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.
Baker
Baker is the kind of dog who is very eager to learn and to please people, but who also needs direction and a patient person. He is extremely food motivated and loves to figure out food puzzles. He can figure out any puzzle his caregivers give him, and he enjoys fun doggie sports like nose work and agility. At the Sanctuary, Baker has some separation anxiety because he truly loves being with people. He is on prescription medication to help him adjust, and the behaviors were not seen in his previous home. With training and extra enrichment, his anxiety has decreased. Born in 2017, Baker knows a handful of basic training cues and is learning more daily. He currently knows how to walk nicely on a leash, he is muzzle trained, and he knows sit, down and shake. He’s also working on crate training. Baker is a smart dog with lots of potential for more training. In his previous home, he lived with both large and small dogs, but at the Sanctuary he is currently living alone. He should not live with cats or other small animals since he does have a bit of a prey drive. Baker would excel in an adult-only home with someone who can give him plenty of guidance and enrichment.
Russ
Russ is a friendly older gentleman (born in 2008) with a wonderful disposition. He has adoring eyes that can melt your heart. He takes life at an easy-going pace and would love to be in a home where he can be pampered, sleep in a pile of blankets and go on short walks. He loves treats, but his favorite thing in the world is being petted. When it comes to other dogs, he seems to prefer females, especially his friend Kira who he lives with. Russ was originally living in a shelter and came to Best Friends through a rescue organization in New York. His health has already improved greatly, and Best Friends vets and caregivers are working to keep him healthy and happy. Russ takes prescription medication, and he may experience a weak back end and arthritis. He is looking for a comfortable, quiet home that is easy to get around in and doesn’t have too many stairs.
Lana
There’s definitely a gentle giant in there, and Lana’s working on bringing it out. She can be apprehensive about certain things, she’s incredibly strong on a leash, and she’ll sometimes try to chase cars. She can also be defensive with barriers, like her gate and her crate, but Dogtown caregivers and trainers are working with her on these things. Once you take the time to get to know her, Lana, who was born in 2013, is sweet and sensitive. She also has great manners and is very smart, with a desire to please her person. If you think you can give Lana the love, support, and guidance she needs, she’d be thrilled to meet you.
Demi
Demi was one of hundreds of cats rescued from a terrible animal hoarding situation in Pahrump, Nevada. She’s shy, but once she relaxes, her baby face will light up when she sees you. She still doesn’t like to be petted, though. Demi has to compete for attention with so many other cats that she pulls herself away and hides. She really needs a home to prove to her that she doesn’t need to be scared anymore. If you would consider her, she promises she’d thank you with a big kitty smile for taking care of a girl like her, who once thought there was no one out there who cared.
Dixie
Dixie is cautious, and that’s easy to understand. She was rescued from a hoarding situation in Nevada. She’s very curious about you from the first moment she sees you. When she works up her courage and makes herself brave, she’ll even welcome a little petting. She was born in 2005 and is completely healthy. Dixie is fine with other pets, though she runs away from anything if she gets scared. She’s got a gorgeous coat and a very intelligent gaze. She’s got her eye on you.
Elmo
Elmo came to Best Friends as a very shy stray, but lately, this big, mellow boy has been getting braver when it comes to accepting human affection. He gets along great with other cats, and he’s always wearing a dapper tuxedo. Born in 1999, Elmo is long overdue for a chance to meet someone. If you let him blossom in his own sweet time, he promises to be a nice, soft presence in your home. Elmo is a Caturtle, also known as a shy cat who comes out of their shell in a home. Caturtles are free to adopt and can fly to their new homes for free anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.
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.
Cocoa
Cocoa is a 2 years old Mastiff. She is amazing with cats, good with all other dogs and is house trained. Such a good girl. She would love to be back with a family of her own. Could it be you?
Marley
At only 4 months old, Marley has spent most of his short life outside on a chain. He is a sweet, happy, bouncy ball of puppy fun who looks like he will be a pretty big guy when fully grown. He would love to start the New Year with a family who would provide him with warmth, love, and lots of play time.
Mr. Pug
Mr. Pug is a young Shepherd mix with energy to burn. He’s got a gorgeous thick coat and feet that suggest he may be a big guy. It doesn’t seem like he’s been walked on a leash before but once trained would be a great hiking or jogging buddy. An active, loving family would make Mr. Pug a very happy boy. (He was listed as a Pug at the Hildale impound, hence his unusual name).
Lucky
When you walk into the RSQDOGS adoption center, you will be greeted by Lucky, the sweetest, most affectionate cat who loves nothing more than climbing in your lap or snuggling in your arms. It’s hard to believe that a little over 7 months ago this boy was nearly paralyzed by a gunshot wound inflicted by a heartless person who was never found. But Lucky beat the odds and is a healthy, active cat. Now he deserves a loving family of his own. Is it yours?
Xander & Slater
Xander and Slater are GORGEOUS 6-month-old brothers. They have been overlooked for quite a while and are ready to step into the spotlight! These two are active and fun, but also very loving with their people. They would love to see these kids go home together.
