The Independent 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.
May
May is so pretty to look at, and she has a delightful personality to match. She’s definitely the kind of dog who will keep you on your toes, but as long as she has an outlet for her seemingly endless energy, she’s as happy as can be. This high-energy girl was born in 2016 and needs an active home. She loves to train and run around, but then she can calm down with a buddy on the couch. Although May has done well with all dogs she’s met at the sanctuary, she is reactive toward them when she is on a leash. Her caregivers have started doing on-leash training to help her overcome this challenge. May can’t live with cats since she has shown aggression toward them in the past. She came to the sanctuary from a Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Network partner shelter and is ready for some fun in a home of her own.
Stax
Stax is a goofy, lovable hound dog who loves going new places and smelling new things. He is wonderful in the car and only pulls a little bit on a leash when he sees interesting things like insects and lizards. He has a big bark and is reactive to people, but he either loves everyone right away or within several minutes of being around them (especially if they have treats). He currently lives in a kitchen at Dogtown so he can practice meeting new people every day. Born in 2016, Stax is most at ease when he can be around his people on a comfy couch. Otherwise, he whines a little bit until he settles down. When he meets new dog friends, he can come on a little strong, but once he gets a good sniff in, Stax is generally happy just hanging out and having a fellow dog friend to sniff around with. Stax has anxiety and would do best in an active home where he can keep his body and mind busy. His previous person said that he showed aggression toward other dogs in the home, ate clothing and toys, and has had to have surgery to remove obstructions. He has not shown these behaviors at the sanctuary. Stax has lived with cats in the past and passed a cat test at sanctuary. However, he prefers his feline friends to be indoors. Once they are outside, they become more interesting. Stax will need a patient person who is willing to continue helping him work on his challenges, such as overcoming barrier reactivity, learning to ignore lizards and insects, and keeping all four of his feet on the floor, even when there is something interesting on the counter.
Jodi
Jodi is shy and fearful at first, but once she gets to know you, she turns into your shadow and wants to be as close to you as possible. Besides following her person around, Jodi really enjoys a good neck scratch. While she’s a little shy with people, she adores other dogs. Born in 2015, she tends to “mother” the young, rowdy dogs she lives with. Jodi has anxiety and can be a little nervous around loud noises or thunderstorms, especially if she doesn’t have other dogs to keep her company. She will need some time to settle into a new place; initially, she may try to escape a yard if left alone. At the sanctuary, Jodi is working on socialization and is going on lots of walks where meeting new people is a positive experience. She’s a great hiker and enjoys a good splash in the creek. This beautiful girl wants a person of her own so badly. Once she becomes attached to you, her bond is strong. Won’t you take a chance on her?
Twiggy
It takes some time to build a relationship with Twiggy, but once you do, you’ll find her to be kind and sweet. She is very affectionate and will sit on your lap endlessly, whether you’re reading a book or brushing her. She loves laser lights, string toys, catnip, toys that jingle, and scratching posts. She does not like other cats. She is in a foster home with a dog, but he pretty much ignores her. Born in 2015, this beautiful girl came from a shelter in northern Utah. Twiggy has Manx syndrome, which causes her back end to not work the way it should. She has some mobility issues, and she’s on a diet of wet and dry food mixed to keep her stools regular. Because of her mobility issues, she needs low furniture to lie on. Twiggy is a challenge initially, but it is so worth the reward of getting to know her.
Butterfly
Butterfly is very friendly. She’ll approach you and purr while you pet her. She gets along with most other cats but is a bit fearful of dominant males. Born around 2012, she came from a hoarding situation. Butterfly is in good health. She has adorable, big round eyes that ask for attention. She’s very sweet and likes to be picked up. Butterfly will do well in any home that has other sweet cats and people to pet her.
Providing Animals With Support (PAWS)
PAWS Adoption Center is located at 1125 W 1130 N in St. George. Please submit an application at dixiepaws.org. Call (435) 688-9748 or email officepaws@gmail.com. All pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and current on vaccinations. Below are the pets currently available for adoption from the shelter.
Carl
Carl is a 1-year-old male terrier/Chihuahua mix. He’s a great size and he loves hiking and swimming. He came to PAWS from a Vegas shelter in April, and he’s ready to be adopted. Carl is pretty timid until he gets to know you, but he warms up pretty quickly. He has beautiful eyes that will melt your heart. Come in and meet this sweet dog. He gets along well with other dogs. His adoption fee is $125.
Fiona
Fiona is a 2-year-old female Chihuahua. She is a sweet but timid girl. Once she gets to know you, she is very friendly and loving. Fiona came to PAWS from a shelter in Vegas in April. She gets along with older children and dogs. She will make a great companion for some lucky person. If you’re looking for an addition to your family, consider this cute little girl. Her adoption fee is $125.
Jojo
Jojo is approximately 12 weeks old and is a female Siamese. She was found in Snow Canyon and she may have been riding in the engine of the car. She was very scared but is now in a foster home where she’s getting lots of love and pampering. She is so playful and sweet. Jojo is litterbox trained. PAWS will arrange a meeting for any approved adopter. Her adoption fee is $150.
