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.
Gilmore
Gilmore is a calm, quiet dog, and when he is comfortable he is very sweet. He is shy and fearful of people, especially strangers, and is considered a flight risk. Gilmore loves food, and he loves to cuddle up in bedding and blankets. Gilmore was born in 2012 and came to Best Friends from a No More Homeless Pets Network Partner shelter. At the Sanctuary, he loves clicker training and is learning hand feeding as well as how to accept human touch and handling. Gilmore has a quiet nature and would do best in a calm and quiet home. He loves sunbathing outside. He’ll also need a home that has a secure yard.
Jet
Jet loves to play fetch, and if you tell him “closer” he will walk up and drop the ball beside you. He enjoys water and likes to play with the hose. Jet in the past nervous and fearful around men but warms up with treats and walks. Jet should meet any potential doggy housemates before going home with them. He would prefer a home without cats. He does enjoy leisurely walks and lounging outside in the sun. Jet is looking for a person who can help him feel loved and safe. If that sounds like you, Jet will be waiting to meet you.
Marley
Looking to add an active furry friend to your family? Marley may be just who you’re looking for! This young and energetic fella also has a sweet affectionate side. Marley is familiar with basic obedience commands like “sit, “paw” and “down,” has great recall, and is wonderful on a leash. During times of high excitement like getting ready to go on walks, Marley has a hard time containing himself and will often jump, but staff has been working with Marley to help him refrain from doing this. Marley loves meeting and spending time with human friends and would prefer to be the only dog in a family. He’s very attentive to his people and aims to please. Once he’s comfortable with you, his silly side comes out and you’ll likely see him rolling on the ground, making silly faces, and looking for belly rubs. At 4 years old, Marley likely has several active years ahead of him, so if you’re interested in a dog who you can include in some adventures, Marley may be the right fit!
Rain
Rain can be hesitant with new people, but it doesn’t take her long to warm up. She’s really very sweet, and you can pet her when you earn her trust. Although she does fine with other cats, she prefers her own company. Born in 2011, Rain came from a shelter in northern Utah. She is a beautiful girl who would love to have a person to call her own. It may take her some time to adjust to a new home, but once she did she would be the sweetest, most perfect companion.
Britney
Britney came all the way from Saudi Arabia to find her forever home! This beautiful dilute tortie is sweet and sassy- one minute she’s rubbing against your legs, the next she’s swatting! But through speaking softly and moving slowly you can earn her trust, then she just melts in your lap or in your arms. Britney can be picky about her kitty friends but she’s okay as long as they know that she’s the boss! Will you meet her halfway and consider adding this feisty lady to your home?
Mandoline
Mandoline is very chatty, and she’ll want to have a conversation with you before she’ll let you pet her. She’ll do a flirty little dance in circles, then be friendly once she’s comfortable with you. She loves to play with string toys and does well with other cats as long as they’re nice to her. Born in 2014, she came from a shelter in California. Mandoline is a pretty girl who needs a home where she feels safe. She is the classic “Caturtle,” a shy cat who comes out of her shell when given a loving 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.
Sage
Sage is a young, shepherd mix. She is a great loving dog, who bonds quickly to her people, and is loyal to a fault. 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 safe when her owners are away. She LOVES water, and hiking, and being able to run. She would make a good hiking, running, or even biking buddy!
Venice
Venice is a female, Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler, and Shepherd mix puppy. She will be medium-sized. This sweet puppy would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone. Make arrangements to meet Venice right away!
Hercules
Hercules is a young, male Shepherd mix. He is adorable. He knows commands sit, stay, and likes hiking. He is very smart, friendly, and loves tummy rubs and cuddles. He likes other dogs, people. He’s just an all-around fun guy. Look at those cute, big ears. This good looking boy is looking for his furever home.
Copper
Copper is a handsome kitten who is part of a magical trio that includes sister Adelaide and brother Merlin. He is very shy and needs someone to continue showing him love and patience so his enchanting personality will progress. His mother Gigi was also part of the rescue. He is a small male kitten that is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats.
Merlin
This little wizard is full of enchantment. He will use his magical powers to charm his way into your heart. Just look at those irresistible blue eyes. Merlin was rescued with his mother, Gigi, brother Copper, and sister Adelaide. He is shy but loves to be cuddled. He is a small male kitten that is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats.
Adelaide
This darling kitten is no illusion. Adelaide loves cuddling with her brother Merlin, condo roommate, Mirage, and RSQ Dogs+ volunteers. She will provide lots of entertainment for you but needs her adopter to have patience. She’s still very shy. Adelaide was rescued with her mother Gigi and brothers Merlin and Copper. She is a small female kitten that is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats.
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center is now closed again until further notice. We will be showing and adopting animals by appointment only to pre-approved adopters. Please submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt and we will arrange an appointment for approved adopters to meet 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.
Sheba
Sheba is a 1 1/2-year-old Black Mouth Cur. She is 90 pounds of love and energy. She loves to run and play in the PAWS parking lot so she needs a big yard. Sheba thinks she is a lap dog and loves her humans. Submit an application and be approved to meet her by appointment. Her adoption fee is $125.
