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.
Tuco
Tuco is a sweet dog who loves attention. He enjoys playing with people, but he also likes to just hang out with them. Water and jolly balls are his two favorite toys. He loves these things so much that it can be difficult to pull him away from them. Born in 2015, Tuco came to Best Friends from a shelter in California. He will guard food and has shown other guarding behaviors. Tuco also has some handling issues, especially during medical checkups. He especially doesn’t like having his feet or ears touched. His caregivers at the sanctuary are working with him to decrease his food guarding and to improve his ability to be handled. Tuco has done well with all the dogs he’s met at the sanctuary and has even passed a cat test here. He has also lived with small dogs successfully before. When the weather is warm, Tuco could happily live in the Dogtown dog park pool, but he’d be even happier to go home with you.
Twiggy
Twiggy is adorable and sweet. She’s a bit shy with new people but warms up almost immediately, especially when they hand feed her. She bonds strongly with other dogs and would love to live with a canine companion. However, she is a bit picky and bossy with her doggie friends, so she would need a dog who listens to her and who isn’t bothered by this. Twiggy can’t live with cats, as she has shown aggression toward them in the past. She enjoys toys and plays nicely with them. Born in 2012, Twiggy is currently getting over an ear infection, though she may be prone to them due to her ear shape. Twiggy came to the sanctuary from a Best Friends Network Partner shelter. She’s been very gentle with people and would make a lovely pet.
Thor
Thor is a strikingly handsome boy with a full-body wag. He always has a smile on his face, and his silly antics often make his caregivers at the sanctuary laugh. Although Thor can quickly steal the hearts of everyone he meets, he is shy and fearful with strangers. Once he gets to know you, Thor is very affectionate and cuddly. He is also super smart and loves training. Though he was born in 2009, he still has lots of energy. Because of his wariness with new people, Thor will need potential adopters to come to the sanctuary for about a week to make sure he feels comfortable with them. He would do best with an understanding and dog-savvy person who can manage his exposure to new people. Thor takes supplements to keep his coat shiny and healthy and he is on prescription medication for arthritis. Although he needs to be muzzled for medical care, he’s had muzzle training at the sanctuary and feels safe and comfortable while wearing one. Thor prefers female doggie friends. Besides working on meeting new people, he is currently doing training to curb his reactivity to golf carts and cars. Thor came to Best Friends from a shelter in New Mexico. He’s been working hard with Dogtown caregivers and trainers and is ready to find a home of his own.
Tuna
This pretty little girl is friendly with everyone, both people, and cats. Tuna was born in June 2017 and came from an animal shelter in California. She has epilepsy, which is controlled by medication she takes twice a day. Tuna is a total sweetheart and is easy to medicate. She’d fit right into any home.
Uma
Uma is a very shy brown tabby who usually likes to hang out in high places. She is not yet comfortable around humans, but she doesn’t mind other cats. Born in 2010, she came to Best Friends from a cat rescue group in Nevada. She is perfectly healthy and is not fussy about her food. Uma is looking for that very special person who will take time and patience to make her comfortable.
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.
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.
Magic
This tiny older gentleman was found on the streets. He looks like a little fox or miniature collie. Magic is shy but warms up quickly to be your best buddy. He does well on a leash. He knows the command sit. We are unsure if he is housetrained. His adoption fee is $60.
Kilo
Kilo’s owner could no longer care for him and his “yard” mate. He has lived with another dog but they were told he can be dog aggressive. They have only seen this when another dog was barking at him through the fence. They are passing on the information given to them by the previous owners. He is a nice dog and walks well on the leash. His adoption fee is $60.
Diesel
Diesel was turned into the shelter because his owner didn’t have time for him and there was a barking complaint. He is 1 1/2 years old, partially housebroken, and walks well on a leash. He lived with a large dog. Diesel does not do well in the cage but is a good boy in the yard. His adoption fee is $60.
Mr. Whiskers
Oh, what a wonderful cat. Mr. Whiskers’s family moved and could not take him with them. He is 8 years young. He is very friendly and loves attention and being petted and held. They were told he likes other cats and at the shelter; he just ignores the other cats and just goes about his own way. He comes when called. His adoption fee is $40.
Willow
Willow came to shelter with four kittens. She was a stray but did have a collar on but no one came looking for her or the babies. She was a wonderful mother and her babies are now available for adoption. Willow is a quiet cat who just loves attention. Her adoption fee is $40.
Mia
Mia’s owner moved and could not take her with him. She is seven 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.
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.
Romeo
Romeo is an approximately 1-2 years old Chihuahua. He is a sweet little lightweight who was “forgotten” when his people moved. He craves being near his person: held or carried or on your lap. Watch out though because he will climb a fence to be near you! He also enjoys the dog park and plays well with small and medium sized dogs. Romeo needs to gain some weight but is a picky eater who sometimes prefers being hand fed and he especially likes boiled chicken and some dog foods with gravy! Romeo is a loving boy who is happy just being with his person.
Stella
Stella is a small female Chiweenie who is approximately 4 to 5 years old. She is the sweetest girl. She’s a bit cautious around new people and other dogs (growly) but warms up pretty quickly. She loves the park and car rides. Belly rubs, kisses, and cuddles round out her day. Stella is a total lovebug who just needs a bit of reassurance from time to time. She would also be good in a home with other dogs and/or children.