Dirk
Dirk is almost 2 years old and is a DSH tabby and white cat. He is very friendly and playful. He loves cat toys, especially wands. Dirk has been at PAWS since February. He was in a hoarding situation, so he’s used to being with other cats. Dirk gets along with older children, men, and women. Get into PAWS and meet this sweetheart. His adoption fee is $65.
Lucy
Lucy is approximately 8 years old and is a dilute calico. She is a large girl and needs to lose a few pounds. Lucy’s owner was moving out of state and couldn’t find a place to live that would allow cats. Lucy was very angry at first because she didn’t know what was happening to her life. She is a good girl who just wants to find a loving home. Lucy is a very sweet cat who just wants to have a sunny place to take a nap. Her adoption fee is $50.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter is located at 795 Hardy Way and is open for adoptions from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Please call (702) 346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk, or visit mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at (702) 346-5268. Adoption fees include spaying or neutering and a one-year rabies shot. Mesquite residents only receive one-year city pet licenses.
Rosa
Rosa’s owner could no longer keep her. She is less than a year old. Rosa is very friendly and loves people. She will come when called. Rosa’s owner had her trained to a harness so she could be on the patio when she was outside. She has beautiful coloration and unusual facial markings with striking blue eyes. Rosa’s adoption fee is $40.
Joey
Joey’s owner could no longer keep him. He is less than a year old. Joey is very friendly and loves people. Joey will come when called. Joey’s owner had him trained to a harness so he could be on the patio when she was outside. Joey has a shiny black coat, a white spot on his front leg, and huge golden eyes. He is quite stunning. Joey’s 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.
Rusty
Rusty is a wonderful, sweet bird full of personality! While she is very quiet for her species, she gets very animated at times and acts like she’s telling you a magnificent story! Her crest is a beautiful salmon color, and her body is a pale pink with a slight yellow under her wings and tail. Rusty doesn’t have the best eyesight, so avoid frightening her by making slow movements. Her toes are out-turned, impairing her ability to perch. You’ll see her walk and climb very cautiously, but given patience, she gets around just fine. When held, Rusty prefers to be close to your body as she feels unsteady otherwise. Her cage has been modified to accommodate her mild handicaps. Rusty loves to look out the window and have a constant temperature of 75 to 80F. She doesn’t like to be covered and needs about 12 hours of sleep. Rusty would do best with two cages: one for nighttime in a quiet place and one where she can keep an eye on her family during the day. She warms up slowly to new people but becomes quite personable when people let her take her time. Rusty would do best in a home without children as she was owned by a single older woman for all of her life until she became a BAM foster, and she doesn’t care for a lot of “bustle” or noise. She would do best with someone who is very experienced with cockatoos and very patient. Rusty has been well loved and has not even attempted to bite anyone in her foster home. She will make the right person a wonderful long-term companion. Rusty is already 30 years old and will probably live at least another 40 years or more. Please keep Rusty’s lifespan and the required commitment to her in mind when considering adoption. Rusty’s adoption fee is $1,000. To find out more about Rusty and to arrange a meeting, contact Saranda at (435) 467-9556.
Lincoln
Lincoln is a happy, engaged boy believed to be a great Dane/pit bull blend weighing about 60 lbs. and approximately 2 years old. Lincoln was adopted as a puppy and enjoyed a wonderful life with his buddy, Tonka. However, when Tonka unexpectedly and rapidly died of cancer, Lincoln was lonely, and his mom was not ready to adopt a friend for Lincoln. So now Lincoln is available for his new forever home! He’s great with people and loves other dogs, but since he’s a bit rambunctious, he would do best with older children. He is very playful and food-motivated to continue his training (although he already knows how to sit) and enjoys his walks. He would do best in a home with another dog, preferably a large one since he doesn’t handle being alone well. To see Lincoln, call Aggie at (435) 773-1667 at or Sue at (801) 554-3378. Lincoln’s adoption fee is $125.
Walt
Walt is an older gentleman approximately 10–12 years old with a gentle soul. He is a shepherd mix who wants nothing more than to go on a walk with you and then lay down at your feet the rest of the day. Walt is house trained and well behaved. He’s somewhat selective about his dog friends but loves his humans. Older children would be best for Walt. He would be a great pet for an older couple. Although he is crate trained, he prefers to live in close proximity with his humans. To meet Walt, call Aggie at (435) 773-1667 or Sue at (801) 554-3378. Walt’s adoption fee is $100.
Petunia
Petunia was adopted, but a new baby in the house caused her to come back to us, and she is once again looking for her forever home. Petunia is very loving with humans and even somewhat protective but selective about her dog friends and would do best as an only dog. She is an energetic pup who loves her walks and hikes. She appears to be house-trained but will need supervision, at least at first, and may be a candidate for crate training if alone for long periods or if no yard or doggy door is available. Petunia needs a foster home without other animals. Petunia is good with people but can be aggressive with other dogs. To meet Petunia, call Aggie (435) 773-1667 at or Sue at (801) 554-3378. Her adoption fee is $125.
