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.
Gilmore
Gilmore is a shy, calm, and quiet dog. Once he is comfortable he will give you a little bark when he is excited to see you. Gilmore takes some time to warm up to new people. He loves food puzzles and using his nose to sniff out treats during his favorite game of “nose work”.
Gilmore loves food, and he loves to cuddle up in bedding and blankets.
Gilmore was born in 2012, he has not had much experience in a home yet. Gilmore is learning the steps towards walking on a leash but will go in a crate for easy transport.
At the Sanctuary, he loves clicker training and is learning hand feeding as well as how to accept human touch and handling. Gilmore has a quiet nature and would do best in a calm and quiet home. He loves sunbathing outside. Gilmore is looking for a home that can offer patience and love, as he learns just how to be a dog.
Holy Moly
Holy Moly is like a giant puppy with his zest for life. He’s silly and has a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile. He loves to snuggle, play, and receive belly rubs, and he tries really hard whenever he’s learning anything new. Although he has a degenerative joint disease, medications, and supplements, as well as hydrotherapy and chiropractic appointments, keep him feeling his best. At times he can tire quickly but he’s able to stay active doing agility, swimming, walks on the trails, playing with toys, and hanging out with his doggie friends. He loves car rides and bathing in the sun. Holy Moly is very smart and has learned many training cues. He is an incredibly sweet boy, and he’d love to be your companion.
Cordelia
Cordelia can be a really sweet, silly girl. But people only see this side of her when she’s in her comfort zone beside her best dog buddy. He helps give her a lot of confidence, and she is more willing to try new things if he’s with her. Cordelia was born in 2012. She is really smart and excels at training – especially when food is involved. She’s become a rock star at agility at the Sanctuary.
Because Cordelia is a very shy dog, she can be shut down and extremely nervous when out of her comfort zone. She doesn’t like being touched by people and probably never will be comfortable with that. Cordelia would do best in a relaxed, structured home with a very patient person or family who understands her personality and accepts her for who she is. A home without many visitors would be best. When there are visitors, she would be most comfortable staying in a quiet room so she won’t be forced to socialize. She’ll also need a confident dog buddy who will be a good role model for her.
Schroeder
Schroeder might take a minute to warm up to you, but once he does there is no stopping him! If you stop petting him he will grab your hand and pull it back towards him as if to say “hey! I wasn’t done yet!” If he had his way you would spend your whole day giving him pets. It took him a little time to get used to being in a home, but now he runs the place! He loves other cats and makes friends quickly with his chill, sweet demeanor. So if you are looking for a funny, friendly guy and are willing to give him a little time to adjust to new surroundings look no further than Schroeder! You will be wondering how you lived without his crazy antics before long.
Danette
Danette was timid when she first arrived at Best Friends, but she’s made a lot of progress! Formerly a ‘rafter cat,’ she now allows humans to pet her, though you may have to go to her. She’s also bonded with a male cat named Bucky, whom she snuggles with every day.
Danette loves playing with all sorts of cat toys, something she didn’t do early on because she was too shy to come down from the rafters during the day.
Danette was born around 2013 and came from a California shelter. She doesn’t do well with other cats if they’re aggressive, but as her bond with Bucky shows, she can get along really well with the right cat. With a patient person, she’ll continue to be less timid and more affectionate. Can you give Danette the patient, loving home she needs to fully come out of her shell?
Sushi
Sushi wants to come near you, but if you move she runs in the opposite direction. She’s super shy and nervous, but very sweet. And you can entice her with food and treats. She keeps to herself for the most part. Sushi tested positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV ), so she’ll need to be an only cat or live with other FeLV kitties. Born around 2013, Sushi was abandoned. We believe that she has the potential to be a very lovable cat. She really wants to trust people, but needs someone with lots of love and patience.
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.
Butterball
Butterball, a small male, and his brother Chuck are active, loving and playful puppies. Their mother is a chihuahua and the father’s DNA is pending. Like his brother, this sweet little boy is looking for a family to love and call his own.
Chuck
Chuck, a small male, and his brother Butterball are active, loving and playful puppies. Their mother is a chihuahua and the father’s DNA is pending. Like his brother, this sweet little boy is looking for a family to love and call his own.
