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 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.
Domingo
Domingo spent part of his life in a dog-training program in a prison. He is very smart and knows over two dozen visual and verbal cues. Extremely obedient, Domingo loves to perform for his people. He is a high-energy guy, and cannot live with cats or small dogs. His caregivers are working on introducing him to a few dogs his size, and he may be able to live with one in the future. Domingo was born in 2010 and came from a humane society in Washington State. He has some anxiety and an old leg injury from chasing balls. A handsome, friendly guy, Domingo can’t wait to start a new life with a person of his very own. Don’t live near Best Friends? You’re in luck!? Domingo has a very generous supporter willing to pay to have him flown to his new home, anywhere in the US or Canada. As part of their Single* pets adoption special, Domingo also qualifies for free adoption! *Single pets do best as the only pet in the home.
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.
Bamboozle
You will never be fooled by Bamboozle – she is an absolute sweetheart! This little girl has a sweet, friendly, and playful demeanor. She loves to play with her run mates, which allows her fun personality to shine through. Although she gets overexcited initially when meeting new dogs, after a bit she will calm down, and play nicely. Bamboozle loves the attention of her caregivers and the volunteers who spend time with her. Warning – she will smother you with wet sloppy kisses, so be prepared! This little girl enjoys her walks around the sanctuary and has wonderful leash manners. She is also well-behaved on car rides. Bamboozle is a smart girl who knows the commands of sit, down, and paw (though to be honest, they have found she only likes to do “paw” when she’s in the mood!). Everybody who meets Bamboozle are quickly charmed by her gentle nature and sweet personality, so stop by and say hello to this cutie pie!
Furgus
If cats could talk, they’d call him Mr. Congeniality! This orange tabby loves to play and snuggle with other kitties, and they love him right back. Quite an acrobat, he’ll keep you entertained with his antics. But when playtime’s over, Furgus likes to relax in a quiet place where he can be at eye level with people. He’s still shy around humans but letting them get closer and closer every day. Born in 2011, he came to the Sanctuary from a rescue group and is in good health. Do you and your kitties need a new friend?
Haiku
Haiku is a friendly cat who likes to play and revels in getting affection from people. Born in 2012, she is a nice girl who just needs a little extra help keeping herself clean due to urinary incontinence. She doesn’t mind other cats if they don’t bother her, and would probably do fine in a home with some laidback felines. But humans are true life-partners, and she can’t wait to find a home with a very special someone.
Santana 
Santana is a muted gray tortoiseshell. She came to Best Friends from an animal rescue group in Arizona. Although shy, she’s very inquisitive and will occasionally let you pet her. Born in 2011, she’s perfectly healthy. She likes eating and playing in the outdoor cattery on sunny days.
RSQ Dogs+
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.
Ness
Ness was found as a stray. He is a young dog and was thin when found. He loves to be with people and will need a high secure fence as he wants to be with you and will try to follow you. He is probably afraid he will be left alone again. He knows sit and shake and likes playing with toys. His adoption fee is $60.
Willie
Willie was on his own for a few weeks. He is a loving boy that is a little nervous in his new environment. Once he is out and about, he does great. Willie knows sit, lay down, and he walks very well on a leash. He is a strong, happy dog that loves his belly rubbed. He does well with other dogs and seems to be house-trained. His adoption fee is $60.
Ziggy
Ziggy has beautiful brindle markings. Ziggy was a stray and is very shy and nervous in his new environment. He takes a little time to know you then is super friendly and a great dog. He has been spending his afternoons and nights in a home where he can get used to that type of environment and other dogs. His adoption fee is $60.
Koda
Looking for an exercise and diet partner? Then Koda is your dog. He needs help with his continued weight loss and exercise and is really trying to get back to his ideal weight and body condition. He has lost 20 pounds since coming to the shelter, has more energy and is loving the change in himself. He loves to play, go for walks and enjoys all the attention he receives for doing so well in his new healthy lifestyle. His adoption fee is $60.
Lover
Lovers owner could no longer care for him. He is 12 years young and is quite the people cat. He likes sitting on your lap, being carried around and comes when called. He is doing well around the other cats in the room but would do best in a quiet home where he can be the center of attention. SENIOR SPECIAL Adoption fee is $20.
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.
Winnie
Winnie is a lovable medium size lab mix girl. She is 8 years old and has many great years ahead of her to love you. She has great manners, is super easy to walk and she loves humans of all ages. She gets along with every dog she meets. She will make a great addition to any family or make a wonderful companion pet. Her adoption fee is $125.
Samantha
Samantha is an adorable 6-month-old Border Collie Mix. She’s a bundle of love who is already working on her sit and down commands. This gal is going to be a blast to train since she is such a quick learner. Her adoption fee is $125.
Cam
Cam is one gorgeous purrfect cat. This guy is loving, social, and very well adjusted. He loves humans and will do fine living with another cat. His adoption fee is $85.
Harry
This 7-year-old boy is a volunteer favorite. They all love him. He is beautiful to look at, a calm guy, he lives well with other cats, and he’s simply adorable. He likes his alone time but never passes up the opportunity for loves and a good conversation. Stop by PAWS to meet this adorable Orange Tabby. His adoption fee is $85.