Max
Max is a large Border Collie mix. He is 10 years young. He would make a great dog for an older person since he is a calm boy who doesn’t need much exercise. Max is housetrained and is currently in a foster home. He loves children, other dogs, and cats. However, he will steal food from children. His adoption fee is $75.
Denver
Denver is one beautiful Lab. This boy is a great dog, loving, social, playful, a quick learner, and a big pleaser. He’s 1 1/2 Yrs old, like kids, and other dogs, he loves playing and running and most of all being with his humans. He prefers not to be left alone, but we are working on that with him. He’s housetrained and will make a terrific family pet. Please submit an Adoption Application and be approved for a meet and greet with him. His adoption fee is $125.
Selena
Selena is a beautiful 1 ½-year-old cat and is so sweet and friendly. She likes to be brushed and gets along with other cats. Selena is playful and loves lap time. Come in and meet her and all the other great cats available for adoption! Her adoption fee is $75.
Baby
Baby is a 2-year-old male Tabby. He is talkative and very social. He gets along with other cats and loves to play. He is a very sweet boy who will make a great pet/companion. His adoption fee is $75.
Lala
Lala is a beautiful 1 ½-year-old dilute Torti. She is a social cat and gets along with other cats. Lala is playful, too. Make arrangements to come in and meet this beautiful fun cat and all the other great cats available for adoption! Her adoption fee is $75.
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.
Spot
Sweet little Spot is a 4-5-year-old Jack Russell Terrier blend (although we think we can see some Chihuahua in him) who would give just about anything for a full-time lap to sit on… although a chair with or without a person on it will suffice.
Spot is neutered, housebroken, and knows how to use a doggy door. He’s a bit on the chunky side and is already on the road to his ideal weight using food management and daily walks which also help his confidence. Spot is cautious but is gaining self-assurance every day with the love of his foster and walking with his foster pack.
To arrange a meeting with Spot to see if your lap qualifies, call or text Julie Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am–5 pm at 435-773-5209.
Teton (aka Teeter)
Teton is a wonderful little dog who suffered a torn CCL (Cranial cruciate ligament]. He’s currently in foster care awaiting his surgical consult after which he will have surgery to repair the ligament. He does have a slight limp at this time. After surgery, he may not be able to hike for miles but he’ll be able and willing to go on long walks and short hikes.
Teton gets along with all the dogs in his foster home although he is a little afraid of the largest dog. He wants to play with the others but his injury, until repaired, requires him to get lots of rest and not stress his ligament too much so he’s curtailed from getting as playful as he would like. He’s happy to couch sit with you and watch TV, will lie under your desk if you’re working, and is generally a joyful, happy little dog.
Teton spooks at noises and straps … anything that gives the appearance he might be hit with it. He is recovering well but we don’t recommend homes with small children. Older respectful children should be fine with him. He enjoys a ball and some stuffed toys and does well in the car and would do well on a walk although he tends to pull a bit in the first few minutes. Once his leg is healed, dog parks should be fine.
He’s housebroken with supervision. We don’t know how he would be if left alone for 8 hours but will ask to go out by moving around, whining, or looking anxious. He does not know the doggy door and we haven’t taught it as, due to his physical limitations right now, he shouldn’t be outside unsupervised.
Teton has demonstrated he can be protective of his owner so should be introduced slowly and with supervision to others who enter his space. He would do well in an apartment or a house or even an RV. He does bark but quiets immediately when told “enough”. Teton would be good for first-time pet owners and experienced owners. Aside from his little protective nature, which can easily be worked with, he’s adorable and, for you HOA people, just the right size.
Teton can be placed at this time in a foster-to-adopt home with the adoption finalizing after he is released medically. Foster to adopt parents must be willing to follow medical guidance and see that he makes it to his medical appointments. To meet Teton contact J@BAMUtah.com.
Barry
Barry is not a lap dog (unless he decides he wants to be). Instead, he is a grumpy boy who came to us with a broken pelvis which still causes him pain. In the year he’s been with us, Barry also suffered seizures and kidney stones. He’s on a special diet and medication for all of these things, but he’s still a grump. And we all still love him!
Since being in our care, the poor guy has had to deal with puppies and big dogs who don’t understand why he doesn’t want to roughhouse. He does get along with dogs who aren’t in his face and likes to fetch a ball as long as you don’t try to take it back from him (Barry’s rules).
Ornery as he is, Barry is kind of our mascot and we want the old guy to catch a break and live out the remainder of his life with someone he can find solace in.
Barry loves to rub his back on the floor and wiggle and loves to have belly rubs by a person of his choosing. He enjoys certain members of our team while others simply aren’t his cup of tea
To find out more about Barry, meet him and see if he’s a match for you, text, or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
Piper
Piper is a sweet senior girl who just wants to relax and be pampered. She is on medication for a previously untreated condition called Collie Nose and needs to be guarded against too much sun. She loves gentle kids and gets along with gentle dogs. She’s a lover girl that just needs someone to love her back.
To find out more about Piper, meet her and see if she’s a match for you, text, or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
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 is fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and ready to go to his forever home today!!! He will need an adopter with patience and one who is willing to care for him if his leg causes him issues in the future.
To find out more about Ace, meet him and see if he’s a match for you, text, or call Julie at (435) 773-5209.
