The Independent Southern Utah Adoptable Pets Guide features adoptable pets from various animal shelters throughout southern Utah. Get a new pet today!
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 its care are fully vetted, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and any medical care they may need. Please contact RSQ DOGS+ for more information at (800) 897-1136 or rsqdogsutah@gmail.com, or visit rsqdogsutah.org.
Boomer
Boomer is a fully grown male border collie/Australian shepherd mix and is approximately four years old. He knows some tricks like “sit” and “come.” He is fine with other dogs but gets nervous if the other dogs start barking. He likes people to be around but really doesn’t pay too much attention. He’s pretty calm doing his own thing. He would need a fully fenced yard to run around in and would love a family to take him on adventures. Do you want to be his forever family?
Charlie
This sweetie is Charlie, AKA Charlie Brown. When Charlie was found, he had a fractured leg in two places and his belly was full of blood — but he is working on getting better. For now, he’s hobbling around on three legs, but he would love to find a home — foster or forever — where he can get more constant care and attention while on the mend. He is still a happy boy and has a tail wag and a smile for anyone willing to give him a scratch.
Ellie
Ellie is a fun-loving adult female Australian cattle dog mix. She loves people and is good with kids and most other dogs. She can be a little moody from time to time, so her ideal situation would be to be an “only dog” with lots of love and attention. Ellie is medium in size.
Peaches and Georgia
This darling set of bonded kittens are almost ready for adoption together. They will still need to be spayed, but we are taking applications now, and you could possibly even “foster to adopt” until they are completely ready to be adopted. They are as cute as can be, so are you interested in these babies?
Phobe
Phoebe is a Persian mix, and she is as sweet as she looks. She would love a quiet home where she can sit in someone’s lap. They don’t know all that she has been through, but they do know that she ended up in a high-kill shelter with her brother. And sadly, he passed away before getting to rescue. Phoebe is currently only 5 pounds. She needs a home where she can feel safe and start working toward a healthy weight.
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.
Max
Max is a darling and smart guy. He is athletic and loves to play. He also loves to cuddle. Max gets along with other dogs and children. If you are looking for an energetic, friendly companion, Max fits the bill. His adoption fee is $125.
Spike
Spike is 2 years old and is just about the cuteness little guy in town. He is only 8 pounds and just the happiest, most easygoing guy ever. He is great with other dogs and kids and just loves humans, and his favorite place to be is in your arms. His adoption fee is $125.
Sandy
Sandy is a one-year-old medium hair grey cat. She is beautiful and sweet. Sandy gets along with other cats and will make a great companion for some lucky family. She loves to play. Her adoption fee is $75.
Ellen
Ellen is a 2-year-old grey-and-black tabby. She came from a hoarding situation, so she gets along with other cats. Ellen is a very sweet cat with a loving disposition. She is playful, too. Her adoption fee is $75.
Karl
Karl is a 1-year-old grey tabby and is everything you want in a cat. He is social and loving. In your arms is his favorite cuddle place. He is playful and beautiful. His adoption fee is $75.
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.
Pansy
Pansy was found as a stray. She is very friendly and loves people, toys, and other small dogs. She knows sit and is learning to walk on a leash. Pansy is in love with her soft bed and likes to get comfortable. Her adoption fee is $60.
Tula
Tula’s owner is in the hospital, and family cannot keep this little girl. She is approximately 1 year old. She is partially house trained. She is shy until she gets to know you. She is full of energy. She does like to go visiting and will need a secure yard. She is doing well on a leash. Tula loves playing with toys or just cuddling. Tula does bark for attention. Her adoption fee is $60.
Dandy-Lion
Dandy-Lion was found as a stray. He is a big boy with beautiful buff coloration. He had an ear notch, so they are wondering if he was part of a TNR project. Local vets in Mesquite do not notch ears in this manner. He loves people and being carried around so he can hug you. His adoption fee is $0.
