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.
Roady
Looking for a smart dog who loves to learn? Roady is one smart cookie who knows many commands and is crate trained. Roady is ready to accompany you on your next adventure or on your next nap. An affectionate dog, Roady adores people and will shower you with love after you’ve returned home from a long day. His favorite things in life include snuggles and belly rubs. He also loves food puzzles and chew toys.
Roady can be picky with his doggie friends, and it takes him a while to feel comfortable even with the right ones, so it’d probably be best for him to be an only dog in a home.
Roady was born in 2010. He was found as a stray before he came to Best Friends and is eager to find a forever home.
Roady thrives in a home environment and is looking for somewhere to spend his golden years. If you’re looking for a companion to give you undivided love and attention, Roady is your guy.
Moose
Are you a training wiz looking for your next great pupil? Moose may be your guy! This hurricane Sandy survivor is a dynamo on the agility course, knows a myriad of awesome tricks, and has even learned to read some of his cues off cue cards.
Moose has worked very hard on his life skills here at the sanctuary, and he is ready to go to his forever home! He loves to go on car rides and golf cart rides, for long walks around the trails, and for agility or other training sessions. He’s eager to please and wants nothing more than to spend his golden years in a home of his very own.
Caliente
Caliente is originally from Puerto Rico. He is a fun and energetic dog who loves walks and hikes; he’s always up for an adventure. Cali rides nicely in the car and he’s crate trained, too. He learns fast and loves training; he knows “sit and “down” and is an absolute star at agility training. Other favorites include solving food puzzles and frozen Kongs as well as snuggling up on his bed with a collection of toys. Caliente absolutely loves toys and playing fetch! He also really enjoys the company of other little dogs and enjoys playing and going on walks with his friends. He does need an adult only home. He needs a while to warm up to new human friends, especially men, but once he does he can be very friendly and cuddly. He would do best with an experienced adopter who will be patient with him and give him time to feel safe and comfortable.
Juneau
Juneau, or “Baby June” as her caregivers affectionately call her, came to us in 2017 as an owner surrender. This crossed eyed, blue-eyed beauty will steal your heart the moment you meet her. Although she may act shy at first all you have to do is sit on the floor with her favorite purple brush and she will be instantly in your lap craving attention and wanting to be brushed for as long as you are willing. She gets along with all her roommates and wants most of the attention focused on her. She has been dog tested and would not do well with any canine residents and would prefer a quieter home. Could you be the one to give this perfect girl home?
Persephone
Persephone is a bit shy around people. She needs a home where she can take her time getting settled in and learning to trust. She loves cats and gets along well with most of them. She is very food motivated and will come running to you if you’ve got treats.
Persephone is a sweet, sensitive girl who is full of potential. She is very small and often gets mistaken for a kitten! She’s looking for a home filled with patience and love, and lots of treats to help her feel comfortable and loved.
Ananda’s a strong, smart girl who knows her own mind and will make sure you know it, too! Both assertive and affectionate, she’s vocal with humans and tends to be dominant in her relationships with other cats. If you’re looking for a bright, energetic companion who loves to play and romp, and who’s also very keen on getting her own way in life, then Ananda’s the girl for you!
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.
Hercules
Hercules is a young, male Shepherd mix. He is adorable. He knows commands sit, stay, and likes hiking. He is very smart, friendly, and loves tummy rubs and cuddles. He likes other dogs, people. He’s just an all-around fun guy. Look at those cute, big ears. This good looking boy is looking for his furever home.
Nike
Nike is a 1 ½-year-old Basenji mix, we think, due to her looks and lack of barking. She came to us with her two babies, Crash and Crush. She loves to play with them and run around. She’s not much of a cuddler, but she appreciates pets and likes attention. She would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone.
Nova
Nova is a 1-year-old Husky/Malamute mix. She is currently in a foster home with her puppies. She will be available for adoption at the end of December when her puppies are fully weaned. Nova would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone.
Corky
Corky is a small, male kitten. Brothers Corky and Captain are eager to find a warm loving home now that they have been rescued from the cold outdoors. Will it be yours? They are playful 10-week old kittens. Corky is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
Captain
Captain is a small, male kitten. Brothers Captain and Corky are eager to find a warm loving home now that they have been rescued from the cold outdoors. Will it be yours? They are playful 10-week old kittens. Captain is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
Andy
Andy deserves to be curling up under your Christmas tree or near a fireplace. He was hit by a car and had a broken hip. He is now completely healed after surgery and is ready to romp and play. Andy enjoys chasing toys and getting lots of head scratches. Andy is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center is now closed again until further notice. We will be showing and adopting animals by appointment only to pre-approved adopters. Please submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt and we will arrange an appointment for approved adopters to meet 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.
Charm
Charm is a 10-year-old Highland Terrier. This lady is a bit overweight and is on a healthy diet. She does have arthritis, but as she loses weight she is feeling and moving much better. She is fully vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and spayed. She has had a full dental, and she is a bit hard of hearing. This spry lady is lovable, social, and looking for a calm loving home where she will get short walks, a controlled healthy diet, and lots of love. Submit an adoption application to be preapproved for a meet and greet with this girl. Her adoption fee is $75.
Griff
If you’re looking for an athlete to join your family, make sure to check out 2-year-old Australian Shephard Griff. This boy loves to play, hike, walk, and run. He’s a sweet guy who likes the lady pups, kids! He’s easy on the eyes and will win your heart over in a flat second. He is vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and neutered. Please submit an Adoption Application and be approved for a meet and greet with him. His adoption fee is $125.
