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.
LaCroix
LaCroix is adorable. He is very smart and has a ton of energy, so he would be a great adventure dog. He thrives when he has a job to do or when he’s doing agility work, and he picks up new training cues quickly. LaCroix needs a home with a person or family who would be willing to channel his energy in a constructive way. Hikes, walks, nose work and agility training are all ways to help LaCroix use his energy and smarts in a positive way. LaCroix can be picky with his doggie friends. At Dogtown, he is working on improving his leash reactivity is and getting better at meeting other dogs, though slow introductions are still necessary. LaCroix came to Best Friends from a shelter in Houston, Texas, and would love to have adventures in a home of his own.
Little Bill
Sweet Little Bill loves to cuddle and to get belly rubs. A devoted companion, he genuinely wants to spend as much time with his people as he can. He has anxiety and behavioral challenges that need to be carefully managed, especially given his large size. Little Bill can jump fences and is strong enough to easily pull an able-bodied adult down if he tries to bolt while on a leash. He has shown aggression toward other dogs (both large and small) and toward cats, so he can’t live with either of them. Born in 2014, Little Bill takes prescription medications for both anxiety and joint health. He also does physical therapy at the Sanctuary. Dogtown caregivers and trainers are working with him to help him learn to stay calm. Besides doing a lot of training work, he is learning to do nose work, a fun scent and searching sport. Little Bill is looking for a special person who understands his anxiety and who will be dedicated to helping him successfully work through it. Because he is so strong, his ideal home would be one where he can be walked by two people whenever he’s out on a leash. Little Bill has a generous sponsor who will cover his adoption costs.
Itchy
Itchy didn’t have a whole lot of life experiences or socialization before coming to the Sanctuary. He was fearful of people and other dogs. He is still shy and fearful with strangers and will guard food and toys from other dogs. But Itchy has started to learn about life, and he has changed so much during his first few months in Dogtown. He’s already made amazing progress and he still has so much potential. Though he is a little shy at first (especially with men), he will open up to you if you are patient. He is picky with his doggie friends, but playful and cuddly once a good match is made. Itchy was born in 2015 and came to Best Friends from a humane society in Colorado. He’s crate trained and loves to go on car rides. He walks nicely on a leash with or without other dogs and is very cute with his big, golden eyes. Itchy would do best in a dog savvy home with a confident canine housemate who could help him feel more at ease with people and in new situations.
Abraham
Abraham is a purr box and very affectionate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an old friend or someone he just met. He loves to play with his brother Alfonso, but he’s not so great with other cats and he doesn’t like to share attention. Born in late 2017, Abraham was found as a stray. He has Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), so he’ll need to be an only cat or live with other cats who have the virus. Hint: Brother Alfonso also has FeLV, so it would be great to adopt them together. Abraham loves to snuggle. He loves to go on stroller rides, especially with Alfonso. They wrestle while they’re riding and are hilarious to watch. Abraham loves wand toys and loves to play!
Alfonso
Alfonso can be a little skittish around new people until he gets comfortable. He’s affectionate towards cats he knows; he’s playful and loving with his brother Abraham. Born in late 2017, Alfonso was found as a stray. He has Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), so he’ll need to be an only cat or live with other cats who have the virus. Hint: Brother Abraham also has FeLV, so it would be great to adopt them together. Alfonso has a tail that is so long it curls up over his back. He loves to go on stroller rides, especially with Abraham. They wrestle while they’re riding and are hilarious to watch.
Aaron
“Let me hug you!” The most endearing thing about Aaron is that he likes to hug you around your neck. He’s just a sweet, affectionate love bug. He is clicker trained to shake hands, and he likes to dance! Born in 2012, Aaron came from a shelter in Washington State due to his special needs. He suffers from incontinence, so he needs to eat a high fiber diet and to have his bladder expressed daily. In spite of it all, Aaron is a happy guy who craves love.
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 their care are fully vetted including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip and any medical care they may need. For more information, please contact RSQ Dogs+ at (800) 897-1136 or RSQDogsUtah@gmail.com or visit RSQDogsUtah.org.
Auggie
Auggie, along with his two siblings, was rescued from a desolate stretch of Arizona highway. Auggie is an 8-week old pup of mixed breed. Looks like he will be a fairly large guy. He has a fun personality and loves playing with his brothers. He has received his first vaccinations and will be available as “foster to adopt” when all his vetting is done.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is approximately 5-6 months old. She arrived a couple of weeks ago from Hildale. She is sweet and friendly. She went to the dog park and loved running and playing with the ‘big dogs’. She is a bit of a ‘talker’ but quiets with direction. Her coat is amazing, truly unique and beautiful. An active family that would give this little girl the love and attention she so deserves would be perfect. Is that your family?
Raven
Raven is a four-year-old beauty who absolutely loves children; her favorite part of the day is walking by a nearby school 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.
Parsley
Parsley is a sweet female Tabby kitten. Just a gorgeous little girl that does well with other cats or by herself. She is a sweet purring kitten. Could she be yours?
Boo
Boo is a stunningly beautiful, very tiny kitten. (Smallest of her litter) Boo had a rough beginning. But she is now ready to take on the world.
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.
Berry
Berry is a ladies man this 3-year-old Pekingese/King Charles spaniel mix loves the gals. His perfect home would be with a female human as a companion. He’s a fun guy that likes to go on walks and give great kisses and cuddles. His adoption fee is $125.
