Southern Utah Adoptable Pets Guide
The Independent’s, 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.
Rugsy
Rugsy is a handsome fellow who enjoys affection on his own terms. If Rugsy approaches you, he wants petting and attention. If he walks away or lays on his bed, it means he wants some time to himself. Because of this, Rugsy would do best in a home without children and in a home with people who understand his communication. Rugsy loves walks and enjoys taking his time to smell lots of interesting things while out and about. Recently Rugsy had knee surgery so he has some physical restrictions. To pass the time, he plays with toys quietly and naps a lot. Rugsy also does well in the car and enjoys the ride. Prior to his knee surgery, Rugsy lived happily with other dogs his size, and once he’s healed he’d be happy to live in a home with other dogs.
Watts
If you’re looking for the world’s greatest detective Watts is the dog for you! The world can be a bit overwhelming for Watts at times so to help with his confidence his caregivers have been doing nose work and hiding treats for him to find. He has quickly become a master sleuth and can figure out any puzzle. Because he can get overwhelmed at times, his ideal home would be quiet with a family that would allow him to do things at his own pace. He is a great companion who will respect your space and although not overly affectionate, when he is in his element with the people he loves he is happy and enthusiastic. He has lived with other dogs and mostly keeps to himself so he would make a great companion for another dog that isn’t looking for a lot of attention. Watts is looking for that perfect person to help him enjoy life and grow into an amazing confident dog!
Sid
Sid is an active and incredibly sweet dog. He is special needs with his elbows being fused, so he does walk a little slower. He was born that way so he has no idea his life would be any different. His caregivers have gotten him comfortable riding in a stroller and he loves riding in style! You can catch Sid strolling around Dogtown with a huge smile on his face. Sid is wiggly and affectionate with people. In fact, he’s at his happiest when he is with someone he knows, or with a doggy friend.
Rodney
Rodney is a total cat’s cat. He loves the company of other cats, and finds comfort in his feline companions. Born in 2010, Rodney had people, but they left the country and left Rodney behind. He’s frightened of people, and will run and hide when approached. You can pet him if he’s in a spot he considers safe. If you’re looking for a companion for other cats, Rodney would be your guy.Rodney is a Caturtle, also known as a shy cat who comes out of their shell in a home.
Orchid
Orchid is very timid, but she’s learning to trust people. She’ll let you pet her once in a while if she feels safe. She can be motivated by food, and she will play with you if you have a string toy. Born in 2013, she came from an animal control in California. Orchid is a really sweet girl who is looking for a quiet household with someone very loving. Do you have enough love and patience to see this flower blossom?
Leopold
Leopold is one in a million! This guy is so smart he will keep you on your toes. He loves to go on long harness walks searching for treasure or lounging around being waited on. He also enjoys wand toys and has started clicker training! Leopold enjoys his personal space when it comes to other felines and definitely enjoys being the one and only king of his castle, but you won’t need another cat with all the adventure and excitement this little tiger will bring to your home!
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. Note: With respect to the unprecedented situation around COVID-19, any interested adopters can complete an online application and will be contacted by the team.
Sheila
Sheila is a 1 to 2-year-old Chihuahua weighing in at 7lbs. Very sweet and has quite the personality. She is very talkative and can be dramatic. She came to us in November with a fractured femur and pelvis. She was on strict kennel rest for 8 weeks, then had to have surgery to remove a bone chip from the injury. We would prefer she go to a home with older children as she is very fragile. Sheila is kennel trained, potty trained and knows how to use the doggie door. She gets along with other dogs, but not sure about cats. She would love to be your snuggle buddy. Sheila is currently in a foster home, so if you are interested in meeting her, please fill out an application online and we will arrange a meeting.
Chester
Chester is a sweet, 10-year-old beagle. While old, he is definitely young at heart and full of pep. If his love and kisses don’t win you over, his old man snores surely will. Chester is great on leash, he loves to go on hikes and sniff out new areas. When you’re home, he likes to cuddle under a blanket right beside you. Chester is smart and knows how to sit, lay, and shake. He is currently learning how to share his food and would love a person who will continue working on that with him. Chester hasn’t met another person or dog he doesn’t like, and would love to meet you! Chester is currently in a foster home, so if you are interested in meeting him, please fill out an application online!
August
August is a 7-year-old mixed breed (she’s about 35 pounds), we’ll just call her adorable. She was rescued from a situation where she had spent her entire life living outside so living indoors is new and strange for her. Here is a recent update from her foster family: She is doing so well!! She now runs in the house with everyone else 70% of the time. I only have to carry her in on occasion. I am now able to keep the doggy door unlocked overnight as she is finally happy to sleep in the house. She is sleeping on a big smooshy dog bed rather than sleeping on the floor. She has not yet shown interest in sleeping in my bed but she’s not on the floor or outside so…win! She loves my Dane and is fascinated with my poodle. She gets along great with every one of them. She loves treats now and gathers with everyone at treat time. She’s still a bit independent and is still a bit unsure about being loved on. She cowers at first and then enjoys it for a bit. All in all, she’s making major strides and she is a total sweetheart! If you would like to give August the safe, loving, warm home she deserves, please give RSQ DOGS a call.
