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.
Tigger
Tigger is a big marshmallow disguised as a tough dog. Born in 2016, he is an active, friendly and vocal boy with a distinctive bark. He enjoys being with people and loves to snuggle with his friends. Tigger can be reactive on leash and when meeting other dogs but is very playful once he gets to know them. Tigger has a lot of energy and would love to go to an active home where he can exercise his brain and his body!
Maxx
Maxx adores his people so much that he wants to be with them all the time. In Dogtown, he lives in a kitchen so he can be as close as possible to his caregivers. Born in 2009, Maxx suffers from separation anxiety and gets nervous during storms. When he is afraid, he has a tendency to try to run away, so he’ll need a secure enclosure. He can be pretty picky with his doggie friends, and it’s best for him to steer clear of small dogs and cats. Maxx is currently a staff-only dog at the Sanctuary because of an isolated bite incident in the past. He has not shown any aggression before or since. He is looking for an understanding person who is willing to spend lots of time with him and help him feel safe. If you’d like to be there for Maxx, he would love to meet you.
Jango
How adorable is a dog who snorts when he’s excited and can’t stop wagging his tail? Jango is a happy boy who loves people. He’s crate trained, rides great in the car, and walks really nicely on a harness and leash. Jango loves affection and will try to crawl into your lap. Jango is eager to learn new tricks and truly enjoys using his brain during training. Behind his adorable face is a good-natured boy who enjoys living life and making people smile.
Eponine
Eponine was born in 2011 and came from an animal shelter in California. She is shy when you first meet her, but once she’s comfortable she’ll sit in your lap and be very affectionate. She finds security in a group of other cats, so she’d love to go to a home with other kitties.
Teller
This sweet, big boy likes his freedom. He hates being put in a cage but otherwise is an absolute doll. Friendly and mellow, once he gets comfortable with you, Teller would probably be a great lap cat. He likes to go for harness walks and stroller rides. He also enjoys chasing the laser light. Born in 2007, he’s in good health. He came to the Sanctuary from a California cat rescue group. Do you have room in your heart and home for this playful, cuddly cat?
Martin
This handsome senior came to Best Friends when his person lost his home to foreclosure in 2014. He can often be found snuggled up to his best friend, Carlson, who also came from that home.
Martin is initially timid around people. However, once you’ve earned his trust, there’s no limit to how much time he’ll spend on your lap.
Born in 2008, he has a heart murmur but is not on any medication and he’s doing very well. If you have the patience to gain his trust, you will adore this sweet boy and the love he has to give. Can you give Martin the forever home he deserves?
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.
Scrappy
Scrappy is a 10-11-month-old black mouth cur/shepherd mix. She is just a big puppy who is sweet and very playful! She loves everyone, sometimes too much, so she is currently doing basic training to learn some manners. She will be a great addition to her furever family.
Sage
Sage is about a year and a half old. Our best guess is shepherd malinois mix of sorts. Sage can be very timid around new people, and especially in new situations, so she is going to need someone willing to work on desensitizing her to the things of the world. She is able to jump fences, so she really needs a secure yard or a plan to keep her in safe when her owners are away. She is a great loving dog, who bonds quickly to her people, and is loyal to a fault. She LOVES water, and hiking, and being able to run. She would make a good hiking, running, or even biking buddy.
Loki
Loki 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) and, although cautious, warms to new people with the proper introduction. He’s turning into quite the lapdog and enjoys petting and treats! 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.
Lennon
This 3-month-old kitten is a handful! He is full of energy, very vocal, and LOVES to climb and rough house. If you are looking for an adventure cat, this is your man! Lennon would do best with another active and playful cat, or with an owner who is active and has a lot of time to spend with him. Let us know if you are ready to add adventure, and companionship to your life sprinkled with a little bit of chaos.
Fantine
This adorable young cat took in four abandoned babies as her own. Now Fantine is ready to find her furever home. She is very loving and enjoys attention. She is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
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.
Shyster
Nine-month-old Shyster is a Shepherd Mix. This guy is super sweet, loving, and good with all humans and other dogs. He’s great on a leash, loves to play and learn. Submit an adoption application today and stop by the PAWS Adoption Center to meet this great guy and his brother (Scout).
Scout
Nine-month-old Scout is a Shepherd Mix. This darling guy is super sweet, loving, and good with all humans, and other dogs. He’s great on a leash, loves to play and learn. Submit an adoption application today and stop by the PAWS Adoption Center to meet this great guy and his brother (Shyster).
Mr. Meowgi
Mr. Meowgi is 13 years young. He is a very sweet cat who loves sleeping in a sunny spot. He is litter box trained and gets along with other cats at PAWS. Go in and meet this great cat! He’s vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and spayed. His adoption fee is $50.
Maralynn
Maralynn is a 1-year-old DSH. She gets along with other cats and loves to play. She is litter box trained and is a very clean cat. This girl loves to snuggle and will be a great companion for some lucky family. Her adoption fee is $75.
Rocky
Seven year old Rocky is a 26 pound Maine Coone love. This beautiful sweet boy has been fully vetted, has a complete dental, and is now ready to go to his new home. He loves to snuggle with dogs, is child friendly, has lived with another Maine Coone mix, and loves humans.
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.
Mikey
Mikey is approximately 1 year old. Due to an old injury, Mikey had his leg amputated shortly after arriving at the shelter but he gets around without any problems! He is very shy, it will take time for him to warm up, but is a very loving boy! He knows to sit and is semi house-trained. He loves to play with toys and other dogs, He would probably do best in a home without small children. Mikey is outgoing, has a great personality, and has a lot of attitude. His adoption fee is $60.
Honey Bee
Honey Bee is a fun-loving young lady. She loves being with people and is learning to play with toys. Doing well on leash training. She knows sit. She is strong and will need a secure yard. She gets along with other dogs. Her 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.
Elvira
Elvira came to the shelter severely matted- she is now sporting a summer “lion” cut and loving it. She is at least 6 years old with purrsonality plus. She loves to be held and petted. She will give you head butts to let you know she would like a treat. She is tolerant of the kittens and will share her bowl and put up with their playing with her tail. She needs a diet plan. Her adoption fee is $40.
Rona
Rona came to shelter wit 3 siblings who were found as strays. Rhe is very shy and would do best in a quiet home where she can get lots of attention and love. She likes playing with all types of toys and with the other kittens/cats in the room. Her 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.