Roo
Roo is a female, large, mixed breed puppy. From her foster mom: “Roo is very smart and active. She loves to play with her toys or just chew on a bone. She has been around little kids, cats, and all different sizes of dogs. She would love to have fur siblings or fur friends. She is still very much a puppy and will need some puppy training. She has so much love to give and is looking for her forever family.
Glinda
Glinda was rescued with her brothers. She was pregnant at the time and gave birth to an adorable kitten, Uno. Glinda is very bonded with her baby and has been a wonderful mother. She was very shy but having been in a foster home she’s now become more social. Glinda and Uno would make a wonderful pair of pets.
Uno
Uno was the sole survivor of Glinda’s first litter. She’s very attached to her mother but is now being raised in a foster home with kittens from another litter (Duck Duck, Goose, and Junior) and has bonded with them. She’s an adorable playful kitten. At this age we recommend adopting with her mother Glinda or with one of the other kittens. One is such a lonely number.
Goose
Goose was rescued from a field with his siblings and mama. He’s a little shy but very playful. Goose is bonded with his brother Junior and sister Duck Duck. At this age, it’s best to adopt them in bonded pairs or even a TRIO!
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center is now open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM-3 PM. Mask’s are required. The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at (702) 346-5268. Appointments will be made for you to visit an animal you are interested in adopting. All pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and current on vaccinations. Below are the pets currently available for adoption from the shelter. Adoption applications here.
Lofty
Lofty is an 8-9 week old Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. Lofty is one sweet guy. He is playful, loving, sweet, and smart. He is looking for his forever humans. He is vaccinated to date, microchipped, dewormed, and will be neutered at the appropriate age. He is currently in foster care and can only be met by approved applications.
Ruby
Ruby is a 6-month-old Terrier mix. She is playful, sweet, and loves people and other dogs. She will be a great family pet and hiking or running companion. She is spayed and has been vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed. Come into PAWS and meet sweet Ruby!
Tucker
Tucker is a 7-week old Terrier mix. He has had his first puppy shots and is ready to go to his new home. He will be neutered when he is old enough. He also has a sister who is ready to go home. Submit an adoption application at dixiepaws.org/adopt. These pups are at our Adoption Center so come in and meet them.
Conrad
Conrad is a 2-year-old male Russian Blue. He is a very sweet boy who is good with kids and other cats. Russian Blues are said to have fewer allergens than some other cats. He has been vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. Come into PAWS and meet him and the other great PAWS cats.
Lassy
Lassy is an 8-month-old kitten who loves to run on the wheel at PAWS. He is so playful and loves people and kids. Lassy gets along with other cats. He is vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and dewormed. Come in and meet him and all the PAWS cats.
Jovi
Jovi is a gorgeous 1-year-old black cat. He is playful, loving, and social. He gets along with other cats and is social. He’s ready to go home since he’s neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and dewormed. Come in and meet this great guy soon!
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter
Please visit Mesquite Animal Shelter’s 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.
Bella
This pretty girl is a perfect companion. Bella loves to just hang out and sit next to you. She is very low maintenance. She is only 2yrs old and still loves to play, but only if you want to play. She has a very calm demeanor as she gets along with anyone. She does great on the leash. She would do best in a home that can keep her indoors because our local heat for this girl can be hard. She is ready to make your family happy! Her adoption fee is $60.
Chip
This little guy is a hoot! He enjoys toys and a good belly rub. Chip is a mountain cur / mix breed, that is around 3-4 months old. He has shown to have a very friendly temperament. Chip is ALL puppy, so he’ll need help with his house-training, manners, and keeping him active and out of trouble. Lol. Chip will grow up to be a large sized dog and will provide a lot of love! His adoption fee is $60.
Lucky
Lucky is approximately 3-4 months old. Lucky is a sweet little guy that enjoys playing with toys and running around with endless energy! He is ALL PUPPY, so he’ll need help with his house training, manners, and keeping him active and out of trouble. He will grow up to be a medium-sized dog and has the best temperament!
Cali #1
Cali’s owner could no longer keep her. Cali is very independent and likes to pick her company. At this time no small children or other pets in the home. She loves her person and will be wonderful company. She is not a “lap cat” but loves to be petted and brushed. Her adoption fee is $40.
