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.
Knotts
There’s nothing this gentle giant won’t do for a treat! Knotts is a big boy with lots of love to give. He’s easy-going and absolutely loves his walks, taking time to sniff every flower and hopefully get some cookies along the way. Knotts isn’t a huge fan of cuddles but would love to hang out and simply spend time with you. He loves to play with toys that are Knotts-sized and very sturdy. Give this sensitive boy a little time and he would be happy to be your new best friend!
Johnny
Johnny is Dogtown’s resident “Velvet Cow”. This big boy loves to flop on his back and beg for belly rubs. He also sings the song of his people when he sees his favorite people or food. Johnny doesn’t always remember how big he is, but he loves training to keep this gentle giant on his best behavior. Johnny would prefer to have all the attention from his human friends and would do best being the only pet, but with his squishy size, he could be all you need. Go meet and squish this clown and get to know why everyone loves him!
Roady
Looking for a smart dog who loves to learn? Roady is one smart cookie who knows many commands and is crate trained. Roady is ready to accompany you on your next adventure or on your next nap. An affectionate dog, Roady adores people and will shower you with love after you’ve returned home from a long day. His favorite things in life include snuggles and belly rubs. He also loves food puzzles and chew toys. Roady can be picky with his doggie friends, and it takes him a while to feel comfortable even with the right ones, so it’d probably be best for him to be an only dog in a home. Roady was born in 2010. He was found as a stray before he came to Best Friends and is eager to find a forever home. Roady thrives in a home environment and is looking for somewhere to spend his golden years. If you’re looking for a companion to give you undivided love and attention, Roady is your guy.
Samantha
Meet Samantha. She is a beautiful short-haired grey cat who, though she looks approachable, Samantha needs extra time to get to know you before you can touch her. She can be sweet on her terms, especially if you have treats. However, she prefers adult humans who are extremely cat savvy. She does love attention but please limit to only on the head and shoulders and she says “thank you but no” to touching her anywhere else.
Ananda
Ananda’s a strong, smart girl who knows her own mind and will make sure you know it, too! Both assertive and affectionate, she’s vocal with humans and tends to be dominant in her relationships with other cats. If you’re looking for a bright, energetic companion who loves to play and romp, and who’s also very keen on getting her own way in life, then Ananda’s the girl for you!
Divya
Divya is shy and usually runs away when you approach her, but she can sometimes be lured out with string toys and baby food, especially if you’ve built her trust. She is playful with other young cats, but she has been bullied by some older dominant cats. Born around 2015, she was rescued as a stray. Divya is a healthy girl who always uses the litter box. She’d love to find a home that has lots of toys and food.
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.
Bogie
Bogie is a 10-11-month-old chihuahua/terrier mix. He is loving, playful, and pretty confident for a tiny little guy! This little boy is just looking for his furever home.
Bullet
Bullet is a 10-year young chihuahua/pug mix. He is a mature, loving sweetheart who still has a lot of spunk. He’s been bounced around a bit in his 10 years during which he lost the sight in his eye but that doesn’t slow him down. He still has a lot of energy for walks & playing. He’s got a few extra pounds on him, so he’s on a strict eating plan but is ready for his new home with you. Come meet Bullet and see what a special boy he is.
Bella
Bella is a 1-2-year-old husky/heeler mix. She loves to play and does well with other dogs with proper introductions and loves kids! This sweet girl is looking for her furever home.
Scarlet
It’s no mystery that these are the cutest kittens. The only thing we have to solve is who will adopt them. We are currently accepting applications to get pre-approved to adopt (Miss) Scarlet and her siblings (Mrs.) Peacock, (Col.) Mustard, (Professor) Plum, and (Dr.) Orchid. The litter is still currently being raised by their mother, Clue. Get your application in quickly as these kittens will go fast.
Plum
It’s no mystery that these are the cutest kittens. The only thing we have to solve is who will adopt them. We are currently accepting applications to get pre-approved to adopt (Professor) Plum and his siblings (Mrs.) Peacock, (Col.) Mustard, (Miss) Scarlet, and (Dr.) Orchid. The litter is still currently being raised by their mother, Clue. Get your application in quickly as these kittens will go fast.
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center will now be open from 12-3 Tuesday-Saturday. PAWS still require social distancing and visitors to wear masks. Please submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt and we will arrange an appointment for approved adopters to meet in 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.
Dallas
Dallas has a very generous donor offering to pay her adoption fee and WOOF Wellness Center for Active Pets is matching the donation and offering one free private training session! This young lady is a great dog. At 1 1/2 years old, she’s sweet as can be, she loves adult humans. Small humans intimidate her though, so she will do best in an adult home or a home with older children. She can be dog selective, she prefers submissive males. She loves to play, run, hike, and cuddle. Please, submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt and PAWS will arrange an appointment for approved adopters to meet in with proper social distancing and in a sanitized environment.
Sophi
Sophi is funny, sweet, smart, everything you’d expect from a Border Collie Mix. She’s a medium build girl who loves walks and hikes, runs, and playing. She will do best with older kids, as she’s a herder and will want to coral kids. Sophi thinks she is a lap puppy and loves snuggles. She is 3 years old.
Bagheera
Bagheera is a year old male gray Tabby. He’s a very sweet boy that gets along with other cats. He is playful, loving, and social. His adoption fee is $75.
Reese
Reese is a 2-year-old sweetheart. This girl is one of the nicest cats. She’s a calm loving girl. Her adoption fee is $75.
Monica
Monica is an 11-year-old Tabby. Her owner could no longer care for her. She is very chill and sweet. She lived with five other cats so she gets along with other cats. If you’re looking for a companion kitty, please consider Monica. Her adoption fee is $50.
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.
