Southern Utah Adoptable Pets Guide
The Independent’s, 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.
Rugsy
Rugsy is a handsome fellow who enjoys affection on his own terms. If Rugsy approaches you, he wants petting and attention. If he walks away or lays on his bed, it means he wants some time to himself. Because of this, Rugsy would do best in a home without children and in a home with people who understand his communication. Rugsy loves walks and enjoys taking his time to smell lots of interesting things while out and about. Recently Rugsy had knee surgery so he has some physical restrictions. To pass the time, he plays with toys quietly and naps a lot. Rugsy also does well in the car and enjoys the ride. Prior to his knee surgery, Rugsy lived happily with other dogs his size, and once he’s healed he’d be happy to live in a home with other dogs.
Kiki
Kiki is a pop of personality who brings a big smile to everyone who meets her! Toss her favorite toy and she will joyfully come running back to you to repeat the fun. She’s the perfect size to bring along everywhere – she loves car rides and is so ready to be your co-pilot! Kiki is chock-full of positive energy and will sit sweetly for you to channel those good vibes and recharge for your next adventure together.
Whistler
Whistler is a very special guy looking for a very special home. He is a typical hound when it comes to sniffing and baying. He loves to use his nose and then tell everyone about it! Whistler is thought to have a cerebellar disease which basically means he is missing part of his brain. Because of this he often shows some behaviors like spinning, jumping on his back legs, and fixating on objects. Whistler has done great at the sanctuary with a structured routine and relationship building with his caregivers. He can be a sensitive boy and things like loud noises, commotion, and constant change can throw him off. He lives with other dogs but does not interact with them very much. He knows how to use his dog door, and it may help in a new home to have something similar as potty training may be tough for him. Whistler loves walks and cookies and is a good learner with some patience (and cookies). If you’re interested in meeting Whistler we ask that you spend some time with him at the sanctuary to make sure it’s a good fit. Whistler is a caregiver favorite and his friends would like nothing more than to see him happy in his perfect home.
Leopold
Leopold is one in a million! This guy is so smart he will keep you on your toes. He loves to go on long harness walks searching for treasure or lounging around being waited on. He also enjoys wand toys and has started clicker training! Leopold enjoys his personal space when it comes to other felines and definitely enjoys being the one and only king of his castle, but you won’t need another cat with all the adventure and excitement this little tiger will bring to your home!
Jonesy
Are you interested in having someone keep you company? Maybe to sleep with you? Make sure you don’t forget to eat or maybe feed him? Then Jonesy is your man. This beautiful Flame Point Siamese definitely doesn’t act his age. He enjoys playing, snoozing, and of course eating. He gets along well with other cats but would probably enjoy less competition for your attention best. He loves to help with computer work or with game night. Look into his soulful blue eyes and all your troubles will melt away.
Tebow
Tebow spent part of his life living in a community cat colony and then came to the sanctuary where he has been for the last six years. Sadly, he has never had his own home. He is an absolute love to be around and has only love to give. Tebow enjoys the company of other cats, toddlers, and even dogs. Whenever he has the chance he cuddles up next to you (or on you) lays back, relaxes, and purrs his sweet little purr.
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. Note: With respect to the unprecedented situation around COVID-19, any interested adopters can complete an online application and will be contacted by the team.
Willow
Meet Willow! This little nugget is a 3-year-old 9 pound Chihuahua. Very sweet and loves to be carried around. Yes, she is missing an eye. It was removed due to Glaucoma. We all think this just makes her special. We think she would be an adorable addition to your family!
JJ
JJ is a sweet, spunky, senior Chihuahua. He is approximately 10 years old but is clearly full of life. His foster mama says that he is the best dog and does not have any bad habits. His foster siblings are cats. He seems to get along with other dogs too. He is mostly blind and is going to see the optometrist this week and the dentist next week. He will be tuned up and all ready for his forever home.
Loki
Loki is a perky senior (best guess, 13 years young but who knows?). He loves the great outdoors (whether laying in the sun or sunflowers) but his bed is his favorite place. He enjoys the little dog pack at his foster mama’s (big dogs are ok too) and, although cautious, warms to new people with the proper introduction. He’s not much of a lap dog yet but enjoys petting & treats so he will get more comfortable with patience and love. Bonus: He’s trained to a doggie door! Loki can become your best friend and constant companion if given the chance.
Fish
Fish is an adorable young male. He’s very lovable and just wants to give you a hug then settle in to cuddle. Fish is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
Winnie
Winnie is a 2-year-old orange and white tabby. She has a sweet disposition and enjoys being cuddled. She is house-trained and gets along with other cats.
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center is currently closed to the public. Please submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt. PAWS will arrange an appointment for approved adopters to meet pets with proper social distancing and in a sanitized environment. All pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and current on vaccinations. Below are the pets currently available for adoption from the shelter.
Sweetie
Sweetie is a 10-year-old Schnauzer/Terrier mix. She is just like her name, sweet, and still has a lot of love to give someone special. Sweetie is a happy girl even though her owner recently passed away. She lived with another dog that is also at PAWS. Her adoption fee is $75.