Thunder
Meet Thunder. This baby and his siblings were left in a box by the side of a road. We believe they are Australian Shepherd mixes. They are adorable and loving. They are currently living in foster care where they will be loved, start their training, and get a lot of playtime. All will be vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and spayed/neutered at the appropriate age. Submit adoption applications to www.dixiepaws.org/adopt and we will arrange a meet and greet at the appropriate age. His adoption fee is $200.
Lima
Lima is a 1 1/2-year-old female Tabby. She is a very sweet and calm cat who gets along with most other cats. Lima is litterbox trained and is a very clean cat. Of course, she is very playful, too. Submit an adoption application and be pre-approved to meet her. Her adoption fee is $75.
Bean
Bean is a 2-year-old gray and white female. She gets along with other cats and is playful. She lived in a home with a male cat before she came to PAWS. She is a beautiful girl with green eyes. Come meet her soon! Please submit an Adoption Application and be approved for a meet and greet with her. Her adoption fee is $75.
Reese
Reese is a 2-year-old sweetheart. This girl is one of the nicest cats that you will ever meet. She’s a calm loving girl. She’s vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and spayed. She is ready to go to a loving home. Please submit an Adoption Application and be approved for a meet and greet with her. Her 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.
Anna
Anna is a beautiful 1-year-old silver tabby. She can be a bit shy but warms up quickly. Anna comes when called. She loves to be petted. Anna is learning to play with toys and to be held. Her adoption fee is $40.
Elsa
Elsa is a beautiful silver-gray tabby. She loves attention and is learning to play with toys and to be held. She loves being petted and will roll over so you can reach her belly. 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.
Spot
Sweet little Spot is a 4-5-year-old Jack Russell Terrier blend (although we think we can see some Chihuahua in him) who would give just about anything for a full-time lap to sit on… although a chair with or without a person on it will suffice.
Spot is neutered, housebroken, and knows how to use a doggy door. He’s a bit on the chunky side and is already on the road to his ideal weight using food management and daily walks which also help his confidence. Spot is cautious but is gaining self-assurance every day with the love of his foster and walking with his foster pack.
To arrange a meeting with Spot to see if your lap qualifies, call or text Julie Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am–5 pm at 435-773-5209.
Teton (aka Teeter)
Teton is a wonderful little dog who suffered a torn CCL (Cranial cruciate ligament]. He’s currently in foster care awaiting his surgical consult after which he will have surgery to repair the ligament. He does have a slight limp at this time. After surgery, he may not be able to hike for miles but he’ll be able and willing to go on long walks and short hikes.
Teton gets along with all the dogs in his foster home although he is a little afraid of the largest dog. He wants to play with the others but his injury, until repaired, requires him to get lots of rest and not stress his ligament too much so he’s curtailed from getting as playful as he would like. He’s happy to couch sit with you and watch TV, will lie under your desk if you’re working, and is generally a joyful, happy little dog.
Teton spooks at noises and straps … anything that gives the appearance he might be hit with it. He is recovering well but we don’t recommend homes with small children. Older respectful children should be fine with him. He enjoys a ball and some stuffed toys and does well in the car and would do well on a walk although he tends to pull a bit in the first few minutes. Once his leg is healed, dog parks should be fine.
He’s housebroken with supervision. We don’t know how he would be if left alone for 8 hours but will ask to go out by moving around, whining, or looking anxious. He does not know the doggy door and we haven’t taught it as, due to his physical limitations right now, he shouldn’t be outside unsupervised.
Teton has demonstrated he can be protective of his owner so should be introduced slowly and with supervision to others who enter his space. He would do well in an apartment or a house or even an RV. He does bark but quiets immediately when told “enough”. Teton would be good for first-time pet owners and experienced owners. Aside from his little protective nature, which can easily be worked with, he’s adorable and, for you HOA people, just the right size.
Teton can be placed at this time in a foster-to-adopt home with the adoption finalizing after he is released medically. Foster to adopt parents must be willing to follow medical guidance and see that he makes it to his medical appointments. To meet Teton contact J@BAMUtah.com.
Barry
Barry is not a lap dog (unless he decides he wants to be). Instead, he is a grumpy boy who came to us with a broken pelvis which still causes him pain. In the year he’s been with us, Barry also suffered seizures and kidney stones. He’s on a special diet and medication for all of these things, but he’s still a grump. And we all still love him!
Since being in our care, the poor guy has had to deal with puppies and big dogs who don’t understand why he doesn’t want to roughhouse. He does get along with dogs who aren’t in his face and likes to fetch a ball as long as you don’t try to take it back from him (Barry’s rules).
Ornery as he is, Barry is kind of our mascot and we want the old guy to catch a break and live out the remainder of his life with someone he can find solace in.
Barry loves to rub his back on the floor and wiggle and loves to have belly rubs by a person of his choosing. He enjoys certain members of our 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, text, or 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.
To find out more about Piper, meet her and see if she’s a match for you, text, or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
Ace
Ace is a happy, big old pup who has no idea he’s ever been injured, has recently had major surgery, and definitely doesn’t’ know that he’s supposed to have been calm and quiet while recuperating. His vet is amazed at just how well he has done so quickly! Ace has a lot of energy and will need an active home. He would love to have a nice big yard to play in, along with regular and increasing exercise to strengthen his leg. In a few months, he’ll likely want to go on hikes and long walks. In the meantime, he loves affection and he loves to play! If he has toys and balls, he can entertain himself for long periods of time. He’d love you to throw the ball, but if you’re not available, he’s perfectly capable of throwing it for himself!! He needs to learn some manners but he is a bright boy and will learn quickly. He does tend to be toy possessive so some supervision will be needed with his doggy playmates. Ace is fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and ready to go to his forever home today!!! He will need an adopter with patience and one who is willing to care for him if his leg causes him issues in the future.
To find out more about Ace, meet him and see if he’s a match for you, text, or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