Iris
Iris is a beauty. This girl is 2 years old and a little minx. She loves playing. She will do best as an only cat or two-cat household, she does warm up to kittens so if she were to be paired with a kitten she would most likely raise it and they would be best friends. 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.
Katara
Katara is a 9-month-old Husky puppy but already has some learning under her belt. She is house trained, crate trained and knows how to sit and wait. Katara does great with dogs (large and small) and kids. She has such a sweet, playful and cuddly personality. She enjoys playing with stuffed toys and toys that let her work her brain. Katara loves ice cubes and will stand next to you while you get ice and water out of the fridge waiting for you to drop her one. Katara also loves her belly being rubbed, chasing her tail, hiking, and anything outdoors. She is very active and will need a person or a family that can give her the proper exercise and enjoys spending their time outdoors. Katara needs someone who won’t lock her up alone for more than four hours at a time while she’s still young. When people approach her she is sweet and doesn’t bark. Katara is a most loyal companion, sticking by your side and she doesn’t run off. Please contact Aubrey at (858) 200-6800 to get more information or to set a time to meet Katara. Katara’s adoption fee is $150.
Harley
Meet BAM’s newest resident, Harley. Harley is about 12 pounds of adorable little terrier. He arrived with a broken pelvis and will be seeing the vet to determine treatment. He will be looking for a medical foster or foster to adopt home so he can heal in peace. BAM feels confident that, at the very least, it’s pretty certain he’ll need some extended crate rest. If you are interested in fostering or fostering to adopt, please text Julie at (435) 773-5209. You must live in the Washington County, Utah area so that Harley can keep his medical appointments. His adoption fee is $125.
Cleo
Cleo is short for Cleopatra so named for her striking Egyptian eyeliner eyes. Cleo is housebroken, does well in a crate and gets along with other dogs. She’s playful and happy and there is nothing she enjoys more than chasing a tennis ball. Cleo is a solid girl but not too tall and is as affectionate as she is smiley. Cleo enjoys being around her people and will do best in a home without small children. Having another dog as a companion and playmate could be ideal. Cleo is protective of her family and those she knows so if you’re looking for a little deterrent to strangers on your walks, hikes, or jogs, Cleo is the girl for you. Contact Alison by text at (541) 936-1766 if you would like to learn more or to schedule a meet and greet for you (and your dog). Cleo is spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated; her adoption fee is $125. Go meet this beautiful girl!
Dom
Dom is the most lovable puppy-dog-eyed Beagle/Bassett Hound blend you’ll ever meet. This low-rider came to live at That BAM Place while suffering from Cherry Eye (it doesn’t look great but is mostly cosmetic) but that is being corrected and, after that, he’ll be ready for his new family. Dom has clearly lived in a home before and has pretty impressive manners (although he does get up on their sofa and is still working on the dog door). Though Dom doesn’t bay like a hound, he has a bit of separation anxiety at the adoption center when he has to be put in his kennel while other dogs are out. This would likely be different in a home environment and they do offer trial placements to make sure their dog is right for you and your home. Dom does not do well with young children. Although Dom gets along with the wide variety of dogs they have in residence with him (often napping with the smallest 6-pound dog), he would enjoy being an only dog as he prefers to be with people over dogs if given the choice. To find out more about Dom or arrange a meeting with him, text or call Julie at (435) 773-5209. His adoption fee is $125.
Butch
Butch joined the BAM family having been labeled a 17-year old dog who was likely more in need of a hospice home than typical rescue. Now that he’s in care and has been seen by their vets, they have the better assessment that he is still a senior but more likely 10–13 years old. Butch, however, has some neurological defects and impaired vision that can make him seem older. In spite of those physical issues, Butch has learned how to cope with two groups of five or more dogs in both his foster home and at their adoption center where he spends most of his days. Butch will often motor around with a funny little wobble but can see shapes or contrast well enough that he doesn’t typically bump into things. Their biggest concern for this little guy is that he ate some gravel and had to undergo surgery to have rocks removed from his system that wasn’t moving either direction. This may be something hell try to do again if unsupervised so they will be quite particular about the home he ends up in to ensure his health and well-being. To find out more about Butch, text or call Julie at (435) 773-5209. His adoption fee is $100 but Butch is also eligible for their Seniors Helping Seniors Program. If you are 65 years of age or older, ask Julie about the program.
Missy
Missy is a gorgeous blue Cane Corso/Pit blend who was very reserved when she first joined BAM but has begun to come out of her shell in foster care. They are sure this means that an adoptive home would get to see even more of her personality shine. Missy would love a person or family that she didn’t have to share with another dog. However, it may just be that she prefers to be the only girl dog in the home, so if you have a male dog and would like to introduce them, they can facilitate that. Missy might look tough but deep down she is just a softy that loves to give kisses and cuddles. She also loves to go on walks and car rides and gets a little sad when you leave her behind. She is very choosy on who her furry house companions are because she likes a lot of love so she does best being the only dog. However, she doesn’t mind other dogs visiting. Missy is 100% potty trained and would be best with older children because she needs a quiet environment. She is a wonderful dog who will be a great addition to someone’s family. Missy is a medium dog with a lot of muscle, so she would be a good exercise companion and it would help her stay fit, too. To find out more about Missy text or call Julie at (435) 773-5209. Missy’s adoption fee is $125.
