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.
Milo
Milo likes to play with rope toys, fetch, and do other energetic activities. He’s a little hesitant when meeting new people, but he is adorable and fun to be with once he warms up. With other dogs, he can come on a little strong, but he really just wants to play and will take correction from them. He was born in 2012 and was picked up as a stray. He has arthritis in both his front legs and sometimes limps a little. But long-term medications keep him happy and running around. Milo is hoping for a home with someone who will enjoy his fun-loving nature. Milo is part of their Single Pets* program! That means that he is eligible for a free flight home and waived adoption fee! Milo also has a generous sponsor who will pay for positive reinforcement training. *Single pets do best as the only dog or cat in the home.
Skelly
Skelly came to Best Friends as a puppy mom. She’d never been given a reason to trust people, and she was willing to bite when frightened. Over time, Skelly has made a lot of progress at the Sanctuary. She trusts her caregivers enough to let them leash her up and take her for walks on the trails, which she enjoys. She is starting to explore new places such as Dogtown’s indoor agility area and the offices in Dogtown headquarters, where she can experience a more home-like environment. A good way to build trust with Skelly is through hand-feeding her meals. She is still too nervous to get into a car, but she is working on it. She will sometimes eat her meals near a car, which helps her to see that it’s not so scary. She also is working on crate training. Because she is still very nervous during medical handling and grooming, Skelly is trained to wear a muzzle during these appointments. She does allow her trusted people to handle her and examine her as needed. Skelly has play dates with other dogs at the Sanctuary, and she has been easygoing with all the dogs she’s met. She’s also been a good walking buddy for other dogs. She does tend to be a little sensitive and will squeal sometimes if a dog is too rough, so she should live with dogs who understand that and won’t scare her. Although she can be hand-fed by those she trusts, Skelly does guard food bowls from people. She has learned to trade them for other items she wants, like treats. She can also be territorial if she doesn’t know a person and will protect her space, including her beds and toys. Skelly is looking for a person or family who will take the time to earn her trust and not rush her. A home with a friendly dog would also help her adjust.
Tonya
Tonya is an active dog who enjoys going for walks. She also loves to romp around with her many toys and to take dips in her swimming pool. She loves to play fetch, to do nosework (a fun search and scenting sport for dogs) and to play tug as well. Tonya has enjoyed playgroup time with other dogs at the Sanctuary, but she is currently unable to live with other dogs here due to her tendency to guard things like her water bucket, pool and the gate of her yard. During her assessment at Dogtown, she also guarded a high-value treat from people. Tonya will need to find a home with a secure yard, as she has escaped from a four-foot fenced yard in the past. Although she has hip dysplasia, she is very strong and will chase small animals like lizards on walks. At the Sanctuary, Tonya is working on loose leash walking and being calm for harnessing. She is also learning to stay calm at feeding time. Tonya would make a great adventure buddy for someone. She’d be a great hiking partner, especially if you enjoy hiking near water.
Toscana
Toscana can be a little apprehensive when she first meets you. Approach her slowly and gently, and she’ll let you pet her. She’s very sweet once she’s comfortable with you. When it comes to other cats, Toscana mostly keeps to herself, but she is completely bonded with Grayson. They were both born in 2013 and lived with an elderly couple who are no longer able to care for them. Toscana takes a bit of time to adjust to new situations, but she can be brave with Grayson by her side. She has some back pain and anxiety issues for which she takes medication, but she takes it very easily. The anxiety medication is a low dosage to help her relax. Once she adjusts to a new home, she may not even need it anymore. Toscana is hoping to find a new home with Grayson.
Grayson
It doesn’t matter if Grayson has met you before or not, he just enjoys the company of people. He’s okay with other cats, but he is totally bonded with Toscana and they are looking for a home that can take them together. They were both born in 2013 and lived with an elderly couple who are no longer able to care for them. Grayson enjoys going for rides in a stroller. He’s a big, handsome boy who likes to be brushed. Grayson is an easygoing guy who adapts easily to new situations. He’d love to adjust to a new home with his best friend Toscana.
Cuddles
Cuddles is shy, but she’s starting to come out of her shell. She will allow and even enjoy being petted when she’s in the mood, but if she’s not she’ll let you know. She used to spend all her time up in the rafters, but she now comes out and will meow for her bowl at feeding time. Cuddles has been bullied, so she mostly avoids other cats. She doesn’t mind sharing space with another cat if they are respectful. Born in 2007, she came from a California animal shelter. Cuddles is a very sweet older lady who just has a lot of fears. In the right home, she could probably become a real lovebug.
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.
Memphis
Memphis is almost 3 months old. She is sweet, cute, and cuddly, in other words, a perfect puppy. She is available as a foster to adopt once all her vetting is done.
Bandit
Bandit is a 1-2-year-old black lab mix. He has that loving lab personality and gets along well with other dogs. He is also a bit of an escape artist so a well-fenced yard is an important element if adoption is a consideration. Bandit would make a great hiking buddy or just a good friend to hang around with.
Presley
Presley is almost 3 months old. She is sweet, cute, and cuddly, and has the best forehead wrinkles. She recently spent a weekend acting in a local film. Hollywood is calling! She is available as a foster to adopt once all her vetting is done.
Forrester
This is sweet and silly Forrester! He is a young, fun little guy who has lots of energy and love to give his new family. His brother has been adopted and now it’s his turn! Come in and fall in love with Forrester.
Carlos
Carlos would absolutely love a quiet calm home that would allow him to come out of his shell a bit! He is shy upon first meeting him, but once he knows you, he loves you! Carlos is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
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.
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.
Copper
Copper is a senior cat with quite the “purrsonality”. His owners moved and could not take him to their new home. Copper is very talkative and will follow you around telling you all kinds of stories. He comes when called and loves to be petted and brushed. He is making friends with the cats at the shelter and doing well with meeting new friends. Copper has a thyroid condition and requires a special diet and daily medication. Medication (90 day supply) and a supply of his special food will be provided when he goes to his new home. His adoption fee is the $20 senior cat special.
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.
Cooper
Meet the cutest 4-month-old Bermadoodle. He’s a doll. This kid has lived outside in a yard kennel and never been on a leash, but the PAWS Crew is busy taking caring of getting him leash, collar, and harness trained. He’s funny, happy, bouncy and loves to play. He still has some growing left to do. Stop by and meet this adorable guy. He’s vaccinated microchipped and scheduled for neuter.
Nay Nay
Nay Nay is a 2-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix. She is a sweet, loving dog with nothing not to like about her. This well-mannered girl likes being a lap dog, she does well on a leash and gets along well with others. Her adoption fee is $125.
Athena
Athena is PURRFECT! This adorable, playful, pint-size cat looks more like a kitten than her 10 years young. Her adoption fee is $85.
Cora
Looking for a love bug cat? Well, here she is! This girl will cuddle right up into your arms and turn on her purr machine. She is easy going, playful, and lovely. Her adoption fee is $85.
Koda
Koda is everything you want in a cat. She is beautiful, playful and is smart. This fun Kitty loves to play! Her 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.
