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!
Zion
Zion could be described as a diamond in the rough. He is a special guy and the class clown, once he knows you. He had some traumatic experiences in his past that caused him to be nervous in some situations and with new people. He is extremely food motivated and he has worked hard with his caregivers and has blossomed into who he was meant to be. He still takes a little time to trust, but once you have gained it, you are in for life.
Once Zion is comfortable with his people, he enjoys walks, golf cart rides, car rides, playing with his stuffed toys, swimming in the pool at the dog park, and enjoying a good hang out session on the couch. He approaches life with boundless optimism and loves to play with his people when he is comfortable.
Link
Link is a big cuddle bug in a tiny body. He is a bit on the older side, but is still active and enjoys going on leisurely walks. When you sit down on the couch afterward and invite him up he will jump up and immediately curl right into your lap (and maybe give you a few quick kisses too). This boy would prefer to go into a home without young kids and can also be a bit selective about other dogs but is more than ready for his new family to take him home.
Gus
Gus is a laid back, easygoing kinda guy. He enjoys warm beds, good food, and relaxing days. He really enjoys attention from people and is not at all shy. If there’s a group of people, he usually manages to get himself in the middle. He also hangs out with other cats and gets along with most of them. He is a pro at walking on a harness and wants to spend all his time exploring. He is a great snuggler on sleepovers. Born in 2013, Gus came from an animal rescue organization in Arizona. He has Feline Leukemia (FeLV), so he’ll need to live with other FeLV cats, or be your one and only kitty. Do you have a warm bed where Gus can relax and be himself?
Miley
Miley is a beautiful girl with very distinct markings. She doesn’t know how beautiful she is, and she’s very shy with both people and other cats. Born in 2012, Miley came from a shelter in California. She won’t initiate interacting with you, but if you approach her slowly she’ll let you pet her. Quiet and scared, she will come out of her shell more quickly in a quiet home with not a lot of people or other animals.
Alexa
Alexa is a ten-year-old spitfire of a cat. very cute with a very funny personality. She does well living with other cats she doesn’t put up with bullies and shows them who’s boss. If you are looking for a head of household yet sweet and sassy cat Alexa is the one for you.
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.
Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea is a 2-3-year-old pit mix who is sweet, happy, and loves to play ball! She would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone.
Scout
Scout is an 11-month-old black lab mix who is excited to be away from the two big dogs he was kenneled with who did not appreciate his puppy ways. He is very sweet and has a lot of energy and will require someone willing to work with him on his manners and get him lots of exercise. Scout would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone.
Turbo
Turbo is a 4-month-old pug/heeler mix. He is a very happy and playful puppy. He would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone.
Reuben
Reuben is quite the snuggle bug. This 2-3-year-old loves to play and lounge around. He also enjoys chin and cheek scratches. He is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone. Go meet Reuben and fall in love.
JellyBean
JellyBean is ready for her forever home. This sweet momma cared for her two babies, Peeps and Bunny, in a foster home. She is ready for someone to give her cuddles and playtime. 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.
Louie
Meet Louie. This gorgeous boy is an 8-month-old Great Pyrenees/White Lab Mix. He is sweet, funny, cuddly, and he gives great hugs. He is a pleaser and quick learner. While he does like other dogs when introduced properly, he will do best in a home as an only dog. He is ready to go to his new home. His adoption fee is $125.
Tai
Tai is a 1-year-old adorable lovable dog. This guy was hit by a car and had to have lifesaving surgery. He’s healed up perfectly and is now neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to start his life! He’s a fun-loving Jack Russell Terrier mix. He loves humans, other dogs, walks, playing, and snuggles.
Diesel
Diesel is a 2-year-old Shepherd/Whippet mix. He is a great dog and super friendly. He loves walks, runs, hikes, and playing. This guy loves training and is eager to please. Peanut butter in a Kong is one of his favorite treats and he’s a great hugger! His adoption fee is $125.
DeWitt
DeWitt is 5 years old and a very handsome and loving cat. This sweetheart will make a good companion or family cat. This stunning guy is a loving curious cat. He will do best in a calm loving home. He gets along with other cats, loves affection but is also an independent cat. His adoption fee is $75.
Gemini
Gemini is a beautiful black and white kitty. She is very loving and playful. She is approximately 1 year old and gets along with other cats at PAWS. Gemini will make a great addition to some lucky person/family. Go in and meet this great cat!
Sly
Sly is a 6-year-old male Russian Blue. He is one of the sweetest cats you’ll ever meet. He loves attention and pets and he’s just so handsome! If you’re looking for a calm cat to add to your family, Sly could be the one you’ve been waiting for. Go in and meet this handsome fellow!
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.
Cody
Cody is a cattle dog mix. He is approximately 1 1/2 years old and weighs 49 pounds. Cody is an extremely energetic dog, that can get into mischief when bored, but has a super sweet temperament. He knows sit and other commands. He is house-trained and gets along with most other dogs. Cody would do best with someone that is familiar with the cattle dog breed and has room for him to run. His adoption fee is $60.
Danni
Danni is a sweet gentle giant. She enjoys people’s company, she loves going for walks, and can just lay there as you are checking your social media. She is 8 years old. She has always lived indoors so she is housebroken, good on a leash, and has good manners. She will do best in a home as the only dog.
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.
Kittens
The Mesquite Animal Shelter also has male and female tiger-striped kittens. Please call the shelter for more information on them.
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.