Pepper
Pepper is a boxer/heeler mix, male and approximately 8 years old. RSQ DOGS+ was alerted about a dog that had been chained for eight years! Rain, snow, and heat. A neighbor had actually been threatened with a restraining order over the years for trying to feed and water him. And the owner would never agree to release him … until now! Now he will see what life is supposed to be like and what he should have had since day one. Welcome Pepper! You have done your time. Are you Pepper’s fur-ever family and his happy ever after?
Wilson
Wilson is a domestic shorthair adult male cat who is super sweet and loves everyone. He gets along well with other cats. If this gorgeous black feline touches your heart then let us know and we can set up a time for you to meet Wilson.
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.
Tilly
Tilly is a cute little 4-year-old min pin. She is good with children nnd other dogs and will make a wonderful addition to your family. Her adoption fee is $125.
Miles
Meet Myles, he is an 8-month-old Chi-mix. He is such a sweet spirit and gets along with children and other dogs. His adoption fee is $125.
Twinkie
Twinkie is a 6-year-old DSH. He is very outgoing and loves affection. He is very playful and just a darling cat. His adoption fee is $75.
Kramer
Kramer is a 3-year-old DSH lap cat. He is affectionate and loves to sit on your lap. His adoption fee is $75.
Dorian
Dorian is a charismatic, handsome 3-year-old DLH. He loves to play and is very affectionate. His 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.
Bindi
Bindi is a border collie blend believed to be around two years old. She spent one night in a foster home after being pulled from the shelter to come to us. The foster parent wrote: “She loved my little boy and loves to explore the house. She did well in the crate last night and did pretty well with my dogs. She takes treats nicely and, surprisingly, she is very confident. I bet she’d make an amazing agility dog. She is very loving with people but seems to want to do her own thing around other dogs and doesn’t seem playful with them. I hope she finds a great home!” Bindi is a typical herding dog and will require an owner with experience. She is not good for a first-time pet owner. If you are interested in doing dog sports, we believe Bindi would excel at that. She will be available to be placed once she is spayed. Please call (435) 773-5209 to find out more about her. Bindi’s adoption fee is $125.
Lexi
Lexi is a 5-year-old blue nose pit with a sad story. She was dumped out of a car and left in Las Vegas. Through her microchip, she was traced to an elderly gentleman who had Lexi for the first few years of her life but had to move to assisted living and re-homed her. Information on her stops at that point until she was dumped out of the car. She is good with cats and kids. She needs work on leash training and staying around when not on a leash (she thinks you’re playing when she runs off). Other than that, she is an absolute peach. She is a complete snuggle bug who loves belly rubs and gives the best kisses with her giant tongue! She is so easy to love and has tons of love to give. A very friendly dog, she gets along with everybody. She’s been good with other dogs when the other dogs are somewhat calm. She hasn’t shown signs of aggression but gets too energetic when other dogs do and she doesn’t realize how big she is. She has arthritis and has mild skin allergies. For more information on Lexi or to make an appointment to meet her, contact Shayde at (208) 420-3764. Her adoption fee is $125.
Rex
Rex is a handsome guy who is still finding his confidence. He is approximately one year old, he is sweet and has a fair amount of puppy energy so will need regular exercise. He is just starting his training of walking on a leash and getting into a crate. He is so loving, and consistent guidance will help him grow into the wonderful adult dog he has within him. He hasn’t learned how to play with a ball or other toy yet but is good with people and plays well with other dogs of all sizes. Rex’s adoption fee is $125.
Sabrina
After being hit by a car, little Sabrina spent 8 weeks in a cast while her bones healed. She’s 10 years old but loves to adventure by car, trail, or river. Snuggles are her favorite, but she’s not a couch potato. Sabrina lives with several big dogs and enjoys their company. Never once have they heard her bark. Sabrina would be great in any home but, even with her cast off, she will still need tender care until her bones are strong. Sabrina does require daily medication for an enlarged heart but nothing stops this little dog from living life to its fullest. They are still working on house training, but the process is slow due to her broken bones. Sabrina sleeps through the night without urinating and does not urinate on the carpet but will on tile. Her cast may be at fault, and now with it removed, she’ll be more agile and move more easily. To meet Sabrina or find out more about her, contact Andrea or A.J. at (612) 756-2374. Sabrina’s adoption fee is $100 and she is also eligible for their Seniors Helping Seniors Program.
Turbo and Freckles
They were told that Turbo is a 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel/shih tzu blend; Freckles is a 2-year-old Chihuahua/Yorkshire terrier blend. Both dogs are neutered, and they are a bonded pair. They can only be placed together and only with someone who agrees to keep them together in the future. These are the sweetest two little dogs ever! They are both cuddlers and love to give and receive attention. They like walks, going in the car, or being in the back yard or house with you. They do well with other dogs. They would do best with older, respectful children (age 8 and over). Turbo, as you can see is very overweight. He is on a diet and is exercising daily and won’t be available for adoption until his weight drops a bit. Any potential adopter must be willing to follow through with a weight loss regime for him. Freckles is a little overweight but not as severely as Turbo is. The adoption fee is $250 for the pair.
