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.
Annie
When you meet Annie, you can’t help but smile. She has a fun, gentle personality, and she thinks she’s a lap dog. In a home, she would love to sit on the couch next to you or lie at your feet if you are working at the computer. She’d also love to sleep on the bed with you, but she is fine with sleeping in her own bed. She doesn’t even snore. Annie has gotten along with all the other dogs she’s met at the sanctuary. If she meets another dog who isn’t very nice to her, she just backs off. Born in 2014, this sweet girl came to Best Friends from a rescue organization in California. Annie is feeling much better after completing treatment for heartworm disease at the sanctuary and having surgery to repair a torn ligament in her knee. She is meeting lots of new people at the sanctuary and greeting groups of people on tours. She walks nicely on a leash and enjoys car rides. Annie already knows how to ‘sit,’ ‘lie down,’ ‘stay’ and ‘come’ when she is called. She will make a wonderful and loving addition to most households.
Yo Yo
This people-oriented dog adores affection will quickly become your devoted best friend. When she’s not busy soaking up love, Yo Yo enjoys playing with stuffed toys and balls. She is very intelligent and enjoys learning new tricks. Born in 2008, Yo Yo also appreciates her cozy bed and fleece blanket. She came to the sanctuary from a Salt Lake City shelter. Although wonderful with people, Yo Yo isn’t great with other animals, and needs a home where she can be the only pampered princess. She has neck pain, so she needs to wear a harness on walks and take medication. We do daily neck stretches with her that are very simple. Yo Yo would be so grateful for a person of her very own to love. Could you be the one this brown-eyed girl has been waiting to meet? Yo Yo has a generous sponsor who will cover her adoption fee. She is part of our Single Pets program! That means that she is eligible for a free flight home! Single pets do best as the only dog or cat in the home.
Zemo
Shy Zemo has had to work hard to overcome his tendency to run and hide from people. Born in 2008, he came to Best Friends from a rescue group that closed its doors, and it’s likely he hadn’t had much human contact before. He is still learning that people are okay and that trust is possible. He’s trying his best to get comfortable with humans and will accept pets. Being around other dogs really helps with his confidence, so he’d do best in a home with a doggie pal or two. But what he really needs is someone who is willing to be very patient with him and help him be the best and the bravest dog he can possibly be.
Abraham
Abraham is a purr box and very affectionate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an old friend or someone he just met. He loves to play with his brother Alfonso, but he’s not so great with other cats and he doesn’t like to share attention. Born in late 2017, Abraham was found as a stray. He has Feline Leukemia Virus, so he’ll need to be an only cat or live with other cats who have the virus. Hint: Brother Alfonso also has FeLV, so it would be great to adopt them together. Abraham loves to snuggle. He loves to go on stroller rides, especially with Alfonso. They wrestle while they’re riding and are hilarious to watch. Abraham loves wand toys and loves to play!
Zula
If Zula could talk, she’d tell you, “Girls just wanna have fun!” This gorgeous, longhaired Torbie has a goofy side that shines through when she plays with other kitties or wakes up from a nap and looks at you with her tongue sticking out. (Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong with her mouth. She’s just a character!) Born in 2010, Zula is in good health. When she first arrived at the sanctuary from an Arizona rescue group, she accepted pets while she was inside a cat carrier or tower. Now that she’s got the run of the place, she’d rather be scatting about. But she’s so adorable that you just want to snuggle her, something her caregivers hope may be possible someday. Could you be the one to embrace Zula someday?
Yoby
If you can’t find Yoby, he’s probably eating! He wants to know everybody (human, that is) and will entertain you with his wand-toy inspired moves. This sweet, active boy (born in 2012) arrived at Best Friends from Los Angeles. You can talk to him about anything or engage him in some petting time and he’ll accept with enthusiasm. He is playful, sweet, and a bit goofy. He enjoys going on sleepovers and taking rides in a stroller. When it comes to other cats, he can crash a crowd like a herd of buffalo. He has no qualms about pushing himself center stage. Yoby has Feline Leukemia, so he’ll need to be an only cat or live with other FeLV cats. He is a delightful cat who’d love for you to take him home.
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.
Ellie
This lovely lady is called Ellie by she should be called the Queen because she loves to be in charge and boss everyone around. She loves people of all ages and always wants to be with them – and she’ll jump a 6-foot fence to find them! Her breeding is a bit unknown, but she’s obviously a working dog mix, so she’ll need lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep her happy. She is picky about her canine companions and her prey drive can be a little active so a home by herself or with larger calm dogs would be fantastic. She’s been looking for a new family for nearly a year; will you be the one to give this queen a home?
Pepsi
Pepsi is a sweet 4-month-old puppy who is ready for a new home. He loves to play with the other dogs at the center and would probably do well in a home with other dogs and children.
