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.
Francesca
This little cutie is filled with personality and can’t wait to meet you! Francesca is an energetic and smart girl who loves to be with her people. She can be a little cautious at first, but once she’s decided that you’re in her circle, she’ll love you forever. Francesca also loves her toys and after her walks, she likes to curl up on her bed or in a patch of sun with her stuffed teddy bear. She can be a little nervous with new situations, but she loves learning new things (clicker training is her favorite game!) and will work through anything with someone that she trusts. This sweet girl would love for you to be her person, so come and meet her today!
Yogi
Yogi is like the Goldilocks of dogs–his combination of snuggly and active is just right! He enjoys going on long walks and has done well meeting new dogs at the sanctuary, which makes adopting this handsome guy a no-brainer! With his expressive eyebrows and goofy smile, he’s sure to win your heart.
Elwood
Elwood is a bright-eyed Lab/hound mix who is full of energy and just raring to conquer the world. Born in 2012, Elwood came to Best Friends from a humane society in Wisconsin. As you might imagine, the hound in Elwood has blessed him with an awesome nose and he loves to play “find it,” while the Labrador in Elwood has provided him with a brain that’s eager to learn. In fact, training is one of Elwood’s favorite activities. He’s already learned commands for sit, down, shake, place, wait and hand targeting! He’s an amazing dog. Since Elwood was a pup, he has suffered from noise and storm phobias. This has decreased over time but has not been eliminated. He also has PTSD from an unfortunate accident that happened at the humane society he was at previously. But when Elwood sees a familiar face, his tail begins to wag uncontrollably and his whole body fills with excitement. He just has to let people know he’s happy! He also loves playing with other dogs has lived with a variety of sizes and breeds. Elwood’s forever home will need a secure back yard, as his phobias have driven him to jump short fences and open latches in the past. He would do best with a dog savvy, patient person. If you can offer this guy the love and guidance he needs, he’ll quickly become your biggest admirer. Will you give Elwood the forever home he’s always wanted?
Teller
This sweet, big boy likes his freedom. He hates being put in a cage but otherwise is an absolute doll. Friendly and mellow, once he gets comfortable with you, Teller would probably be a great lap cat. He likes to go for harness walks and stroller rides. He also enjoys chasing the laser light. Born in 2007, he’s in good health. He came to the Sanctuary from a California cat rescue group. Do you have room in your heart and home for this playful, cuddly cat?
Willy
Handsome Willy can often be found lying in silly positions (see photos). He is initially very nervous with new people, but gains confidence with time, especially in a quiet and calm environment. In fact, once you’ve earned his trust, Willy will even allow pets and show off his affectionate side. He takes pain medication for arthritis but is an otherwise healthy senior. Do you have room in your home for this sweet, loving cat to live out his golden years?
Papa Socks
Papa Socks came from a feral colony that was abandoned when their caretaker passed away. He was used to living with other cats, so he made friends here right away and joined the rafter group in his room. Though he’s still shy with people, he’s coming around, and he’s not shy about expressing his opinions! He’ll let you pet him for a little while, and then let you know when he’s had enough. Papa Socks has never had a home to call his own, and we’d love to see him experience the love and attention that will bring to his life. Papa Socks has a generous sponsor who will pay for his adoption fee.
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.
Lorelai
Lorelai is a young, female Great Pyrenees and Akbash mix. She would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone. Get into RSQ Dogs and meet this beautiful girl!
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 turning into quite the lapdog and enjoys petting & treats! 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.
Scrappy
Scrappy is a 10-12-month-old black mouth cur/shepherd mix. She is just a big puppy who is sweet and very playful. She loves everyone, sometimes too much, so she is currently doing basic training to learn some manners. She will be a great addition to her furever family.
Harley
Harley is a sweet 4 to 5-year-old female cat. She is a little timid at first but warms up quickly. She is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats, children, or alone. Harley would really love to find a forever home.
Aries
RSQ Dogs got Aries as a kitten with his brother Leo. Aries is an independent cat who also can be mischievous. He would love to be king of the household. He is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
Foxy
Foxy is a classic sassy princess. She loves to play, bask in the sunlight, and she loves her humans. She is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center will now be open from 12-3 Tuesday-Saturday. PAWS still require social distancing and visitors to wear masks. Please submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt and we will arrange an appointment for approved adopters to meet in 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.
