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.
Dukey
Dukey is a very happy boy who enjoys the simple things in life: tennis balls, walks, and attention from people he knows. He does well with people as long as they aren’t too touchy right off the bat and are willing to take the time to earn his trust. Once he’s comfortable with you, Dukey is very sweet and likes belly rubs and leaning into legs. He does well with other dogs at the Sanctuary, though he prefers dogs who don’t have a rough-and-tumble play style. Born in 2009, Dukey is an overall mellow boy, though he does love going for walks. He’s earned a reputation as a professional escape artist, with the ability to jump five-foot fences and to open latches. For that reason, he will need a secure environment. Dukey will also guard food and toys. He has some handling sensitivities around his neck and collar, and he gets very nervous and stressed during medical exams. At Dogtown, Dukey has been working on trading food and other items to help with his guarding behavior. His caregivers are also helping him get more comfortable with handling, medical exams, and muzzle training. He’s looking for an understanding person or family who will help him feel safe.
Pixie
Pixie is a very vivacious shepherd mix who is just as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside. She loves taking long walks, getting belly rubs and playing in the water. Although she can be picky about her doggie friends and bossy with other dogs at times, she loves playing with them once she’s been introduced properly and she gets to know them. Pixie tends to guard food, so precautions must be taken when feeding her or giving her treats. She can be a bit nervous when new people try to handle her too much, but she loves playing with people she knows. Pixie was born in 2014 and came to Best Friends from a rescue organization in Arizona. She would be a great addition to an active home.
Turner
Turner’s the kind of dog who loves to snuggle on the couch after a long walk. He is social with other dogs at the Sanctuary, and he has experience at the dog park from a previous home. Born in 2011, Turner has good recall skills. He is also great in a car and housebroken. In his previous home, he did nip at people’s ankles, and at Dogtown he is working with his caregivers and trainers on reducing barrier reactivity and walking nicely on a leash. He’d love an active home with a person or family who would continue his training.
Muffin
Muffin is a torbie (tortoiseshell/tabby) who is very shy and nervous at the sanctuary because she is used to a quiet home. She likes to be petted and talked to slowly. She was rescued from an elderly woman who had to be moved to an assisted living home and could no longer care for her. A gentle, loving caress and a big kitty box in a quiet home are all that’s needed for this tender feline to be happy again.
Wrinkles
Not much rattles Wrinkles. He’s about as easy-going as they get. But he’s been through a lot. First, he was a Hurricane Katrina survivor. Then off to rescue group. Now he’s at Best Friends. And through it all, he remains the same relaxed, roll-with-the-punches kind of cat. Born in 2005, he gets along great with other kitties. He could be an only cat or part of a gang, he’s fine either way. He likes meeting new people. He’s not exactly a lap cat, but he will sit for a spell next to you for a little chat and some love. He’d be a great friend to watch TV with. Really, that’s all it would take to make him the happiest cat in the world. Wouldn’t an uncomplicated cat like him make you happy? This calm cat really deserves to settle down as somebody’s best friend!
Margaret
Margaret knows no stranger! She loves people so much that you can usually find her sitting by the door waiting to greet whomever enters. She was born in 2009 and had a happy home for many years until her person passed away. She’s very active and plays a lot. She only rests after she’s worn herself out running around. When she wants a treat, she’ll sit on her back legs and beg. Margaret is a very curious girl who’d love to come home with you, especially if you have a window where she can sit and watch birds.
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.
Santana
Santana is a 1 to 2-year-old Shepard mix. He has a quiet, sweet demeanor and remains calm around other dogs. He’s only been at RSQ DOGS+ for a few days so he may just need to come out of his shell.
Cocoa
Cocoa arrived December 15 as an owner surrender. She is 2 years old. At this point, she is very unsure of where she is and what is going on, a bit anxious but in no way aggressive with any handlers. A family with knowledge of this marvelous breed, Mastiff, would be a great fit for this gorgeous girl.
Munchkin
Munchkin is a lovable clown. She loves to play with stuffed animals and balls. She is great with children. She would love to have a dog sibling her size or larger that she can rough house with.
Tianna
Tianna is only a year old and has spent her whole life at RSQ DOGS+. She is a beautiful, friendly Maine Coon Mix and would love to finally have a home for the New Year.
Slater
Slater is a very handsome, 6-month-old Russian blue mix. He is house trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone. Bring this handsome boy home for the holidays and forever.
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.
Winston
Talk about a fun guy! Winston is hilarious. This 11-month-old Lab mix is a loveable 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 so they can all be together. His adoption fee is $125.
Ben
Ben is a 10-year-old Chihuahua Mix and he’s just the cutest little bundle. This sweetheart will make a wonderful companion dog. He’s calm, likes going for short walks, is potty trained and he loves to snuggle. His adoption fee is $75.
Gilligan
Gilligan is one of the sweetest seniors in town. This 10 years old lovable and cuddly guy will make a wonderful companion. He is an easy going guy who gets along with other cats and all humans. His adoption fee is $50 or, if you’re 65 or older, his adoption fee will be waived. Get into PAWS 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’s 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!
Samson 2
Samson 2 is the sweetest boy around, he is so loveable and cute. He loves his toys and gets along with other cats. This orange and white boy likes to cuddle too. His adoption fee is $85.
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.
Missy
Missy is 6 1/2 years old, housebroken, and spayed. She is doggie door trained and is microchipped. Missy loves to be with people and is playing with toys. She does well on a leash and wants to go for her walks. She enjoys the sun and smells of the yard. She would need to be the only dog in the home. Missy has Pannus; which is an inflammatory condition of the cornea in a dog’s eye(s). Pannus typically requires lifelong treatment, Missy is currently receiving eye drops twice a day. Missy does have some vision problems. Her adoption fee is $60.
Paris
Paris has been with the shelter for 10 months. She has kidney disease and needs special food. Paris loves to be left alone and watch the world go by. There are times when she decides that playing with the toys and laser are for her. She is not a snuggle cat. 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.
Eddie
Eddie is very smart and well behaved. He wants to please and enjoys cuddling. He will be in your lap and by your side all the time. Eddie is housebroken if you get him out often enough (so he needs a bit of supervision) and uses a doggie door. Eddie is truly a lovely dog and good with other dogs his size as well as respectful children. Eddie’s adoption fee is $125.
Popeye
Popeye is a silly little boy. He lost his eye due to lack of proper vet care by his previous owner but it doesn’t slow him down. He loves either snoozing on the sofa or wildly running around teasing all the other dogs. He doesn’t particularly want to go outside but if you put him outside and get out of his sight, he’ll do his business. He does use the doggie door with encouragement. Popeye’s adoption fee is $125.
Lucky and Charm
Lucky and Charm are a bonded pair who will only be placed together. Charm has the most adorable face and one of our volunteers says she looks like a muppet with her blue eyes and square jaw. Lucky is about 5 years old and Charm is thought to be about 3 years old. Charm is the more outgoing of the two but Lucky also enjoys attention and being loved. They are very sweet, quiet little dogs who would enjoy being part of a family. They would be good with older, respectful children but toddlers may be too much for them. They are great with the other dogs at That BAM Place and Charm enjoys playing with the other little ones from time to time. The adoption fee for Lucky & Charm is $250. To meet them call (435) 773-5209.
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.
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.