Pepper
When RSQ DOGS+ first got Pepper, he had spent 8 years chained up outside. Despite his unfortunate beginning, he is eager to make new friends with people and animals and wants to learn everything good there is to being a dog. He is looking for an amazing home that would help him make up for his unfortunate beginning.
Urban
Sweet, adorable Urban was rescued as a stray kitten from a rural area. RSQ DOGS+ took him and got his health back up, and now he’s looking for his own family.
Angel
Angel was rescued as a stray from a rural area. This beautiful girl is looking for her forever home.
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.
Zeus
Zeus is 7 months old. His owner could no longer keep him. He was very well cared for. As a puppy he had parvo, and his owners treated and cared for him until he was well. He is house trained and leash trained. He is a strong boy but is super attentive and listens well. He is a very striking looking dog. He came from a home with another dog. His adoption fee is $60.
Holly
Beautiful blue eyed probably purebred husky. She was found near the shelter with a collar and leash. No one has called or come looking for her so she is available for adoption. She is very friendly and easily handled. She is a little shy and does not want to be alone or away from people or a building. Knows sit, fetch, bring back and does well on a leash. Her adoption fee is $60.
Pharaoh
Pharaoh’s owner could no longer keep him. He is a big softie. He loves water and being in the pool or being in the meet-and-greet room having his belly rubbed. Pharaoh is a nice, gentle dog. His adoption fee is $60.
Toffee
Toffee’s owner could no longer keep her. She is very active and full of kitten curiosity. She is 6-7 months old. She has beautiful colors/swirls and stripes. Toffee plays and plays and also keeps the other cats in line.
Carmex
Carmex was caught in a trap, probably looking for food. She is a very friendly lady approximately 2-3 years old. She is easily handled, comes when called and loves to be brushed. She had an owner but no one has called or come looking for her so she is waiting for a new home. Her adoption fee is $40.
Katy
Katy was turned in with her daughter Sissy because her family had too many cats in the home. She is a little shy but super friendly and easily handled. She loves being held and cuddling in your lap. Her adoption fee is $40.
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.
Belle
Belle is 6 years old and she just loves people. She is playful and loving and has a great personality. You need to meet his girl to appreciate all she has to offer. She is fairly new so they are still getting to know her. She is scheduled to be spayed and then she will be ready for her forever home. Get into their adoption center and spend some time with her. Her adoption fee is $125.
Toto
Toto is 2 years old and 13 pounds of pure joy. He looks just like the famous dog in “Wizard of Oz.” He is very friendly and seems to get along with other dogs. Since he is new to PAWS, they are still getting to know him. Toto would love to meet you so get into their adoption center to meet him. His adoption fee is $125.
Gilligan
Gilligan is what they call a seasoned cat that is 10 years old. He still has a lot to give some lucky person. He’s a love and a lap cat. Gilligan has beautiful gold-rimmed eyes. He gets along with other cats and loves to nap in a sunny spot. He would be a great addition to any household. His adoption fee is $50 or, if you’re 65 or older, his adoption fee will be waived. Get into their adoption center and meet this great guy.
Harry
Harry is a very special guy. He is FIV positive and he’s sweet and spicy. Please don’t overlook Harry because he is FIV positive, but stop and look at him because he is. He can live a very long happy life in the right home. Stop in to meet Harry and learn more about him. He is 6 years old and has been with PAWS for over a year. Harry is very healthy and is a large boy. He hopes to see you soon!
Barbara
Barbara is one of the nicest cats you will ever meet. She is approximately 1 year old and came to them in April with 6 kittens. She had given birth in a window well. Her kittens have been adopted and now it’s her turn to find a great forever home. She has stunning green eyes and is very sweet and playful. You need to meet her so you can see just how sweet she is. Barbara loves attention but doesn’t demand it. Her 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.
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 a car. She’s good with cats and kids. She needs work on leash training and staying around when not on the 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 doesn’t realize how big she is. She has arthritis and has mild skin allergies. Her adoption fee is $125. For more information on Lexi or to make an appointment to meet her, contact Shayde at (208) 420-3764.
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.
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. 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, they believe Bindi would excel at that. BAM is taking applications at this time for Bindi and she will be available to be placed once she is spayed. Go to BAMutah.com and you will find the application embedded in the text under the Adopt section. You can download it, fill it out and send to J@BAMutah.com or call (435)773-5209 to find out more about her. Bindi’s adoption fee is $125.
Chico
This adorable little dog was born to be a lap warmer. Of course, Chico also likes to do other things, like play, ride in the car, sleep on your bed with you, and be a best buddy. He did have to have his left rear leg amputated when it did not heal correctly after a break, but he doesn’t seem to miss it and gets around just fine. He’s a friendly, loving little guy just waiting for his forever family. To find out more about Chico, contact Phyllis at (435) 705-9227. His adoption fee is $125.