Ollie
Ollie is a pit bull terrier mix and is approximately 3 years old. Ollie is extremely shy but is a very sweet guy. There’s a good chance his personality will blossom once he’s in a loving home. He walks well on a leash and kennels easily. He seems to get along with other dogs and would make a great addition to a quiet home. Ollie does have a heart murmur and will likely require annual vet check-ups. His adoption fee is $60.
Willie
Wilie is a loving boy that is a little nervous at first but warms up quickly. 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 is house-trained and would do best as the only dog in the home. His adoption fee is $60.
Teddy
Teddy is 4 years old. Teddy is a very handsome boy who is anxious to find his forever home. He has had a lot of recent changes in his life and is feeling pretty insecure. He will benefit from a quiet environment where he can adjust slowly with some love and encouragement. Teddy is full of affection and truly appreciates cuddle time with his friends. He is easily handled and loves to be petted and brushed. He has shown no problems being around the other cats in the shelter. His adoption fee is $40.
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.
Ace
Ace is a happy, big old pup who has no idea he’s ever been injured, has recently had major surgery, and definitely doesn’t’ know that he’s supposed to have been calm and quiet while recuperating. His vet is amazed at just how well he has done so quickly! Ace has a lot of energy and will need an active home. He would love to have a nice big yard to play in, along with regular and increasing exercise to strengthen his leg. In a few months, he’ll likely want to go on hikes and long walks. In the meantime, he loves affection and he loves to play! If he has toys and balls, he can entertain himself for long periods of time. He’d love you to throw the ball, but if you’re not available, he’s perfectly capable of throwing it for himself!! He needs to learn some manners but he is a bright boy and will learn quickly. He does tend to be toy possessive so some supervision will be needed with his doggy playmates. Ace will need an adopter with patience and one who is willing to care for him if his leg causes him issues in the future.
Bruno
Bruno is a stunning Great Dane blend. He was saved from a near-certain death when he was running loose with a group of other dogs out in Hildale. Unfortunately, after several months, his rescuer was unable to keep him so he’s looking for a home where he can be loved forever. He’s grateful to have had the time to be part of a family and you will be the benefactor of the love and training he’s received during those months! Bruno loves to play tug of war and keep away so he can keep your biceps bulging or at least keep your arms strong! He can run really, really fast with those long legs so he can help you with cardio too. Actually, he’s a built-in work out partner! Bruno is very much not a fan of cats. He does like kids as long as they are gentle with him and treat him respectfully as all children should be taught to do with all dogs. He doesn’t give his affection super quickly but once you have his heart, he gives it freely and fully. Bruno is housebroken and knows how to sit, shake, jump up, and come running on command. We’re told that he is approximately 4-5 years old, but looking at how white his pearly whites are, BAM thinks he is younger. He is ready to go home with that special someone who looks in his gorgeous eyes and knows that he will be the perfect companion for him.
Frodo
Little Frodo had surgery June 8th for a major, badly infected bite wound that almost ended his life. In addition, he has a heart murmur, a large cyst on his back which needs to be removed, and his teeth need cleaning. His staples came out on the 23rd but he still has a rather large gap in his neck which needs monitoring while it continues to heal. He is the sweetest, tiniest little guy ever, and even being in so much pain, he still gives kisses and wants his tummy tickled. Frodo will need an adopter who understands he will require ongoing medical treatment and is prepared to give him his best life ever. He will repay you with endless love and affection. Can you be his medical foster and guardian angel for his remaining days?
Veg
Veg, named for his love of vegetables, is said to be an absolute gem of a dog by his foster mom. He came to BAM from Needles, California where he had been languishing in a shelter for six months. One positive from his time there: in addition to their absolute love of him, a trainer worked with him regularly and it absolutely shows. Not only is Veg a handsome, golden-eyed beauty, he is also a very obedient and social young boy. He knows sit, down, kiss, and can shake with both paws. He loves the water and does very well with other dogs. His temperament with cats is unknown. He sleeps well in a crate at night and is a very well behaved house dog. Veg will make an excellent companion for hiking and exploring as he is active, athletic, and walks well on a leash. When he and his foster sister recently made a brief escape from home (he’s still got a little work to do with door bolting) they were both stopped dead in their tracks by the neighborhood Chihuahua. His foster mom called and they both came running so he also learned good recall. He reacts very positively to correction and is more of a follower than a leader with his dog friends. Veg is estimated to be less than 2 years of age, weighs about 60 lbs, has all of his vaccinations, is micro-chipped and will be neutered before his adoption is completed. He is available to go locally to a foster to adopt home now with the adoption finalized when he is neutered.
Kasey
Kasey is a sweet senior, 11 to 13 years old, who acts like she is still a young pup. She is good with other dogs and cats, enjoys snuggles on the couch and sleeping on the bed, is house trained with a doggie door, and has the softest fur! She loves, loves, loves to chase a ball, and will let you know when she thinks it’s time to play. She also loves a good game of tug-of-war and will pull a fluffy toy from her toy box, remove the stuffing and bring it to you to pull on. Kasey is very smart and will converse with you, uttering short barks and whines but will stop and lay down when petted and told “enough’ or “off”. She will also let you know when someone is at the door by barking and wagging her tail. Watch her though, because she can be an escape artist. Wheather biting the stream from the garden hose or lying in the Virgin River, Kasey loves water as much as riding in the car with her head out of the window, ears flopping in the wind. She savors a good treat just like any girl. Her foster gives her chicken, beef, pork, and apples on their morning walks, and then she will come home to beg a biscuit from his wife. They do have to be sure to keep them away from the edge of the counter however because they have been known to disappear. Kasey is ready to give and receive love and play with her new family. To meet her, contact David or Sharon at (435) 862-2207.