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.
Chrissy
Chrissy is a 5 and a half-month-old Shephard Mix. She is a fun, loving lively girl that loves to play and give lots of kisses and cuddles. She is very smart and will be a fun dog to train. She loves to go for walks, runs or hikes and would make a fun family dog or workout companion. Her adoption fee is $200.
Sparky
Sparky is a Terrier mix that is approximately 2 years old. He is such a love bug, he gets along with humans, cats, and other dogs. This sweet boy is ready for his new home. His adoption fee is $125.
Hobbs 
Hobbs is such a gentleman. This guy is a calm and loving senior who is looking for a comfy lap to cuddle on. He is 12, handsome, healthy and has had a full dental. His adoption fee is $85.
Jefferson
Jefferson is 2 years old and declawed. This cat is very calm, loving and cuddly. His adoption fee is $85.
Bud
Bud is the Cats Meow! This 1-year-old guy is fun, loving and will make a perfect family or companion pet. 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.
Diety (Aphrodite)
Diety’s family is moving and cannot take her with them. She is about 1 year old and is a small-sized pittie. She is used to being with family/children. She loves to play and be with people. She needs to learn basic manners but is doing well with leash walking and they were told she would scratch at the door to go outside. Her adoption fee is $60.
Yoda
Yoda’s owner could no longer care for her. Yoda will keep you busy as she is full of energy and needs lots of exercise. She is learning to walk on a leash and her basic manners. She is a very happy dog and loves being with people. Her adoption fee is $60.
Hansel
Hansel’s family brought him to the shelter because he was not getting along with the other dog in the home so they are recommending he be the only dog in the home. He loves to go for walks, play with toys and cuddle. Hansel can be particular as to who he befriends and does better with females than males. His adoption fee is $60.
Rocky
Rocky was found as a stray. This beautiful declawed blue-eyed boy was found on the street. No one has come to claim him. He is a big fluffy gentle giant. He loves playing with toys, being brushed and having his belly rubbed. Rocky gets along well with the other cats. His adoption fee is $40.
Laverne & Shirley
These girls were abandoned in an apartment. They are a bonded pair and they would love to see them adopted together. They are gentle and quiet and easily handled. They love people and each other. They are very laid back “no fuss no muss”. They have beautiful colors and fur. Their adoption fees are $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.
Sparky
As you can plainly see, Sparky is adorable when he’s not professionally groomed so just wait until he is! They believe he’s around 10 months to 2 years old and they think he is Tibetan Terrier blend. He loves people and is good with most dogs although he is a terrier so doesn’t mind sticking up for himself if he feels the need to do so. Sparky would like a foster-to-adopt home since he needs to recover from some medical issues. The vet says: “His left hip is luxated, his ACL is torn on the left knee and his patellas luxate. The hip can be fixed with an FHO surgery. The knees can be fixed too.” BAM will pay for all of Sparky’s surgery but they are seeking a foster-to-adopt home where the family would agree to foster him and then, should it be a good match, adopt him when he’s fully recovered from his surgeries. Ideally, the foster family would also be available to drive Sparky to his surgery appointments in Las Vegas. They believe Sparky would be fine with older respectful children but maybe not with toddlers simply because he is / will be in pain for a while and also has long hair that toddlers love to wrap their fingers around and yank on. To inquire about being a foster/adoptive home for Sparky, please call J at (435) 773-5209.
Gus
Gus is 4 years old and know to sit and lay down commands. He plays fetch and likes to go for a run a couple of times a week. He’s an awesome hiking partner and gets along with other dogs. Gus would do well with older kids but not younger as he is sensitive to his tail being touched and he can get a little rambunctious when playing. He so wants love and to make someone happy. Although good with other dogs, they don’t know how he is with cats. His adoption fee is $125. To meet Gus, call Dee at (435) 705-0468. Gus’ adoption fee is $125.
Disco
Disco is a handsome, smart, affectionate border collie blend who found himself at a nearby shelter. He would love to be your hiking or jogging partner or go for car rides, camping and just be a good friend. Disco knows sit, down and is the world’s best paw shaker. Disco would not be good with toddlers or young children as he has a strong herding instinct. If you have another dog, Disco would prefer it be a female and close to his size. His herding instinct is a bit much for small dogs and he’d prefer a home without cats. To meet Disco, call J at (435) 773-5209. Disco’s adoption fee is $125.
Divot
Divot is a really sweet little dog who lost his home when his owner had to have surgery and was unable to care him. Divot has a tendency to nip at children when they run and has not been friendly with the cat in his foster home so prefers a home without either. Divot has enjoyed cuddling with his owner and now his foster parent. He is crate trained and loves to play with his toys. He’s a bit too food motivated and is on a diet at this time. To meet Disco, call J at (435) 773-5209. Disco’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. To meet him contact Phyllis at (435) 705-9227. Popeye’s adoption fee is $125.