Buddy
Buddy is an 11-year-old Maltese. He’s a fun little guy with a cute underbite. PAWS is still getting to know him and his personality. Please submit an application and they can set up a meet and greet. His adoption fee is $75.
Duke
Duke is an 11-month-old Snowshoe. He was born with a bad eye that was removed when he was old enough for surgery. He has sight out his left eye and gets around just fine. This boy is playful, adorable, and most of all loving. He’s a cuddler, snuggler and he is gorgeous. He has lived with other cats and dogs and he’s ready for his forever home. If you would like to meet Duke, please submit an adoption application to dixiepaws.org/adopt and we will arrange a meet and greet. His adoption fee is $85.
Winnifred
Winnifred is a 7-month-old female. She broke her back leg when she was a kitten and has been in foster most of her life. Winnie is now healed and ready to find her forever human/family. She is still a little shy but is coming out of her shell and she loves to play! Her adoption fee is $85.
Bernard
Bernard is a 5-year-old male Tabby. He is very sweet, loving, and playful. If you’ve ever had an orange Tabby, you know they are the best cats! His adoption fee is $75.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter
Mesquite Animal Shelter is currently closed to the public. Please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. Mesquite Animal Shelter Petfinder or Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information at Mesquite Animal Control. All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1-year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.
Willie
Willie is a loving boy that is a little nervous at first but warms up quickly. Once he is out and about, he does great. Willie knows sit, lay down, and he walks very well on a leash. He is a strong, happy dog that LOVES his belly rubbed. He does well with most other dogs and is house-trained. His adoption fee is $60.
Zeus
Zeus is a 1-year-old Husky. He is a VERY HIGH energy pup that will fit best with an active lifestyle. He is an escape artist so he will need a high secured yard/home. He is a very smart guy with all of the husky personality! His adoption fee is $60.
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.
Dom
Dom is the most lovable puppy-dog-eyed Beagle/Bassett Hound blend you’ll ever meet. This low-rider came to live at That BAM Place while suffering from Cherry Eye (it doesn’t look great but is mostly cosmetic) but that is being corrected and, after that, he’ll be ready for his new family. Dom has clearly lived in a home before and has pretty impressive manners (although he does get up on BAM’s sofa and is still working on the dog door). Though Dom doesn’t bay like a hound, he has a bit of separation anxiety at the adoption center when he has to be put in his kennel while other dogs are out. This would likely be different in a home environment and we do offer trial placements to make sure he is right for you and your home. Dom does not do well with young children. Although Dom gets along with the wide variety of dogs they have in residence with him (often napping with the smallest 6-pound dog), he would enjoy being an only dog as he prefers to be with people over dogs if given the choice. To find out more about Dom or arrange a meeting with him, contact Julie at (435) 773-5209 by texting or calling. His adoption fee is $125.
Barry
Were you widowed by a grumpy old man? Have you been looking to add another to your life since his passing? BAM has got the dog for you! In all seriousness, little Barry has good reason to be grumpy. He came to BAM with a broken pelvis from a California shelter. Since being at BAM, the poor guy has had to deal with puppies in his space, big dogs who don’t respect him an–adding insult to injury–he now has kidney stones. BAM wants the old guy to catch a break and live out the remainder of his life with someone he can find solace and love. Barry loves to rub his back on the floor and wiggle and loves to have belly rubs. He enjoys certain members of the BAM team while others simply aren’t his cup of tea. To find out more about Barry, meet him, and see if he’s a match for you please text or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
Tony 
Not only is Tony a handsome, golden-eyed, mature teenager, he is also a very loving and loyal boy! Although timid at first, especially with men, there will be no training involved. Tony had a rough start but somewhere along the way he has learned many commands, is crate trained, potty trained, and an extremely well-behaved house dog. A very attached and affectionate dog, Tony walks well on leash, rides well in the car, does well with all other dogs and children (cats unknown) and, in his foster home, shows no sign of any aggressive or poor behavior. He’s pretty much the perfect companion! Tony is about 2 years. of age and around 40 lbs. He has had all of his vaccinations, is micro-chipped, and will be neutered prior to finalization of his adoption. He is available locally as a foster to adopt. If you would like to meet Tony at his foster home in St. George, Utah, please call his foster mom at 858-531-8919.
Rainbow
This beautiful girl is 1-1/2 years old. She is part kangaroo and part firecracker! She would love to have an active family with room to play and a 6’ fence. Rainbow gets along with everyone but may have too much energy for small children. She’s still young and needs work with her manners, but she’s very smart and should learn quickly. She is housebroken, can use a doggy door, and knows how to sit but she’s too wiggly to stay sitting for long. To find out more about Rainbow, meet her and see if she’s a match for you, text or call Julie at 435-773-5209.
Peppy
Even though Peppy likes playing with the other dogs, he loves, loves, loves being with his people…which explains why he’s not a fan of being in a crate (but who is, really?). This sweet little man will love and adore you and is willing to stay by your side always. Peppy is available locally as a foster to adopt dog because he still needs to be neutered when the current coronavirus situation is resolved. To find out more about Peppy, meet him and see if he’s a match for you text or call Julie at 435-773-5209.