Callie #2
Callie’s #2 is 12 years old but you would never know that. Callie is friendly, easily handled, and inquisitive in her new surroundings. Callie warms up slowly, but is a wonderful kitty and loves to be held and petted or brushed. She would do best in a quiet home. She just had a dental. Callie would love to go to a new furever home. Make arrangements to meet her today! 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. To submit an application, click here.
Gunner
Poor Gunner came to the shelter after being hit by a car and had large wounds on his legs and belly. He’s healing nicely now and will be cone-free soon. Aside from a few white hairs on his chest, he is a beautiful solid liver color. We think he is about four years old. Gunner is a sweet, active boy who loves to hang out with people and other dogs or just roam around the yard watching the birds. He’ll play fetch or sit in your lap with a toy in his mouth. Either way, he’ll be a wonderful companion.
German Shorthair Pointers are an active breed which require a LOT of exercise and human interaction. They are smart, fantastic family dogs with an abundance of energy. Keep that in mind if he will be around small children. Gunner will need an adopter willing to spend lots of time giving him the attention and exercise he requires.
Gunner is available LOCALLY ONLY as foster to adopt. Once he’s been cleared medically, his adoption will be finalized. Until then, his foster will have to endure a cone in the back of their legs and will need to take him to the vet for any follow-up appointments. BAM will cover medical cost until the adoption is final.
If you’re interested in Gunner, submit a BAM Adoption Application and, if approved, we’ll contact you as soon as possible to arrange a meeting. If you don’t hear back within 7 days, please text us at (435) 773-5209.
Lenny
Three-year-old Lenny is thought to be a Miniature Australian Shepherd/Shetland Sheepdog blend which makes him a super cute herding dog. He sometimes likes to herd the other dogs which can make them grumpy but mostly he just loves to romp and play with them. Lenny likes playing ball, even though he doesn’t bring it back, running, barking at big birds, and playing, especially with soft toys and tug!
Lenny is a little shy at first but warms up quickly. He knows basic commands, is dog door trained, housebroken, microchipped, neutered, and ready to go! He also walks well on a leash and loves to ride in the car.
Lenny’s previous person let him get a bit plump (37 pounds–yikes!) and he’ll need an adopter who will help him reach a healthy weight and keep him there because he could have more fun if he could run and jump more. And, then maybe he could go on long walks or hikes. Lenny would probably be great with older, respectful kids. We haven’t tested him with cats yet
If you’re interested in Lenny, submit a BAM Adoption Application and, if approved, we’ll contact you as soon as possible to arrange a meeting. If you don’t hear back within 7 days, please text us at (435) 773-5209.
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.
Mikko
“Mikko” (pronounced Mick O), Hebrew for God, is a lovely gentleman who enjoys short walks and hanging out with other dogs, especially little ones. He’s an absolute lover boy and bonds quickly with everyone
Mikko will be having a mass removed from his leg soon and will be available for adoption once it’s done. He’s neutered, microchipped, housebroken, up-to-date on his vaccinations, and ready to move to his new forever home.
If you’re interested in Mikko, submit a BAM Adoption Application and, if approved, we’ll contact you as soon as possible to arrange a meeting. If you don’t hear back within 7 days, please text us at (435) 773-5209.
Titan and Keeva
Meet this bonded pair: Titan (95 lb Male, 6 yrs) and Keeva (60 lb Female, 5 yrs). Keeva was 8 wks old when she met her big brother and they are tightly bonded. They were their mom and dad’s only children and did everything together: mountain camping, hiking, car rides, playing in streams, strolling the neighborhood. They are primarily house pets but obviously love being active in the outdoors and using their doggy door to explore the yard.
The family has now expanded with an infant and a toddler. Managing two full-time jobs and the babies has added stress and put a strain on the time and care mom and dad can spend with them. The dogs feel the difference and are longing for their pre-baby life back. Mom and Dad’s hearts are broken but feel it is only fair to find the perfect, active family for these two to get their show back on the road.
With the proper introduction, they are good with children and all animals, including cats. If children, 10 or older would be preferable so these dogs can get the attention they need. Huskies need to be part of the pack. They are not happy to be an outdoor pet that is not part of the family. With a little daily exercise and a home of their own, they make absolutely wonderful pets.
To learn more, please call Debbie at 858-531-8919. PLEASE, DO NOT CONTACT BECAUSE ANIMALS MATTER – THIS IS A COURTESY LISTING ONLY – THANK YOU
