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.
Peekaboo
Peekaboo is the coolest pup in school! He recently earned his BA in his Canine Life and Social Skills class and he can’t wait to share all the things he learned with you. He loves his people and sometimes he gets a bit excited and forgets to wait before rushing up to say hi. But with the right motivation (delicious salmon treats) he can learn to do almost anything. Peekaboo loves walks and car rides, especially if the car rides include air conditioning. On sleepovers, he loves to curl up on the blankets, or he might also stretch out and take up the whole bed, after all, being such a smart dog is hard work! He’s still learning how to wait quietly when there are other dogs nearby and can bark and get excited when he sees other dogs. Best Friends is working hard with him to develop better doggy social skills while on a leash. Peekaboo is just a happy guy with the best smile, just waiting for you to get in and meet him!
Tiponi
Tiponi was born in 2015, but he is still a puppy at heart. He can be shy and fearful with strangers, but he really wants to please everyone he meets. He is the kind of dog who would love to go on walks and hikes but would also be fine napping with you on the couch all day. Tiponi has a history of guarding food and high value treats from people in a home, but no guarding behavior has been seen at the Sanctuary. Based on reports from his previous home, he would do best in an adult-only home. Tiponi has done lots of playdates at Dogtown to get more comfortable with meeting new dogs and people. He also is crate trained. If you’re looking for a dog who can be both an adventure buddy and a couch potato, Tiponi would love to meet you.
Swift
Swift was born in 2016 and came to the Sanctuary from a Best Friends Network Partner with a litter of puppies. After caring for her puppies, she began working on socialization and basic training cues. Now that all of her puppies are all grown up, it is her turn to shine.
Swift enjoys long walks and riding in the car. She also loves being petted and snuggled by people she knows. Swift is sometimes nervous when first meeting other dogs but warms up after going on a walk with them. She is currently living with two male dogs at the Sanctuary. Swift does enjoy the company of dogs her size to play with.
Schnapps
Who can resist the name Schnapps? It fits him. He is a grey medium hair boy with golden eyes. He has a very sweet disposition. He loves to be held and he curls his back legs into you. Schnapps is new and we are still getting to know him. He is FeLv+. He would be a wonderful addition to a home.
Booh
Booh will seek out your attention by meowing, purring loudly and tapping you on the shoulder. She’s not so friendly with other cats and will hiss and swat them away. Born around 2006, she came from a California shelter. Booh was not so friendly when she first arrived at Best Friends, but they helped her out with some medical and dental issues and she’s now sweeter and happier than ever. The only thing better would be a home of her own.
Riley
Riley is shy at first but is learning to love chin scratches and playing. He doesn’t react to other cats, just sniffs ‘hello’ and walks away. Born in 2011, he came to Best Friends from California. Riley would love to find someone who’s willing to play with him all day.
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.
Shaggy
Shaggy is a 2-3-year-old Terrier mix who loves to cuddle and get belly rubs. She loves to play with other dogs, but she is still a little timid and is looking for a family to help build her confidence and independence. She walks really well on a leash and is learning how to use a dog door. Shaggy is currently staying with a foster family. You will fall in love once you meet this sweet girl.
Chloe
Sweet Chloe is a beautiful girl, we think 3-4 years old and weighs 70 lbs. She loves her people but doesn’t enjoy the company of other dogs. She is so depressed in the shelter, sadly lying on her bed watching the world go by. Once she gets outside, she is a totally different dog. Her ears and tail go up and she loves walking a bit then rolling around in the grass. She’s been going on hikes recently and you can see the joy in her face. Chloe is house-trained. Please come visit Chloe take her outside the shelter to see the beautiful girl we love. Chloe would make a true and loyal companion and friend for life.
Loki
In March 2019, RSQ Dogs was able to save 6 (of about 30) littles from euthanasia after the local shelter was overwhelmed by a terrible hoarding situation in California where the dogs had been living unattended in a motor home. Loki, one of the 6, is a perky senior (best guess 13 years young but who knows?). He loves the great outdoors (whether laying in the sun or sunflowers) but his bed is his favorite place. He enjoys the little dog pack at his foster mama’s (big dogs are ok too) &, although cautious, warms to new people with the proper introduction. He’s not much of a lap dog yet but enjoys petting & treats so he will get more comfortable with patience and love. Bonus: He’s trained to a doggie door! Loki can become your best friend and constant companion if given the chance.
Brandy and Moonshine 
Brandy and Moonshine are approximately 3-4 years old. They are very bonded and would like to find a home together. Brandy and Moonshine were signed over to RSQ Dogs because Brandy was pregnant and they went to a foster home where Brandy could give birth. Usually, during birth, it’s best to separate the dad because they often become aggressive toward the baby, but the separation was too stressful and they cried for each other through the door. Their foster mom let Moonshine back in to see how it would go, and this cute couple ended up raising their kitten, Pancake, together. Both are house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or just the two of them. This sweet pair deserve a loving furever home.
Chunk
Get in and meet RSQ Dogs big guy, Mr. Chunk! He’s approximately 3-4 years old. He is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
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.
Curly
Curly is such a sweet loving guy. He is easy-going, easy to walk, he loves affection, is potty trained and a cuddle bug. He is 5 years old, fully vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed and scheduled for neuter. His adoption fee is $125.
