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.
Scooby
Scooby is a fun-loving dog. He is energetic and playful and has done well with all the dogs he’s met at the Sanctuary. Born in 2016, Scooby was rescued from Hurricane Irma in Florida. He loves attention and excitement, but he can get nippy if his boundaries aren’t respected, so he’ll do best in an adult-only household. Because Scooby can get a raspy cough when he gets too excited or overdoes it while playing, he is practicing calm behavior at the Sanctuary. However, he’ll still enjoy a home where he can be his fun and active self.
Manuel
Manuel is a goofy, happy dog who loves attention and is always ready to go out and have fun. At the Sanctuary, he loves people and playing with other dogs. He is eager to learn new things and very food motivated, so training him is fun and easy. Manuel was born in 2015 and came to Best Friends from a shelter. He has shown guarding behavior with food and toys and will guard them from people and other dogs. He can be jumpy and mouthy when he’s excited, especially when he’s getting harnessed up for a walk, but he is working on this at Dogtown. He learns quickly and is also working on sitting nicely at his gate, going to his ‘place’, lying down and waiting for his food bowl. Manuel really loves going on adventures, so an active home would be best for him.
Roper
Roper is a really fun dog underneath all his uncertainty. He seems to have slightly compromised vision, so sometimes he approaches people with caution. At other times he is extroverted, bouncy and playful, and he is funny and endearing with his goofiness. Roper is shy and fearful with strangers, and he can be reactive to them when he is behind a barrier such as a fence. It’s usually best to meet him while he’s out walking on a leash. Once he gets comfortable with people, he loves to be doted on and to play. Roper was born in 2012 and came to Best Friends from a rescue organization that was closing its doors. At Dogtown he is working on meeting new people with more confidence, and he is having play dates with other dogs to practice his dog skills. Roper would love to go home with a person or family who can continue helping him build his confidence.
Flower
Flower is friendly toward people, but she doesn’t seek out attention. If you approach her, she loves being petted. She’s a sweet, undemanding lady. She gets along with other cats, as long as they give her space. Born in 2005, she came from a Utah shelter. Flower requires a puff from an inhaler every other day for asthma. She is currently on a weight loss program. Flower is easy to please and adapts well. She would do best in a quiet home that will make her senior years golden.
Thunderstruck
This handsome guy is intense. He will accept affection on his terms, and he’ll let you know when he’s had enough. Thunderstruck wants to be friends with other cats, but he’s still learning how to do that. Born around 2012, he came from a shelter in California. Thunderstruck has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). He also has hyperaesthesia, a rare skin disease that can cause agitation. He is on medication to control that. Despite his issues, Thunderstruck is a very charming guy. Even when he doesn’t want to be handled because of his skin condition, he loves to play with toys and chase laser lights.
Beckett
Beckett is very shy and cautious around people, and mostly keeps to himself when it comes to other cats. Born in 2013, he came from a Utah shelter. Beckett tends to hide in new situations or sit so very still that you don’t even notice him. He is in good health and always uses the litter box. Beckett’s hoping to find a home with quiet people who have a lot of patience.
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.
Seymour
RSQ dogs received Seymour as an owner surrender, a one-year-old puppy who was very sick with parvo. After treatment and a two week quarantine period, no one could be happier than Seymour that he is parvo-free and good to go. A Shep-Ski (Shepherd-Husky mix) who is full of life, energy and good nature. Seymour is great with kids and would be a wonderful addition to an active family.
Fiona
Fiona is a beautiful 6-month-old hound mix. She’s got the hound ears, sleek coat, and magical prance when she walks. She has a sweet demeanor and loves to snuggle. She is a little shy around children but does fine if approached slowly. This little hound dog would make a loving addition to any family.
Jack and Morgan
These sweet pups are looking for their forever home. Jack and Morgan are so smart, they are picking up potty training pretty well, they use the doggy door and are working on basic commands. They get along with their foster’s dogs and their children love them. Just a perfect pair of pups.
Anna
Anna was born premature and very lucky to survive. Anna is a bit shy, but if you just sit still she will come up and want to play. She is a sweetheart.
Shadow
Shadow, part of an adorable litter, was born and raised in a foster home. She is a very social kitten and ready for her forever home! She is house trained, good with other cats, dogs and/or children.
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.
Button
Button was found as a stray. This little guy loves being with people and playing with toys. He will fetch the ball and bring it back for you to throw over and over again. Button does well on a leash and knows the sit command. He probably has never been around children. His adoption fee is $60.