Dumplin
Meet Dumplin! Dumplin came to the center weighing in at a hefty 27 pounds. She is well on her weight loss journey and is searching for a home to help her get back to her bikini bod just in time for summer. She is very sweet and loving. She loves to cuddle, make biscuits and explore. She doesn’t mind small dogs and is learning to be okay with big ones. She is a princess and deserves to be treated as such. She is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats, dogs or alone. If you are interested in her royal highness, please go to rsqdogsutah.org and fill out an application today.
Bart
Back in November, RSQ DOGS took the lead in a local hoarding case. We were able to remove 41 cats from a small townhome. These cats were affected both mentally and physically by this situation that they were born into. Almost all of the cats were unsocialized with people. And removing them from the home was extremely traumatic for them. Bart was one of the most affected cats mentally. He was born in that home and never knew anything else. We were completely unable to touch or handle him in any way. And had to catch him in a trap to remove him from the home. He lucked out and went to an amazing foster home where he has come out of his shell and is learning to be a “real” cat now! Now Bart loves to play! He loves boxes and toys and the other cats and even the dog in his foster home. He loves to play chase the string or ball or laser. He will keep you entertained for hours! Now Bart wants a home of his own. If you’re interested, please give RSQ DOGS a call.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter
Mesquite Animal Shelter is currently closed to the public. Please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. Mesquite Animal Shelter Petfinder or Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information at Mesquite Animal Control. All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1-year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.
Dublin
Dublin is up for adoption! He is a Lab mix and is about 2 years old. He knows sit and down, is house trained, and is very sweet. He loves to play with toys and fetch, loves attention, and is good with most dogs. Dublin is very attentive, wants to learn, is also very active and would do best in a home with a yard. If you are interested in visiting with Dublin, please call (702) 468-0425 to set up an appointment. 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.
PAWS Adoption Center is currently closed to the public. Please submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt. PAWS will arrange an appointment for approved adopters to meet pets with proper social distancing and in a sanitized environment. All pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and current on vaccinations. Below are the pets currently available for adoption from the shelter.
Angel
Angel is one sweet girl. She is cat and dog-friendly, is fine with children, she’s a lover, and lap dog. This girl will make a wonderful companion dog. This little lady is ready to go to her new home. Her adoption Fee $125.
Barry
Barry is a 5-year-old Chihuahua mix. This boy has great leash manners, is potty trained. He is a lap dog who loves humans and other dogs, and has lived with cats. He’s a playful happy dog and will be a great companion or family dog. He’s vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed and neutered. His adoption fee is $125.
Willow
Willow is a 5-year-old beauty. This sweet girl adores human affection, is a calm, loving, and playful cat. She is in the free roam room at PAWS and gets along with other cats, stop by and lose your heart to this girl. Her adoption fee is $75.
Roxanne
Roxanne is the sweetest softest cat in town. This chill girl will make a wonderful lap cat, playful mate, interesting conversationalist, and all-around great cat companion. Her adoption fee is currently FREE.
Mia
Mia is a real beauty. This girl is 2 years old. She gets along with other cats and is very chill. She likes to play and also lay on your lap.
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 Matterat (435) 773-5209 or visit becauseanimalsmatter.com for more information.
Frito
This pretty girl is about 4 months old and available locally only as a foster to adopt pup. Once Frito completes her vaccinations and is neutered, her adoption can be finalized but you can develop a loving relationship and be training her in the meantime! Her mother was a small pittie and dad may have been a herding dog. Hard to know for sure but the result was a truly beautiful, loving girl who gets more beautiful every day. She loves to play with other dogs and then settle down for a good snuggle. To find out more about Frito, meet her and see if she’s a match for you, text or call Julie at 435-773-5209.
Cheeto
This handsome boy is about 4 months old and available locally only as a foster to adopt pup. Once Cheeto completes his vaccinations and is neutered, his adoption can be finalized but you can develop a loving relationship and be training him in the meantime! His mother was a small pittie and dad may have been a herding dog. Hard to know for sure but the result was a truly beautiful, loving boy who gets more handsome every day. To find out more about Cheeto, meet him and see if he’s a match for you, text or call Julie at 435-773-5209.
Chip
This handsome boy is about 4 months old and available locally only as a foster to adopt pup. Once Chip completes his vaccinations and is neutered, his adoption can be finalized, but you can develop a loving relationship and be training him in the meantime! His mother was a small pittie and dad may have been a herding dog. He sure doesn’t look like his brother and sisters so we can’t be sure. Chip is pretty mellow (most of the time) for a puppy. He loves to rumble with the other dogs…even the big ones. He is loving, affectionate, and great with kids! To find out more about Chip, meet him and see if he’s a match for you, text or call Julie at 435-773-5209.
Rainbow
This beautiful girl is 1-1/2 years old. She is part kangaroo and part firecracker! She would love to have an active family with room to play and a 6’ fence. Rainbow gets along with everyone but may have too much energy for small children. She’s still young and needs work with her manners, but she’s very smart and should learn quickly. She is housebroken, can use a doggy door, and knows how to sit but she’s too wiggly to stay sitting for long. To find out more about Rainbow, meet her and see if she’s a match for you, text or call Julie at 435-773-5209.
Triscuit
This pretty girl is about 4 months old and available locally only as a foster to adopt pup. Once Triscuit completes her vaccinations and is spayed, her adoption can be finalized but you can develop a loving relationship and train her in the meantime! Her mother was a small pittie and her daddy may have been a herding dog. Sweet Triscuit is a beautiful girl who loves to play and cuddle. To find out more about Triscuit, meet her and see if she’s a match for you, text or call Julie at 435-773-5209.
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