Mia
Mia’s owner moved and could not take her with him. She is 7 years young and declawed. Mia is in need of a diet and exercise plan. She is shy due to the change in her living arrangements, but she is calm and easily handled. She would make a good companion for someone wanting a couch potato to keep them company. Her adoption fee is $40.
Paris
Paris came to the shelter when her owner could no longer care for her. She is a pretty orange-and-white spotted tabby. Paris came from a home where she had access to a doggie door. She is getting used to being an inside kitty. Paris starts purring the minute she sees anyone and walks around serenading everyone. She is easily handled. Her adoption fee is $40.
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.
Vladamir
Vladamir acts much younger than his age. He’s very playful for a dog born in 2009. Though he’s a boisterous boy, he’s sweet with people. However, Vladamir has shown aggression toward other dogs and cats in the past, so he will need to be the only pet in his new home. At the sanctuary, he’s learning his training basics, including crate training, and he is currently on a plan to lose some extra weight. Vladimir is looking for an active home where he can be the star of the show.
Winter
Winter came from a shelter in Los Angeles where she was feeling very intimidated. Luckily, she trekked out to Best Friends where her real personality is peeking through. She’s still rather shy at first. If she’s really uncertain, she’ll let you know with a few little barks. But once she gets to know you, she’s much warmer and inviting. She does a happy wiggle dance and might even hop up to sneak in a kiss.Winter loves people, and if you have other dogs, that would be wonderful. She’s great with them! Winter also loves her walks and loves to play in the water. All of that activity coupled with being a bit of a finicky eater means she’s a tad bit underweight. Born in 2010, she’s healthy otherwise. All Winter wants is a forever home with someone to love. Winter has a generous sponsor who will cover her adoption fee. Sanctuary visit required.
Xander
Xander usually has a serious face, but when he smiles, you can see his adorable crooked teeth and grin. It can take Xander some time to trust new people. He’s slow to warm up, and he will bite if he is pushed too far too quickly. But once he likes you, he’s a really good boy. He likes other dogs and has lived successfully with cats in the past. He is crate trained, enjoys car rides and walks, and loves stuffed toys. Xander was born in 2008 and came to Best Friends from a high-kill shelter in Tennessee. He has shown some guarding behaviors at the sanctuary and is protective of his crate, so his caregivers lure him out with treats and do not reach their hands in his crate. When he is excited, such as for leashing or feeding, he has a tendency to jump up and bite at clothes. He is very difficult for medical handling and does not like to be muzzled. His caregivers are working on muzzle training with him, but he currently has to be sedated for exams and procedures. He’s particularly sensitive about his ears. Xander is working on learning alternative behaviors for jumping up and biting. He will need to go home with a dog-savvy person who is willing to continue his training. Xander has a generous sponsor who will help with adoption costs.
Viggy
Viggy is extremely friendly and outgoing. As soon as he meets you, he will ask to be held and will happily sit in your lap for hours. He goes on sleepovers and snuggles all night. Born in November 2015, he is still young and loves to play with toys and other kitties. Viggy came from a shelter in Pennsylvania after testing positive for feline leukemia. He’ll need a home where he’s the only cat or there are other FeLV cats. If you have the right situation for Viggy, this little heart melter will make a snuggly companion.
Winchester
Winchester is very laid back when meeting new people. He’s a pretty independent guy, but he still enjoys being picked up, sitting on laps, and being petted and brushed. He has feline leukemia virus, so he’ll either need to be an only cat or live with other cats who have the virus. He does fine with other cats but mostly keeps to himself. Born around 2011, Winchester was found as a stray in California. He walks on a harness and leash and loves getting outside and exploring around trees and shrubs. He’s a big boy and could stand to lose a few pounds, so going on daily walks is good for him.
Van Dyke
Van Dyke is very timid at first, but he’ll warm up and investigate you pretty quickly. Once he knows he can trust you, he’ll be playful and let you pet him. When he decides he wants attention, he’ll even stand on his back legs and push his head into your hand. He does not, however, like to be picked up. He’s still young, born in 2013, and very playful with other cats. He even loves dogs. He’s bouncy and loves to play with toys. Van Dyke came to us from a Utah rescue group. We’d love to see him in a home that is willing to let him take life on his own terms.
