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.
Yuma
Yuma is a joy to have around. She gets really excited to meet people (her second favorite thing behind toys). But she’s been learning that it’s much more polite to lie down and wait for people to come down to her than to jump up and greet them. Politeness gets you lots of tummy rubs and back scratches, and that’s all Yuma wants in life (and maybe a few appropriate toys). Born in 2008, Yuma is bright and healthy, but with some sensitivity to the sun. She doesn’t do well with other dogs, so is looking to be your one and only. She is very gentle and calm in a home setting. She knows tons of cool tricks and is always ready for something new! Yuma has a generous sponsor who will cover her adoption costs.
Lava
A stray for three years in Texas, Lava was shy and fearful when she first arrived at Best Friends. But she’s extremely food motivated. She’s learned ‘sit’ and ‘down,’ and she’ll let people scratch her chin in exchange for treats. She’s learned to jump into low cars and to enjoy going for car rides. In Dogtown, Lava meets volunteers who read to her and hand feed her to build trust. She responds well to a leash and really likes her walks. Lately, she’s started exploring new places and accepting more petting and brushing from people she knows. Born in 2010, Lava has issues with bladder infections and crystals. She needs regular monitoring by a veterinarian to stay healthy. Though she is picky about her dog friends, she’d probably do fine living with cats. Lava has great potential for progress and just needs someone willing to gently lead the way. Lava has a generous sponsor who has offered to pay her adoption fee.
Cassandra
Cassandra is a beautiful girl who loves her people. She can be shy with strangers, but once she gets comfortable she loves being petted by everyone. When she sees her friends, her whole body wiggles and her tail doesn’t stop wagging. It doesn’t take long to get to know her. The best way to win her over is to take her for a car ride. Car rides are Cassandra’s favorite thing in the world. She sits in the passenger seat and tries to hold your hand during the whole ride, and she will smother you with kisses. You can also give her some treats, take her for a few walks, and she’ll be your friend in no time. If you have treats, she’d also love to show you all the tricks and training cues she knows. Born in 2009, Cassandra is still pretty active. At the Sanctuary, she does well with dogs her own size, but she does not do well with small dogs. Cassandra is a sensitive girl who can be nervous in new places, so she’ll need a person or family who will be patient, go slowly with her and show her that new places are not so scary. She’ll also need someone who will give her some time to get comfortable and learn the routine in a new home. She loves to go on walks or for a dip in her pool, but she is also content to hang out or take a nap in her crate. She’d also be more than happy to snuggle with you and give you lots of kisses. Cassandra has a generous sponsor who will pay for her adoption costs.
Camando
When he’s not playing with other cats, Comando is keeping a close eye on the birds and lizards outside. Ahh, the elaborate plans that must be running ’round his head! This handsome cat is shy around people, but will sometimes let you pet and comb his long hair. So if he could find a home with a kind, patient person, he may warm up. In the meantime, he adores other cats and would be a great companion to your cats. Born in 2005, Camando is in good health. But he came from a terrible situation of hoarding and neglect in Pahrump, Nevada. If you’d like to change a deserving cat’s life, Camando is ready to capture your heart!
Beau
Beau is the nicest cat in the world – once you become his friend. That just takes a long time. He’s scared of folks, and will hide, then pop his head out to take a peek, and then hide again. But if you spend lots of time with him, he is just the friendliest, most precious soul. You’re going to love him. Beau is also great with other cats – very gentle. So if you happen to have other cats, he’ll fit right in. He enjoys climbing and batting at ping pong balls. And he’s the kind of cat who desperately needs a home precisely because it takes him so long to make friends. He’s not interested in relationships with visitors who come in and then go away. He wants someone he can bond with just once, and then snuggle with forever. Do you have the patience to touch this little heart?
Hoopla
An adorable round face with big yellow eyes! Hoopla is a curious cat who wants to watch everything going on all the time. She was one of the hundreds of cats rescued from Pahrump, Nevada in a case of animal neglect. It was very sad! And neglect left Hoopla with a skittishness that’s going to be tough to recover from. But she can do it! Look in her eyes and you’ll see. “I want to trust you. I want to get pets like other cats. I just can’t do it on my own.” But she watches you. And she’s interested. And she wants to learn to be like the others! Hoopla is terrific with other cats, so she should be fine if you have some in your home. She’s in great health with no problems. Born in just 2005, she’s got a gorgeous coat, and she likes to play with toys. It’s been a long journey. Can you help this curious cat come out of her shell?
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.
Kolob
PAWS is not sure of his story but they know he has one, it probably started out happy and then somewhere, somehow things changed for him. This 2-year-old is very sweet and warms up slowly to meeting new people. It seems like he must have been scared, yelled at and in some way mistreated by a male human. This beautiful boy warms up to females faster and enjoys when a woman sits and talks to him and gives him love and attention. Humans mixed up his mind and taught him to be insecure and not to trust. However, he is learning how to become the secure boy he was meant to be. PAWS will continue working with him until they find his perfect home. His adoption fee is $125.
Winston
Talk about a fun guy, Winston is hilarious. This 11-month-old Lab mix is a lovable goofball that can catch a ball from a mile away and play fetch. He likes to go on walks, hikes and will be a wonderful family pet with some additional training. Winston is dreaming of his family coming for him before Christmas so they can all be together. His adoption fee is $125.
Kirk
Kirk is a beautiful 2-year-old Siamese/tabby mix. Kirk is shy when you first meet him but will come out of his shell when you get to know him. He gets along with other cats and loves to play. Kirk is bonded with another shy boy named Luigi and they are a 2 in 1 package. His adoption fee is $150.
Luigi
Luigi is a little on the shy side but very sweet. He will need a home that will allow his best friend Kirk to come with him. Luigi is a little shyer than Kirk but if he sees you loving on him he will understand and warm up to you. He has a beautiful orange coat with some unique swirls.
