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.
Castiel
Castiel is a laid-back guy who enjoys everything life has to offer. He loves toys, treats, and affection. He also enjoys going for walks and playing with other dogs. Eager to learn, Castiel likes to use his brain to figure out food puzzles. He is working on his tendency to guard food and other resources and is generally very friendly and affectionate. Born in 2012 and found on the streets of Albuquerque, Castiel can’t wait to be a loyal companion to a person of his own.
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 Watts 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!
Abbott
Abbott’s history is a bit of a mystery. All we know is that he wandered up to a man’s house one day, and since the man couldn’t keep him, he’s now at Best Friends.
Abbott is an Australian cattle dog mix, complete with a little nubbin tail. He loves romping with other dogs and playing with his toys. Abbott is all wags and wiggles when he hears his friends call out his name. He’ll even lean in for hugs and belly rubs! The fastest way to get Abbott to love you is with treats. He loves showing off his tricks!
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 often run and hide when approached. However, 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. He’s a Caturtle, also known as a shy cat who comes out of its shell in a home. He’s looking for a home with patient people who can help him learn to trust again and give him the love (and kitty friends) he deserves.
Renee
Renee has cattitude. Born in 2010, she has mellowed with age and become more accepting of people, but she will definitely let you know when she’s had enough of your attention. She doesn’t have an issue about living with other cats, but she tends to prefer her own company.
Renee doesn’t like being picked up, but she does want to sit near you. If you sit by her, she may climb into your lap and let you pet her, though she’ll leave when she’s had enough.
If you don’t mind letting her rule your roost, Renee is a gorgeous lady who’d like to live out her golden years on her terms.
Avi
Avi takes some time to get to know people, but once he gets used to you, he will rub against you to be petted and willingly accepts attention, though he’s not a fan of being picked up. He loves other cats and enjoys playing and snuggling with them. He makes friends with other cats quickly and is looking for a home with a calm, patient person who has other cat-friendly cats he can cuddle and play with.
Avi is very sweet once he gets comfortable and will learn to trust over time. Avi is a Caturtle, also known as a shy cat who comes out of its shell in a home. Can you help this sweet boy find his forever 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.
Isabella
From Isabella’s foster family: “Isabella is a very energetic and adventurous little Akita mix puppy that loves going for walks and also playing inside the house. She gets along well with our old golden retriever and enjoys cuddling with him or us after a long day of fun. She’s in the process of learning to “come”, “sit”, “lie down” and “stay”. She hasn’t had an accident in her crate during the night or in the house during the day thanks to frequent trips to the back yard. She usually needs a quick bathroom break in the middle of the night but she mostly sleeps through the night. She has done well off-leash at the park and stays close to us and our dog while running around the grass. Some of her favorite activities include playing tug-of-war, climbing up on boulders, chewing on tree branches or dog toys and being petted. We’ve been gently looking at her teeth plus handling her paws and nails frequently so she’ll be very comfortable with having her teeth brushed or her nails clipped in the future. Overall Isabella, or “Bella” for short, would make a great addition to any home looking for a fun playmate including those with other pets or kids.”
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.
Nova
Nova is a 1-year-old Husky/Malamute mix. She is currently in a foster home with her puppies. She will be available for adoption at the end of December when her puppies are fully weaned. Nova would be good in a home with other dogs, children, or alone.
Gollum
Gollum and little sister Precious are very cute and active kittens. One of their best features is the prominent letter M on the middle of their foreheads. It has several meanings in religious folklore but we think it stands for “Magnificent”! Precious and Gollum like to wrestle with each other and chase after their toys. Adopt them now so you can watch their personalities unfold. Gollum is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats.
Precious
Adorable Precious and her brother Gollum are ready for an adventure in their forever home. One of their best features is the prominent letter M on the middle of their foreheads. It has several meanings in religious folklore but we think it stands for “Magnificent”! Precious and Gollum like to wrestle with each other and play with their toys. Adopt them now so you can enjoy watching their personalities unfold. Precious is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats.
Eden
This adorable young cat longs for a loving home. Eden has a sweet disposition. She enjoys head scratches and cuddling. She will bring happiness and bliss to your home. Eden is house-trained and would be good in a home with other cats or alone.
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.
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.
Clara
Clara is a 6-month-old Black Lab. This girl has the spunk and personality you want in a puppy. She is eager to learn and please. She is vaccinated, microchipped, and scheduled for spay. Submit an adoption application at dixiepaws.org/adopt to be approved to meet her.
Janet
Meet Lady Janet. This 15-year-old sweet girl is perfect, she is happy and very peppy. Loving and charming. She loves walks, cats, and wild turkeys and is looking for a loving calm home. She is vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and spayed. Please submit an Adoption Application and be approved for a meet and greet with her. Her adoption fee is $75.
Rosie & Hero
Meet the PAWS sweethearts Rosie and Hero. These two girls are clearly sisters and BFFs. This bonded pair of girls will bring so much love to home. They are playful, social cuddle bugs. Both are vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and spayed. The adoption fee for both is $100, they must be adopted together. Please submit adoption applications to dixiepaws.org/adopt.
Orville
This stunning 5 1/2-year-old Flame Point is one delicious guy. Sweet as pie and easy on the eyes. Orville is seeking a loving calm home where he can be the only cat or a home with another very calm cat. He loves butt rubs, pets, and affection. You can stop by The Modern Pet and meet Orville Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm. He is vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and neutered. His adoption fee is $50.
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.
Annabelle
Annabelle is a delightful little 6-year old soul! She is crate trained, uses a dog door, and gets along well with other dogs. She is fantastic on a leash and doesn’t mind a bath but our favorite thing about Miss Annabelle is her desire to snuggle. There is nothing quite like the look of pure affection coming from her eyes when she’s getting pets and cuddles.
Little Annabelle just had surgery to remove a couple of fatty lumps and would love to have a special someone to snuggle while she recovers. Post-surgery is a wonderful time to bond with a new pet.
Side note: We don’t know how she is with cats but she ignores her foster’s Guinea pig and is fantastic with the puppies. If you would like to arrange a meeting with Miss Annabelle to see if your lap qualifies, call or text Julie at (435) 773-5209 Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am–5 pm.
Brownie 2
Meet Brownie 2. Brownie is the deepest chocolate brown with the softest fur and most adorable tan “mustache.” And check out his cute little feet and gorgeous gold eyes. What a heartthrob!
Brownie is neutered, housebroken, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. He’s ready to go and can’t wait to find a lap of his very own into which he can settle. If you would like to arrange a meeting with Brownie to make him your newest family member, call or text Julie at (435) 773-5209 Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am–5 pm.
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.
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.