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.
Timmy
Gentle, affectionate Timmy is a hugger and a leaner. He just wants to be close to people, and he is happy to do whatever you are doing, whether it’s lounging, hiking, training or running. At Dogtown, he has been improving his dog skills, and he’s gotten along great with pretty much everyone. Timmy was born in 2016 and came to the Sanctuary from a shelter in Texas. He can be a little nervous in new situations, and he likes to jump up and offer hugs, so he is working on his manners and on keeping all four feet on the floor when he greets people. Timmy is crate trained and does great on walks. Because he is smart and loves learning, he has been doing agility training at the Sanctuary. Currently, Timmy takes prescription medication and will be starting treatment for heartworm disease. He will need to complete his treatment at Best Friends unless an adopter is willing to take this on at home. Sweet Timmy is searching for an active home and is sure to make a wonderful companion.
Dorothy
Dorothy’s caregivers like to say she’s demure. She’s always got a little bit of insecurity at first, but then she absolutely loves everyone and everything. Born in 2016, she is sweet, loves a good cuddle and is happy to go along with whatever activity you are up for. She came to Best Friends from local animal control. At the Sanctuary, she is working on training and is eager to do what is asked and get yummy snacks. Although she loves to play, she’s great at being calm during quiet times. Dorothy has done well with all the dogs she’s met at the Sanctuary and has even passed a cat test here. She does tend to alert her people when someone visits or drives up, and she will run along the fence with the neighbor dogs. At Dogtown, she is working on basic training cues, crate training and walking on a loose leash. She’ll make a great companion for an active person or family.
Laika
Laika always seems like she is listening to you with her big, attentive ears. She’s very playful and active but is also always up for a good cuddle session. Laika can be a little exuberant when meeting other dogs, and she plays pretty roughly, but she has otherwise been great with other dogs at the Sanctuary. She tends to dash out open doors, so she will need a person or family who can be on the lookout for that and keep her safe. Born in 2015, Laika came to Best Friends from a shelter in Texas. She is easy to train in that she will work for treats. She is currently working on basic manners and on staying calm when she gets excited. She is also working on crate training. Laika would love to go home with an active person or family.
Aesop
Aesop was born in 2005 and came to Best Friends at the age of 6 from a hoarding situation in Nevada. He wasn’t used to being around people, so he’s very shy, but he gets along beautifully with other cats. And he loves to play and bat around toys. He’s in perfect health. And if you’re drawn to him, we really hope you’ll give him that friend he’s always–shyly, reticently, but desperately–longed for.
Karyn
Once afraid of people, Karyn now enjoys a being petted by anyone she knows and trusts. She’ll even let strangers pet her, too, but will keep a close eye on your hand to be sure you’re going to be nice to her. Born in 2005, Karyn is a happy, healthy cat. She gets along with other cats but doesn’t interact with them much. Her caregivers feel she will blossom in a home with a caring person or people and fewer other cats. Karyn’s not quite ready to be picked up, but she’s definitely ready to be picked! If you adopt her, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a real difference in a deserving cat’s life, and the pleasure of being the first person to hold her. Could you be the one to bring this gentle girl into your heart and home?
Raven
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. Raven was rescued from a terribly overcrowded situation in Pahrump, Nevada. Born in 2005, he’s in good health, and he gets along well 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 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.
Penny
Penny has that look in her eyes that says please take me home. She has a sweet, quiet disposition and settled in easily to her foster home. She is house trained and with her medium to small stature she would be a perfect addition to an active older family. She would be good in a home with other dogs and/or children.
Bill
Bill is a beautiful pup with a friendly, sweet personality. A fairly good sized guy, he gets along well with children and other dogs and walks well on a leash. An active family would have a lot of fun hanging with Bill.
Dakota
Four-month-old Dakota arrived at RSQ Dogs after a good Samaritan found him wandering alone on a freezing night. He is sweet and playful. He would be good in a home with other dogs or alone. If you are looking to add a wonderful puppy to your family, go visit Dakota.
Anna
Anna and Tianna (below) are darling siblings and hard to tell apart. They were born premature and were lucky to survive. Their personalities are very different. Anna shyer, but if you just sit still she will come up and want to play. Tianna is way more social and loves to lay right on you. These two don’t have to be adopted together, but cats do love to have a friend!
Tianna
Anna (above) and Tianna are darling siblings and hard to tell apart. They were born premature and were lucky to survive. Their personalities are very different. Anna shyer, but if you just sit still she will come up and want to play. Tianna is way more social and loves to lay right on you. These two don’t have to be adopted together, but cats do love to have a friend!
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.
Rix
Meet Rix, he’s a Husky mix that is approximately 1 year old. He’s got the Husky smarts and beauty. This boy gets along with other dogs and would make a wonderful hiking and running dog. Like all Husky’s he will be very loyal to his human(s). He will do best in a home without young children. His adoption fee is $125.
Coco
Little Miss Coco is simply the cutest little senior poodle. This senior is super sweet, has had a full dental and now has no teeth, she’s freshly groomed, she sleeps with other dogs and cats, she’s lively and has a wonderful spirit. If you are looking for a loving tiny lap dog Coco just may be your girl. Her adoption fee is $125.
Bridgette
Bridgette has had a bit of a rough road for only being two. She lost an eye, but she’s fully recovered and now she can see just fine and can live a happy pain-free life. She is ready to meet her new human(s). She is a very calm cat, loves to be held and have humans love on her. All she’s needs is a home and humans to call hers and to give her all the love she deserves. Her adoption fee is $85.
Stewie
Stewie is one slick cat! He is so lovable, cute as can be and a he’s a calm guy! This 7-year-old will fit in nicely as a family cat, a companion cat, he’s that guy that everyone loves to be around. He is a cuddler too! His adoption fee is $85.
Charlie
Charlie is such a character. This 1-year-old is a fun playful happy guy. He’s loving and cuddly. He would make the perfect addition to any home. Get in and meet him today. His adoption fee is $85.
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.
Frodo
Frodo is young and gorgeous. He has a soft coat that just feels nice to rub your hands on. Frodo is very friendly with female dogs and most male dogs. If a male gets aggressive with him, he will protect himself. He likes toys, walks, being petted and sitting in your lap. Frodo is a great all-around dog and will make any family a good companion. To meet him call (435) 773-5209. He is ready to go out the door with the right family. His adoption fee is $150.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ebony
Ebony was found as a stray. She is very friendly and easily handled and purrs all the time. Ebony gets along with the other cats in the room. She was raised at the shelter from about 2 months and was adopted with kitten Tiger then their owner became ill and returned both kittens to the shelter. Her 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.