Luna
Luna is an 8-Year-old Papillion, this adorable girl is sweet, snuggly and well mannered. Her adoption fee is $125.
Sunny Autumn
Sunny Autumn is a very loveable, slightly senior cat who is looking for that special someone to spend the rest of her life with. This beautiful dilute calico has all four paws declawed, so she might need to be an only cat.
Juniper
There is not enough space or time to tell you how sweet this calico is. She brings with her so much love to give. Juniper is soft, curious, and playful. She will make a wonderful addition to a family or companion cat. This two-year-old beauty is ready for her new home. Her adoption fee is $85.
Ruby
This girl is a cat lover’s dream come true. She has silky soft fur and a quiet personality. She is playful, curious and loves to twist and turn in your lap until she finds the perfect napping position. She is one year old. Her adoption fee is $85.
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.
Missy
Missy’s owner moved and did not take her with her. Missy has Pannus which is an eye disease and she is about half blind. She needs eye drops twice a day to help control the disease. She is a nice girl but needs to have an exercise and diet routine to help her with weight issues. She loves to play with toys and will fetch them. NO OTHER DOGS PLEASE. Her adoption fee is $60.
Wooky
Wooky is a Shepherd/Aussie mix and she is a beautiful lady. She is very shy and reserved but loves people. She does well on a leash. Wooky would benefit from a quiet home where she can get the attention she so deserves and come out of her shell. Her adoption fee is $60.
Nala
Nala’s owner could no longer keep her. Nala is very shy, calm and easily handled. She loves people and being brushed. She is getting used to being held and sitting on your lap but is this is something new to her. She will come when called. Her adoption fee is $40.
Coco
Coco’s owner could no longer keep him. Coco is a 7-month-old buff tabby. Coco came to the shelter with his brother Jeno. They are a very easy going quiet pair of brothers. It would be nice if they could be adopted together as they are very bonded. His adoption fee is $40.
Jeno
Jen’s owner could no longer keep him. Jeno is a 7-month-old light gray tabby. Jeno came to the shelter with his brother Coco. They are a very easy going quiet pair of brothers. It would be nice if they could be adopted together as they are very bonded. His adoption fee is $40.
Carmex
Carmex was caught in a trap, probably looking for food. She is a very friendly lady approximately 2–3 years old. She is easily handled, comes when called, and loves to be brushed. She had an owner, but no one has called or come looking for her, so she is waiting for a new home. Her 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.
Dexter
Check out the never-ending cuteness of adoptable Dexter. Dexter is just starting to get his adult teeth and is, of course, chewing on everything (put your shoes away!). He’s just the sweetest little guy. Loves to play with other dogs, loves to cuddle, loves the water, wants to sleep on his foster mom’s bed. They are taking applications on him now. To meet Dexter, call Julie at (435) 229-5703. His adoption fee is $150.
Trio
Trio is a sweet, about 5-year-old German Shepherd blend who is really a relaxed, happy dog. She likes walks, car rides, stuffed toys, bones, people. She’s a typical GSD and can be aloof until she gets to know you. She was seen being put out of a car in California and tied to a pipe. The car drove away and did not return even though folks waited for hours for them. Trio was taken to a shelter where, because of her crippled leg and because the shelter staff said she was a senior, she was facing death. BAM pulled her and they got her to a vet. X-rays reveal no break in her leg but an old injury that caused nerve damage and now she is unable to use her left leg much and is unable to straighten it out. The vet determined amputation would not be necessary. Trio is a gorgeous, well-behaved (except for pulling a bit on the leash which can be easily corrected with training) dog. They have not seen her with children but she has not demonstrated any behavior that would cause us concern around respectful children. To meet her call J at (435) 773-5209. Her adoption fee is $125.
Riley
Best buddy, companion extraordinaire, Velcro pal, cuddler, lover: all describe Riley. She is an absolutely wonderful dog who loves nothing more than to be with the people she loves. Oh, and, of course, play ball. Riley will sit and look at you adoringly as long as you want her to. This is the dog that, in a snowstorm, will lie by your side and keep you warm until help comes. Or, if there is no snow storm, crawl up on the couch beside you and help you watch TV. She likes long walks, would make a good jogging partner or hiking pal. She gets along with other dogs but can be a little possessive of toys, food and attention so would do best as the only dog and prefers a home without cats or other small animals. To meet Riley call (435) 773-5209. Her adoption fee is $125.
Jon Bon Jovi
Jon has never-ending happy tail wag, loves to go for short walks, loves lap sitting and playing. He gets along with other dogs but would prefer dogs his own size or dogs that don’t play too rough. Jon is a volunteer favorite because of his happy attitude and is believed to be approximately 5 years old. Oh, did we mention that Jon love to talk–not bark. Although he can and will bark, he just loves to talk to the people around him. It’s very endearing. He is a wonderful little dog who loves interacting with his person. He’d make a great pet for adults or respectful children. Jon would not be able to physically hold his own with rambunctious children or toddlers, Jon suffered some pretty severe medical neglect at one time in his life. He had two broken rear legs and a broken pelvis. All have healed at this point but they healed without medical intervention. Jon’s left rear leg looks awful but causes him no pain and amputation is not recommended as he does use it occasionally for balance and it helps, on occasion, to support his other healed leg. Jon does not require any additional medical care for his past injuries but the vet does caution that he should be kept on the slim side and not be allowed to gain weight. His adoption fee is $125. To meet Jon, call (435) 773-5209.
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.