Bruno
Bruno is a strong muscular dog. He loves to play with toys and be with people. He needs to be in a home with no other dogs and no children. He will need a securely fenced yard where he can get plenty of exercise. He does well in their meet and greet room and loves resting on the dog beds. His adoption fee is $60.
Spooky
Spooky’s owner passed away and she came to the shelter. Spooky is approximately 4 years old. She is very shy but loves being brushed and petted. She is not used to being held. Adoption fee is $40.
Izzy
This young cat was found as a stray. Izzy is a little shy but she loves being petted and brushed. She comes when called and purrs all the time. She has pretty black spots on her small white body. 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.
Elmer
If you prefer a pint-size companion he is at PAWS waiting for you. This guy is 8 years young, cute, loving, gets along with other dogs and ready for his new home. His adoption fee is $125.
Bruno Mars
This sweetheart is ready for his new home and family. He gets along with other dogs, is as cute as they come and well mannered. Bruno is an 8-year-old Terrier mix and has a lot of life ahead of him. His adoption fee is $125.
Kirk
Kirk is one half of a whole cat…his other half is Luigi, his best friend and lifetime companion. These two are bonded, fun guys and must be adopted together. This sweet pair will bring love and laughter to any home. His adoption fee is $85.
Luigi
Luigi is one sweetheart cat, he is a funny, playful and 3 years old. This guy comes with a bonus, his Best Pal, “Kirk”, they are a bonded pair and adore each other. These two will bring an abundance of love and laughter to any home. His adoption fee is $85.
Stormy
Stormy is a cute, cuddly 10-month-old. He is playful, loving and a real beauty. Stormy loves to give and receive attention is fine with other cats and will make a wonderful family addition. 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.
Fiona
Fiona is a lovely young dog, approximately 1-2 years of age. She loves to cuddle with people, plays well with friendly dogs and lost her home when she was abandoned when her folks moved away and left her with no food. Fiona and three of her puppies survived by eating the other animals that died from starvation. Five of her puppies did not survive. Though young and put through a very stressful situation with her puppies, she has done an excellent job and has remained loving and loyal to people. Her puppies are finding families that will love them forever and it’s time for Fiona to also find her ever after family. Her adoption fee is $125. They are now taking applications on her. To meet her, call (435) 773-5209.
Duke
Duke is a typical puppy who loves puppy play. He does have very sharp teeth and may not be a match for young children without close adult supervision. He will chew toys, shoes, etc until he gets a bit older and those teeth will hurt if he decides to chew on a hand or foot of a toddler. They really don’t know what Duke is but they have included a picture of his mother. He could be lab based on his appearance. While his mother is a medium-sized dog, Duke gives indications that he might grow up to be a medium or large sized dog (60 lbs or over). Be prepared for that if adopting. Duke is seeking a foster-to-adopt home at this time with the adoption being finalized at the time he is neutered. His adoption fee at that time will be $150. To apply, please complete an application to adopt and call (435) 773-5209 to set a time to meet Dolly.
Toby
Toby is absolutely the happiest little dog you will ever want to meet. His tail is always going and he always has a smile on his face. He’s an active little guy who knows exactly what he wants out of life and aims to go about getting it. Right now he wants a family of his own. When he’s frightened or there’s too much chaos around him, Toby can get a wee bit snappy. For that reason, they do not recommend young children for him although older, respectful, dog savvy teen should be fine. He just needs to be left alone when frightened until he calms down and he has good recovery so it doesn’t take long. He absolutely loves lap sitting and playing with other dogs his size (he’s nervous around some big dogs). His adoption fee is $175. To meet Toby call Phyllis at (435) 705-9227. You will definitely fall in love with this little guy!
Ozzie
Ozzie is a blond chihuahua mix who is approximately 3 to 5 years old. He is housebroken with a doggie door. He is very playful and energetic and loves to be loved. He is a very sweet little dog! Ozzie’s adoption fee is $125. To meet him, contact Phyllis at (435) 705-9227.
Nellie
Nellie is an active 7-year-old basset/pit mix. She is good with other dogs (including her 3 foster sisters) and cats. She is house trained with a pet door, likes to cuddle and play tug of war. She’s a 3 ft tall counter surfer if not watched. Nellie is good on and off leash on her daily walks. She is a great walking/hiking companion and needs lots of chewable and squeaky toys. Nellie’s adoption fee is $125. To meet Nellie, contact David at (435) 862-2207.
