t you consider Zappa as your next personal project?
Ananda
Ananda is very friendly and curious about people. She’s the same way with other cats. She doesn’t like when other cats try to intimidate her, but she won’t back down. Born in March 2016, she came from a Utah rescue group. Ananda is a petite girl with a cute face and adorable white paws. She loves to play and watch birds out the window. She’d make a lovely addition to any home.
Beau
Beau is the nicest cat in the world — once you become his friend. That just takes a long time. He’s scared of folks, and will hide, then pop his head out to take a peek, and then hide again. But if you spend lots of time with him, he is just the friendliest, most precious soul. You’re going to love him. Beau is also great with other cats — very gentle. So if you happen to have other cats, he’ll fit right in. He enjoys climbing and batting at ping-pong balls. And he’s the kind of cat who desperately needs a home precisely because it takes him so long to make friends. He’s not interested in relationships with visitors who come in and then go away. He wants someone he can bond with just once and then snuggle with forever. Do you have the patience to touch this little heart?
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.
Raven
Raven is a four-year-old beauty who absolutely loves children; her favorite part of the day is walking to a nearby park and getting loved on by all the kids. She enjoys going on trips or just sitting with her people but isn’t entirely comfortable with other dogs. She would be fantastic as a single pet for a young family with kids or a couple looking to start a family — she would be the best friend a child could have.
Pepper
When RSQ DOGS+ first got Pepper, he had spent 8 years chained up outside. Despite his unfortunate beginning, he is eager to make new friends with people and animals and wants to learn everything good there is to being a dog. He is looking for an amazing home that would help him make up for his unfortunate beginning.
Johan
Johan (Pronounced Yohan) has had a tough start. He was brought to RSQ DOGS+ when some travelers found him left for dead in the desert by monument valley. He was dehydrated, shot with a pellet gun, and possibly thrown out of or hit by a moving car. Despite his injuries, he is a happy dog but will need lots of care and attention; a recent check-up revealed he has a crushed vertebra and will be on bed rest for some time while he recovers. To learn more about Johan’s story, check out https://youtu.be/JrGD_YpXLXM
Paul McCartney and John Lennon
Paul and John are two adorable Siamese brothers who would love to go to a new home together. They are just a few months old and full of kitten antics to enjoy.
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.
Chloe
Chloe came to shelter with her sister due to a move by her owners. She is such a cutie with big ears that she still has to grow into. She is friendly and loves everyone and other dogs. Her adoption fee is $60.
Magic
This tiny older gentleman was found on the streets. He looks like a little fox or a miniature collie. Magic is shy but warms up quickly to be your best buddy. He does well on a leash. He knows the command “sit.” We are unsure if he is housetrained. His adoption fee is $60.
Katy
Katy was turned in with her daughter Sissy because her family had too many cats in the home. She is a little shy but super friendly and easily handled. She loves being held and cuddling in your lap. Her adoption fee is $40.
Sissy
Sissy came to the shelter with her mother because her family had too many cats. She is a beautiful bright colored calico. Sissy is a quiet cat who just loves attention. She is easily handled. Her 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.
Tigger
Tigger’s owner was moving and could not take her cats. What a bundle of energy. He is mostly white with an orange tiger/tabby-stripe tail and some spots. He loves everyone and comes when called. Tigger will play with toys and chase them all over the room. He loves being with everyone. He is quite handsome and a must see at the shelter. His adoption fee is $40.
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 he 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.
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.
Fred
This is one fun-loving pup. He is always happy and willing to learn and wants to please. This cuddly hound mix is as smart as can be and will make an excellent hiker and running buddy or the perfect family pet. His adoption fee is $200.
Anna
Anna is a three-legged little bundle of love. She is suspicious of men, so she prefers women and a calm home. Her adoption fee is $125.
Dorian
Dorian is a charismatic, handsome 3-year-old DLH. He loves to play and is very affectionate. His adoption fee is $75.
Kramer
Kramer is a 3-year-old DSH lap cat. He is affectionate and loves to sit on your lap. His adoption fee is $75.
Twinkie
Twinkie is a 6-year-old DSH. He is very outgoing and loves affection. He is so playful and just a great cat to have around. His adoption fee is $75.