Simper
Simper is Simply wonderful. This 8-year-old darling Cattle Dog/Pit mix is a great dog. Funny, loving, and well mannered. He knows his basic commands and likes to please his humans. He likes walks and has nice leash manners.
Spike
Spike is one in a million. This darling 4-year-old bundle is full of life. He loves walks and has nice leash manners. Spike is a playful loving Chihuahua looking for a single woman to spend his life with. Spike bonds so tightly to his human that he prefers not to share her with children or other dogs, and he is a bit leery of men. He needs to become a companion for a loving caring lady who he can relax and be himself with. Once he bonds with you, he will give 100% of his love and all the cuddles you want.
Reed
Big Reed is one sweet cat. This guy loves all humans and especially has a soft spot for children. He’s 5 years old, is social, gets along with other cats, loves cuddles, and is playful and gentle. Stop by PAWS and meet Reed! His adoption fee is $75.
Blossom
Blossom is a 4-year-old beauty. She enjoys receiving love, treats & sunbathing on windowsills. This young gal loves to play with wands, balls, and interactive toys. She did well in foster with a 10-year-old and 18-year-old cats. She’s more playful and energetic than the older gals. She will let you know when she’s hungry or wants to be left alone. She loves exploring and is curious to know what is behind any closed door. Blossom can give a mean stink eye but is a total sweetheart. Her adoption fee is $75.
Babs
Babs is a 5-year-old petite long-haired beauty. She is a diabetic who does require small doses of insulin twice daily. She is a wonderful cat who will be a terrific companion cat for those special humans who are lucky enough to be called hers. She does not like dogs and needs a home without them. She is currently in foster living with other cats. She has been fully vetted, had a full dental, and is easy to give her insulin to. This lady deserves a loving calm home to call her own. 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.
Celeste
Celeste is a stunning nine-month-old girl. She’s very shy at first but warms up pretty quickly, especially if you have a tennis ball in your hand. Once she makes friends, she’s a total sweetheart! She doesn’t always instantly click with other dogs so she should be properly introduced to any potential playmate. She’s also house trained, knows basic commands, and is an excellent fetcher!
Princess Nala
Princess Nala is 8-1/2 years old and is as sweet as she can be. She’s housebroken, knows how to use the doggie door, walks on a leash, and loves to be brushed. She’s a total ball of love! She’s hoping someone will fall in love with her, keep her safe, and never give her up. She really is a wonderful pup! Nala will require grooming in the future and her adopter must agree to this otherwise, she will become very uncomfortable.
Bear, Boomer, Ibby
Bear, Boomer, and Ibby are all eight weeks old and will be available locally in a few weeks as a foster to adopt after they have had their second round of puppy shots. Once neutered/spayed, the adoption can be finalized. Meanwhile, if you are interested in meeting them and getting a little whiff of puppy breath, stop by That BAM Place Tuesday through Saturday or text/call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
Piper
Piper is a sweet senior girl who just wants to relax and be pampered. She is on medication for a previously untreated condition called Collie Nose and needs to be guarded against too much sun. She loves gentle kids and gets along with gentle dogs. She’s a lover girl that just needs someone to love her back.
Veg
Veg, named for his love of vegetables, is said to be an absolute gem of a dog by his foster mom. He came to BAM from Needles, California where he had been languishing in a shelter for six months. One positive from his time there: in addition to their absolute love of him, a trainer worked with him regularly and it absolutely shows. Not only is Veg a handsome, golden-eyed beauty, he is also a very obedient and social young boy. He knows sit, down, kiss, and can shake with both paws. He loves the water and does very well with other dogs. His temperament with cats is unknown. He sleeps well in a crate at night and is a very well behaved house dog. Veg will make an excellent companion for hiking and exploring as he is active, athletic, and walks well on a leash. When he and his foster sister recently made a brief escape from home (he’s still got a little work to do with door bolting) they were both stopped dead in their tracks by the neighborhood Chihuahua. His foster mom called and they both came running so he also learned good recall. He reacts very positively to correction and is more of a follower than a leader with his dog friends. Veg is estimated to be less than 2 years of age, weighs about 60 lbs, has all of his vaccinations, is micro-chipped and will be neutered before his adoption is completed. He is available to go locally to a foster to adopt home now with the adoption finalized when he is neutered.