Mittens
Mittens is the Best! This 1-year-old Tuxedo Cutie is little miss social. She is playful, fun and would love to have a new home for Christmas. Her adoption fee is $85.
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.
Zack
Zack is a 6-month-old Golden Pyrenees mix. He has a very sweet disposition and is friendly to all people and dogs he meets. He walks well on a leash and seems to be very smart. His beautiful fur is very soft. A loving active family would suit this big pup.
Olive
Olive is several years old and likely a shepherd mix. She still seems to feel a little shy around the staff at RSQ Dogs+, but in their short time with her, she has been the absolute sweetest girl. She has already learned a few tricks, walks well on a leash, and has a very gentle disposition. She’s such a sweet girl who loves to please. She loves to sit and snuggle. A loving family will put the wag back in this lovely girl’s tail.
Salem
RSQ dogs received a call about 2 weeks ago regarding a very sick dog up in Hildale. They discovered a despondent, dehydrated, very sick puppy who was diagnosed with parvo and needed emergency care. After 2 days at the veterinarians, Salem came to RSQ where a special team of volunteers cared for him throughout a 14 day quarantine period. Happily, Salem is now acting like the 5-month-old pup he is. He is sweet, friendly, full of puppy energy and deserving of a wonderful, loving home. Could it be yours?
Matchbox
This boy loves nothing more than being held and giving kisses. Matchbox is so sweet and loving. She plays very plays nicely with other cats.
Bonnie
Bonnie came to us with burns all down her back. Yep. You heard that right! BURNS! She was also a new mother to 1 surviving newborn baby who she was a wonderful mother to. Bonnie had to endure painful surgery to cut away all of the dead and infected tissue and skin, then sew the healthy tissues back together. She had stitches all the way across her back. Although she has had a long recovery, she is really doing well now and she is ready for her own home and family! This petite little girl loves people and she is good with other cats. But she prefers a home with no dogs. If you are looking to adopt a kitty, please consider Bonnie. She’s such a sweetheart.
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.
Tinsel
Tinsel was found as a stray. Tinsel was already neutered and ear-tipped so he had to have belonged to someone. He is very friendly and outgoing. He loves attention and will come when called even to his new name. He is a fun and pretty orange and white tabby cat. His adoption fee is $60.
Dickens
Dickens was found as a stray. He is very friendly and wants to be with people. He is a young cat with a beautiful shiny coat and green/gold eyes. He is ready and eager for his forever home. His adoption fee is $60.
Nessie
Nessie came to shelter with her son Taz when their owner moved and could not take them. She is a round little butterball of a kitty. She is friendly but can be a little shy until she gets to know you. She loves being brushed and sitting by your side. Her adoption fee is $40.
Taz
Taz came to shelter with his mother (also available) when their owner moved and could not afford the pet deposit. He is a beautiful pure white cat with one blue eye and one golden eye. He is friendly but not used to all the noise and activity in the cat room. He would do better as an only cat in the home. His adoption fee is $40.
Laverne & Shirley
These girls were abandoned in an apartment. They are a bonded pair and they would love to see them adopted together. They are gentle and quiet and easily handled. They love people and each other. They are very laid back “no fuss no muss”. They have beautiful colors and fur. Their adoption fees are $40.
Cher
Cher is 5 months old. She was found as a stray. She is a little shy but loves people and playing with toys. She is friendly, easily handled, and quite the love. Her color is changing from black to a silver color. Cher has lived with Sunny for 2 months and they are an adorable pair. 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.
Bandit
Bandit is approximately 3 to 4 months old. BAM is seeking a foster-to-adopt home for him. He is currently in a cast as his left rear leg is broken. He is all puppy and loves doing puppy things but needs to be on crate rest for the next 3 to 4 weeks. Once Bandit is neutered, he can be adopted by the family that is selected to foster him. Bandit’s adoption price will be $150. They will not place him out of the area at this time. To meet Bandit, call (435) 773-5209.
Belle
Belle is a beautiful, sweet, active and typical hound dog. She gets along well with people and dogs of all sizes but might chase cats and other small animals. They are told she is housebroken. They think she’s approximately two years old and, like all youngsters, can be absolutely wonderful and a little bit naughty all at the same time. Belle is proud of her athletic skill at the high jump and will require a 6-foot fence. Belle is not spayed yet but BAM is taking applications on her and would consider a foster-to-adopt home for her so she can get settled in her new family as soon as possible. She did ask Santa for a family for Christmas. To meet Belle, call (435) 773-5209.
Aladdin
Aladdin is a four-pound bundle of Love. He is mostly housebroken, crate trained, good with other dogs and cats. Aladdin is approximately 5 months old and will be about 5 lbs when fully grown. He would be great with older children and singles or older couples. He loves his daily walks and his chew toys. He is very loving and will snuggle on your lap and sleep through the night. He will be your best friend for many years. Aladdin’s adoption fee is $200. To see Aladdin or find out more about him, please call Aggie at (435) 773-1667.
Trio
Trio is approximately 5 years old. She is a sweet German Shepherd blend who is really a relaxed, happy dog. She likes walks, car rides, stuffed toys, bones, and 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 revealed 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 them concern around respectful children. To meet her call J at (435) 773-5209. Her adoption fee is $125.
Louie
Louie needs a family that will love and cares for him in spite of his dementia and special needs. He has stage II Kidney failure and requires a special diet. Louie enjoys being held and sitting beside you on a couch. Louie is neutered, microchipped and fully vaccinated and meets BAM’s Senior to Senior program requirements. Are you a family that is willing to give love and be loved even if it is time limited? If so, call (435) 773-5209.
