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.
Winter
Winter came from a shelter in Los Angeles, where she was feeling very intimidated. Luckily, she trekked out to Best Friends here in Kanab 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 more warm 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.
Wren
Wren came to the sanctuary from a rural humane society. She was in a tough situation before she was rescued, so she is wary of people and has trust issues. Wren really wants to be friends with people; she just needs a little time and patience. She’s okay with going for walks as long as she’s leashed up slowly and gently. Born in 2016, Wren is great with other dogs. She’s looking for a loving, understanding home and that special person who will give her the time she needs to build confidence and develop trust. This dog is featured as part of our BLISS (Behavior Lifelong In-home Support System) Program. Through this program, you will receive pre- and post-adoption training advice from one of our behavior consultants as well as a training plan specifically tailored to the dog’s transition into your home. As an added bonus, this dog’s adoption fee is waived, and if a flight home is needed, that’s free as well!
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 has some sensitivity to the sun. She doesn’t do well with other dogs, so she 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.
Willy
Handsome Willy hangs out on high. His favorite spot is a perch in the rafters where he can take in the entire room and observe all the goings-on at a glance. Timid and slightly nervous, he’s not yet comfortable being handled by humans. He’s more at ease around fellow cats and prefers a quiet setting where he can enjoy the calm. Born in 2005, Willy enjoys excellent health with many happy years ahead.
Waylon
Meet one of the legendary “rafter cats” here at Best Friends! Cats like these make wonderful companions-from-afar. You can’t hold them or pet them — at least, not yet. But they think and feel and love, just like the rest of us. And if you give them the chance, they can be a real part of your home. They just haven’t had any experience being pets. Waylon was born in 2007 and came from a hoarding situation. He gets along well with most cats but seems to prefer males. Waylon is in good health and always uses the litter box. He’s very scared by changes and will need lots of time to feel calm and safe. Shy cats like these have always been an important part of Best Friends’ culture. They have special spirits and deep personalities. And this beautiful cat would love to be a part of your life.
Yolanda
Meet one of the legendary “rafter cats” here at Best Friends! Cats like these make wonderful companions-from-afar. You can’t hold them or pet them — at least, not yet. But they think and feel and love, just like the rest of us. And if you give them the chance, they can be a real part of your home. They just haven’t had any experience being pets. Yolanda was born in 2015 and came from a shelter in northern Utah. She does fine with other cats. Shy cats like these have always been an important part of Best Friends’ culture. They have special spirits and deep personalities. And this beautiful cat would love to be a part of your life.
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.
Ash
Ash is a 3-year-old purebred German shepherd male. He came to RSQ DOGS+ fully house trained and has excellent manners. He is great with kids and other dogs but has not been tested with cats. He is currently in a foster home but is eager to find his forever home. Will you take him home with you?
Daisy Mae
Daisy Mae is an 8-year-old border collie/Lab mix. She came to RSQ DOGS+ a few weeks ago and has spent time in foster homes and is learning her manners and house rules. She is great with other animals and people of all ages. Will you be Daisy Mae’s new family?
Bullet
Bullet came to RSQ Dogs with a gunshot wound that didn’t seem to slow him down. He has shown himself to be a perfect friend to everyone, and his foster mom says he is better mannered than her own dogs! He is a German shepherd mix just under 1 year old and would be the perfect addition to any family. Will you adopt this perfect puppy?
Zoey
Zoey is gorgeous! She loves people and she is also very vocal. She is ready to find her perfect home! Do you want to bring this princess home?
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.
Fred
This is one fun-loving pup. He is always happy and willing to learn and wants to please. This cuddly hound mix is as smart as can be and will make an excellent hiker and running buddy or the perfect family pet. His adoption fee is $200.
Anna
Anna is a three-legged little bundle of love. She is suspicious of men, so she prefers women and a calm home. Her adoption fee is 125.
Ava
Ava is another one of PAWS’s great mama cats. She is approximately 1 year old and came to them in May with 6 kittens. Now that she is finished raising her babies, she is ready to find a home of her own. She is very sweet, social, and playful. Her adoption fee is $75.
Barbara
Barbara is one of the nicest cats you will ever meet. She is approximately 1 year old and came to PAWS in April with six kittens. She had given birth in a window well. She has stunning green eyes and is very sweet and playful. Her adoption fee is $75.
Julian
Julian is a male orange tabby who is approximately 3 years old. He is such a sweet boy and ready to find his forever home. 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.
Sonya
Sonya was found as a stray. She has a boxer face. She is friendly and loves people. She will try to sit on your lap. Sonya loves playing or just sitting in the wading pool. Her adoption fee is $60.
Magic
This tiny older gentleman was found on the streets. He looks like a little fox or a 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.
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 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.
Tigger
Tigger’s owner was moving and could not take her cats. What a bundle of energy. He is mostly white with an orange tiger/tabby-stripe tail and some spots. He loves everyone and comes when called. Tigger will play with toys and chase them all over the room. He loves being with everyone. He is quite handsome and a must see at the shelter. His adoption fee is $40.
Marilyn
Marilyn was a stray found abandoned at the park. She was and still is very thin, but you can see the difference since she has been getting regular meals. She never stops purring and loves sitting on your lap being petted and cuddled. She does not seem to like some of the other cats in the room while she tolerates others. She would make someone a great companion and couch mate. 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.
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 he 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.