Marley
Marley is a 1 1/2-year-old Stafford Terrier/Shephard mix. She loves having a pack to play with and is good with children. This girl does like to play rough ‘n’ tough and needs a dog her own size to be with. She’s a smart cookie who wants to please. She is vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed and spayed, she comes with a 6-week obedience training course at Woof Center for Active Pets, she knows her basic commands and bonds easily with humans. She is a loyal girl looking for a loving active home. She enjoys walks, hikes and runs, playing and cuddles. Marley is in foster and can only be met by approved applicants. Please submit your adoption application to meet with this darling girl. Her adoption fee is $125.
Huck Finn
Huck is 3 years old and wise beyond his years. He is one special cat. This guy is a big love, he enjoys human interaction and will be a great lap cat, he’s also independent, playful and sweet. He will do best as an only cat or with only one other cat in the home. This boy is such a wonderful feline and he deserves a great home. His adoption fee is currently being waived.
Linda
Linda is a darling 2-year-old Torti looking for her new home. This playful sweet girl likes other cats, is very maternal, loves human affection and is just purrfect. She’s vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, spayed and ready to go home. Her adoption fee is currently being waived.
Chuck
Chuck is the cat’s meow! He is one big delicious boy! This loving cuddly beautiful boy deserves all the love in the world and in turn he will love you back so much more! He gets along with other cats, seems fine with dogs as long as they are cat respectful, is good with humans of all ages, he’s just as purrfect as can be! His adoption fee is currently being waived.
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 would suit an active person who wants an outgoing and friendly companion, if you can lob a tennis ball you’ll have a friend for life. He is going to need lots of exercise and is a little high energy when he first gets outside but then he calms down and really soaks up the love and attention that he is given. Ya know, a guy can’t pass up attention. His adoption fee is $60.
Harper
Harper was found as stray. He is a friendly boy who loves to play with toys and be with people. He will need to learn basic manners and commands. He is currently learning to walk on a leash. His adoption fee is $60.
Max
He is a sweet boy, that enjoys walks, and loves to play with his toys. He is a big boy, so a home with a fenced yard where he can run around would be best. He is approximately 3 years old and is very active. He bonds quickly and does not like being alone. His adoption fee is $60.
Miss Kitty
Miss Kitty is 5 years old. She is very friendly and easily handled. Miss Kitty is a little shy until she feels safe and comfortable with her new surroundings. She loves being petted and sitting with you and enjoying your company. Her adoption fee is $40.
Kiki Dee
Kiki Dee needs a quieter atmosphere and would appreciate a home with adults only or calm older children. She is low maintenance, low fuss, and is the perfect housemate. She would do best as the only cat in the home as she doesn’t like a lot of competition for her affection. She is quite striking in her looks with a beautiful soft coat. The senior Special Adoption fee is $20.
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.
Cole and Jake
Cole is a black/white terrier blend and Jake is a white terrier blend and they are looking for an adoptive home together. They lived together in their previous home and look to each other for comfort and support. Jake & Cole are housebroken, crate trained, love car rides, love walks, and love lap sitting. They have been through a lot lately and aren’t comfortable yet showing their true personalities but they do a lot of tail wagging and Jake will sometimes talk to you. Jake is the more outgoing of the two and Cole is a bit timid. For this reason, BAM will not place with young children but they expect they would be fine with respectful, older kids. Jake is 10 years old and Cole is 8 years old. These dogs are easy keepers and would be good for a first-time dog owner as well as folks who have more experience. To meet them, contact J at (435) 272-2734 or write to J@BAMutah.com.
Jasper
Jasper is a 1-1/2-year-old terrier blend with the sweetest disposition ever. He loves to play with other dogs and with humans as well. He is a high energy little guy and would enjoy walks, hiking, and play with his human. Jasper knows how to use a dog door. Jasper will be neutered on February 20. He is available LOCALLY ONLY as a foster to adopt with adoption to be finalized after his neuter. To find out more about Jasper, meet him and see if he’s a match for you, text or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
Lily
Lily is a beautiful 3-year-old girl who came to BAM with a brand new litter of puppies. Now that they’ve found their homes and she has been spayed, she is looking forward to finding a home of her very own. Lily is an oversized lap dog and she’s happy to climb on yours if she’s allowed! She loves to go for walks and is happy to “sit” or “down” for you…if you have a treat for her. She loves her toys and will hoard them. Lily is great with small dogs and will make friends with bigger dogs that don’t try to dominate her. A meet with potential dog siblings prior to adoption is best. She is fully house trained and knows how to use a dog door. To find out more about Lily text or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
Tibby
Tibby is the sweetest 9-year old black and tan Miniature Pinscher blend who’s just looking for a warm lap to snuggle in. Tibby is housebroken and knows how to use a dog door. She likes to go for walks and car rides. Although she hasn’t met a two-legged stranger she doesn’t love, she isn’t a big fan of big dogs. She is good with smaller dogs and may make friends with a bigger, friendly dog. She is said to be good with children and with cats. To find out more about Tibby, meet her and see if she’s a match for you, text or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
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, BAM 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.