Hurricane City Animal Shelter
Hurricane City Animal Shelter is located at 2084 S 700 W in Hurricane. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The shelter is closed on Sundays and holidays. They work very hard to keep their facility clean and their adoptable animals comfortable during their stay with them. Adoption fees are $20 for cats and $30 for dogs. The adoption fee includes a goodie bag and a certificate for a free health exam with either one of the veterinarians in Hurricane. All pets must be sterilized prior to being adopted.
Bandit
Freckle-faced Bandit is sure to steal your heart away! This beautiful boy came to the shelter because his owners were moving and could not take him with them. Bandit was very frightened when he first came here, but with a bit of time and patience and a lot of love, he is doing great now. They were told he is a blend of Australian shepherd, border collie, heeler, and probably a few other things mixed in for good measure. Medium-sized Bandit is about 4 years old. He is house trained, absolutely loves camping, and especially adores being petted. Bandit just wants to be right next to you and will happily roll over for belly rubs. Bandit is super sweet and extra cuddly. However, they were told that he does not do well with little kids or other dogs. They aren’t sure how he is with cats. Bandit is a wonderful dog who is looking for his fur-ever home where he will truly be loved and cherished always.
Pookie
What’s black and white and cute all over? Why, it’s Pookie, of course! This sweet little feline came to the shelter because her owners moved away and forgot to take her with them. Pookie is super sweet and cuddly. She just loves to be petted. Pookie is approximately 5 years old and has been spayed. She uses her litter box like a pro. They are told that she doesn’t like other kitties. They have also been told that she would do best in a home with older kids who are gentle and respectful. This lovely kitty is said to get along with dogs. Pookie would love to find a home where she will always be a loved and cherished family member and never left behind again! She also needs someone willing to keep her soft-as-cotton fur groomed and tangle free.
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.
Winnie
Winnie is a very sweet, low-key little dog. She gets along great with other dogs and older kids. She is very loyal and loves to be right by your side at all times. She is a great buddy for someone looking for a constant companion. Winnie is house trained and does well in a kennel at night. Winnie has lupus, and her medication (25mg Cyclosporine) has to be given 1 hour before food or 2 hours after. It costs about $45 a month. Call Michelle at (435) 703-3926 for more information on Winnie. Her adoption fee is $125.
Walt
Walt is approximately 8 years old. He would like nothing better than to go on a walk with you, go for a run in the desert, be your companion, and then lay down at your feet at the end of the day (or in your lap … he likes laps a lot). Older children would be best for him, and he would also be a great pet for an older couple. Walt is well behaved in a house, and although he is crate trained, he prefers to live in close proximity with his humans. Walt’s foster mom says he is a great dog and he deserves a home of his own. Walt’s only problem is that nobody wants to adopt him because he has stage 1 kidney failure and requires a special diet. The vet says he could live a couple of years, or more, or less. There’s just no telling, but if you’ve seen the videos of him running in the desert, you would know he’s not ready to cash it in yet. Everyone who knows Walt believes he deserves a family. Are you a family that is willing to give love and be loved, even if it is time-limited? If so, call Corinne at (435) 760-3414 and set up a time to meet him. You will fall in love with him … everyone does!
Pebbles
Pebbles is a sweet little dog with a lot of love to give. A small dog with a big personality, Pebbles is about 4 years old but hasn’t had much contact with people so is quite cautious when meeting new people and takes some time to get comfortable. However, once he gets to know you, he is warm and loving with his favorite place being in the arms of his person. Very playful with other small dogs, he walks well on a leash while displaying typical “small dog bark bigger than his bite” attitude. To welcome Pebbles into your family, call Phyllis at (435) 862-2207. His adoption fee is $125.
