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.
Caroline
When Caroline first came to the sanctuary, she loved men but was afraid of women. After doing lots of work with Dogtown caregivers and behavior consultants, she now loves meeting all new people. She’ll even pull her caregivers toward new volunteers, because she knows that they mean good things, like treats and scratches. Caroline also likes to cuddle with volunteers after her walk is over. Born in 2011, Caroline still loves to play chase and fetch. She’s mastered a good number of training cues and loves showing off her tricks, including sit, down, shake, high five, spin, and sit pretty. She’s always up for learning new things, too. Caroline is picky with her dog friends; she prefers those who will run and play chase with her. Caroline was recently diagnosed with lupus, but for now, that just means she needs to have ointment applied to her nose twice a day. Caroline’s the kind of dog who is fine with whatever you’d like to do, whether it’s going for a walk or hanging around the house with you. She’d be the perfect dog for someone who enjoys snuggling on the couch after a nice hike or walks.
Caille
Caille is usually shy at first. She is scared when meeting new people, and introductions cannot be rushed. She does not like other cats, either; she will hiss and growl to protect her space. Born in 2013, Caille came from a rescue organization in California. She is prone to getting hairballs, so we give her hairball paste every few days. Caille has a beautiful face, but you can see sadness in her eyes. She’s hoping someone will find her who has the patience to allow her amazing self to come out.
Augustus
Augustus, born in 2015, is a curious, friendly Alpine mix from southern Utah. He likes attention of all kinds, especially being brushed, as well as eating yummy timothy pellets and being with other goats. He’ll call out to his friends in the goat barn if he hasn’t seen them in a couple minutes, just to make sure they’re okay. Mostly black with a little bit of white, Augustus had a bumpy beginning, so he needs a family who has lots of time to spend loving and cherishing him.
Buddy
Buddy is an umbrella cockatoo, also known as a white cockatoo. They are very affectionate, charming, and friendly birds. They can become very attached to their people. Buddy was born in 1995 and could live to be 80.
Stormy
Stormy is an extremely handsome and mannerly older gentleman who is completely fantastic in every way. He is a sorrel quarter horse born in 1997 with very fun white chrome markings, which definitely add to his good looks. What makes him really attractive, however, is his amazing good nature. He is an older horse, but he is sound enough to be lightly ridden, preferably on the trail versus the arena. We have ridden him a little but realized that he hasn’t been in riding condition for a while and so have been currently trying to build up his muscle tone and stamina. He really needs a home where he will be exercised lightly but regularly as it’s a lot easier on older horses to be kept in shape. Other than that, he is pretty low maintenance, and he gets along well with other horses. We think he’s amazing, and we know you would love him, too.
Daisy
Quiet, beautiful Daisy came to Best Friends in 2017 from northern Utah when her family couldn’t keep her. Born in 2013, Daisy is black, but in the winter, her bristles grow all-natural golden “highlights” that make her stand out from the herd. Daisy loves to go for walks, happily soaking up the sunshine while grazing away on grass. She enjoys her title as “pig greeter,” being the first to welcome visitors and volunteers to Piggy Paradise. Daisy would do best in a pig experienced home with lots of love, space, and other pigs.
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.
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.” They are unsure if he is housetrained. His adoption fee is $60.
Nubbins
They think that Nubbins was probably hit by a car. She was found near vet office with a damaged tail and dehydration. She had to have her tail amputated and is recovering from her ordeal. Very friendly with people. They are not sure yet as to how she will do with other pets. She is a pretty gray dilute calico. Her adoption fee is $40.
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.
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.
Petey
Petey is a young, energetic, and happy pup. He weighs about 65 pounds and gets along very well with other big dogs. He still has that puppy energy so would benefit from an active family with a big yard and/or dog park visits. He walks well on a leash and would make a loving companion for a walker, runner, or hiker. Petey didn’t have the best of beginnings and hasn’t had had much training or attention, but it hasn’t affected his love of others. Petey is enjoying his time at the BAM Center but has a heart just waiting for the right family to love. To meet Petey, call (435) 773-5209. Petey’s adoption fee is $125.
Chief
Chief is adorable. At the shelter, they said he was terrified but Chief has taken BAM by storm, playing with the other dogs, lap sitting, giving kisses, learning how to go for a walk, and just being cute. Well, he really didn’t have to learn how to do that. He just had to take a little bit to know it was okay. Chief is only 9 months old and is available for adoption. You will not want to miss out on getting this little guy. For an appointment to meet Chief, call Julie at (435) 229-5703. Chief’s adoption fee is $150.
Walt
Walt is approximately 8 years old. He would like nothing better than to go on a walk with you, go for a run in the desert, be your companion, and then lay down at your feet at the end of the day (or in your lap … he likes laps a lot). Older children would be best for him, and he would also be a great pet for an older couple. Walt is well behaved in a house, and although he is crate trained, he prefers to live in close proximity with his humans. Walt’s foster mom says he is a great dog and he deserves a home of his own. Walt’s only problem is that nobody wants to adopt him because he has stage 1 kidney failure and requires a special diet. The vet says he could live a couple of years, or more, or less. There’s just no telling, but if you’ve seen the videos of him running in the desert, you would know he’s not ready to cash it in yet. Everyone who knows Walt believes he deserves a family. Are you a family that is willing to give love and be loved, even if it is time-limited? If so, call Corinne at (435) 760-3414 and set up a time to meet him. You will fall in love with him … everyone does!
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.
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.
Grace
Grace is a 2-year-old poodle mix. She is as sweet as they come, she gets along with other dogs and loves to take her human for a walk. Her adoption fee is 150.
Tilly
Tilly is a cute little 4-year-old min pin. She is good with children and other dogs and will make a wonderful addition to your family. Her adoption fee is $125.
Diego
Diego is a 3-year-old DLH. He is a little bit shy but affectionate. He loves to play and gets along with other cats. His adoption fee is $75.
Calvin
Calvin is a beautiful 3-year-old Norwegian forest tabby cat. He is playful and fun and gets along with other cats. His adoption fee is $75.
Coraline
Coraline is a 3-year-old Norwegian forest calico cat. She has a lovely mellow personality and gets along with other cats. Her adoption fee is $75.
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.
