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.
Simpson
Born in February 2017, Simpson has his whole life ahead of him. He’s sweet, affectionate, happy and playful. Because he’s still very puppy-like, he’s working on basic manners and keeping all four on the floor rather than jumping up on people. So far, Simpson has done well with all the dogs he’s met at the sanctuary. However, Dogtown caregivers are doing on-leash training with him and helping him to get further exposure to new dogs as he can be leash reactive. They are also helping him build his confidence so that he’ll make an excellent pet.
Red
As his name implies, Red has beautiful, deep-auburn colored fur. While he’s a tiny bit slow to warm up to new people and is considered a flight risk, he really loves to give and receive love. Red has gotten along very well with his three doggie roommates once he was assured that they were respectful of his space. He really just needs time to build his confidence with new people and new dogs. Born in 2016, Red came to the Sanctuary from a No More Homeless Pets Network Partner shelter. He has been working on leash walking and name recognition at the sanctuary. He would do best in an active home with someone who can keep him safe while helping him build his confidence.
Nephi
Nephi sports a fantastic spotted coat and black ears. Born in 2016, he was made to be someone’s perfect running buddy. Because he’s so active, he’ll need a home with a person or family who has the time to keep working with him on training and to do lots of fun activities. Nephi does well with other dogs at the sanctuary and is currently learning how to walk on a loose leash and how to “wait” and “sit.” He’s also been doing some crate training. Originally found as a stray in a community not far from the sanctuary, Nephi came to Best Friends through local animal control. He’s now ready and waiting to meet his perfect running pal.
Winchester
Winchester is very laid back when meeting new people. He’s a pretty independent guy, but he still enjoys being picked up, sitting on laps, and being petted and brushed. He has Feline Leukemia Virus, so he’ll either need to be an only cat or live with other cats who have the virus. He does fine with other cats but mostly keeps to himself. Born around 2011, Winchester was found as a stray in California. He walks on a harness and leash and loves getting outside and exploring around trees and shrubs. He’s a big boy and could stand to lose a few pounds, so going on daily walks is good for him.
Skipper
Skipper freezes up when a person first approaches him, but he thaws quickly when you pet or scratch him under the chin. He’ll roll his head around and press it into your hand. He also freezes up around other cats. We have him on a natural calming medication which has helped him relax a bit. Skipper has Feline Leukemia Virus, so he’ll need to be an only cat or live with other cats who also have the virus. Born around 2011, he was rescued as a stray. Skipper is shy and vulnerable at first, but his eyes are expressive and seek you out for reassurance that he can trust you. When you talk to him quietly and patiently and pet him, he responds to the affection and steals your heart.
Ruth
Ruth is a really sweet dog with a great smile. She is happy interacting with people she knows and with other dogs. In fact, she’s so good with other dogs that she regularly meets new dogs so that caregivers can see how those dogs respond to other friendly dogs. Ruth often plays with dogs who need an easygoing and fun companion. Born in 2015, she has a hip problem for which she will need surgery. She came to Best Friends from a small, rural humane society and is an all-around great dog.
Milagro
Milagro seems a little shy at first, but strangers can become his best friends within five minutes. He walks easily on a leash and loves to sniff things. Milagro also loves car rides and soft blankets and beds. He even enjoys baths and being brushed. Born in 2008, Milagro has bowed front legs and minor mobility issues. But he takes a joint supplement and still gets around well. He does have some separation anxiety and sometimes cries when left alone. Overall, Milagro has a calm personality and seeks attention from people he trusts. He came to the sanctuary from a shelter in Arizona and would love to find a home of his own.
Comet
Comet is a talkative little dog who loves to hang out with her favorite people. She also loves to take a walk and then lie down and rest with her friends. She is always happy to see people and lets them hear her excitement. Born in 2010, she came to Best Friends from another rescue organization that was closing its doors. She has shown some guarding behaviors, and because she bonds deeply with her person, she can sometimes get upset when left alone. Comet would prefer a quieter household with one or two other dogs at most. She generally prefers male dogs to other females. She has lived in a home with multiple cats and was good with them.
Anna
Anna is a very sweet girl. She likes to perch up high and watch people. But she doesn’t like to be out of reach for long because she loves to receive attention. She does fine with other cats but mostly keeps to herself. Born in 2011, Anna came from a Best Friends Network Partner in Michigan. They tell us that she gets along with calm, mellow dogs. She has kidney problems for which she takes medication and should be on a special diet. Anna adjusted to the sanctuary quickly, and she would adjust well to a new home. Though she has special needs, her care is quite easy.
Maddie
Maddie is very friendly with people. She is confident around other cats but mostly keeps to herself. Born in 2011, she came from a Utah shelter. Maddie is quite thin, and they let her eat as much food as she wants as long as it agrees with her. She is prone to upper respiratory and urinary tract infections. They give her a lysine supplement for general health. Maddie has a quiet and unassuming yet gentle demeanor. She is a lap cat but is not demanding. She’ll quietly wait until you’re ready to give her attention. She takes no time to adapt to new environments, and she’s just waiting for you to take her home.
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.
Coal
Coal is a super sweet Shih Tzu. He is 11 years young but looks and acts like a 5 year old. He has some arthritis in his hips, but that doesn’t slow him down. He’s an absolute sweetheart. Come into PAWS and meet him soon!
Milo
Milo is approximately 2 years old and is a great size. This super sweet guy is an absolute dream. He has long, beautiful legs and is very agile and deer-like, but right now his front right leg is broken. But not to worry, it’s splinted, and in a few weeks this adorable guy will be walking and playing on all fours. He gets around great and is kid and animal-friendly. Milo is currently in foster care and available to meet by appointment only.
Nash
Nash is an 8-year-old terrier mix who is a happy-go-lucky guy. He is great with other dogs and loves humans. He is easygoing, walks well on a leash, and is looking for his forever home. And he so cute!
Laney
Laney is looking for either a permanent home or a foster home. She’s a sweet 2-year-old Chihuahua mix, and she promises to be a good house guest! She came to us from a kill shelter in Las Vegas with a fractured femur. She has had surgery and is on the road to recovery, but she needs a place to recover! She is looking for either a permanent home or foster that will love her and care for her for at least two weeks while she heals. We provide everything she needs like food and medicine, and you just provide the love.
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter
The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter is located at 795 Hardy Way and is open for adoptions Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. 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.
Rocky
Rocky was found as a stray. He is a nice little dog. He is a bit shy due to being a the shelter but loves people and just being with you. He does well on leash and is easily handled. Rocky will come to you when called.
Winnie
Winnie’s owner moved and left her in the apartment with a roommate who did not have time for the cat. She is a sweet kitty with a great personality. She has a beautiful orange mustache that gives her a quite striking face. She loves people, is easily handled, and likes being brushed. Winnie’s adoption fee is $40.
Topaz
Topaz had one owner that passed away, and the other owner is unable to care for her and her housemate, Onyx. Topaz is declawed in front. She is a smaller lady. She loves receiving attention and being held. The shelter is not sure of her age or history or even her name. She is a wonderful, quiet lady. Topaz’s adoption fee is $40.
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.
Misty
Misty’s owner moved and could not take the cat with them. She is a beautiful gray tortoiseshell lady. Misty is 7 years young. She is friendly and loves people. Misty is used to being with other cats. She loves to be cuddled and to receive attention. Misty’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.
Lincoln
Lincoln is a happy, engaged boy believed to be a Great Dane/pit bull blend. He weighs about 60 lbs. and is approximately two years old. Lincoln was adopted as a puppy and enjoyed a wonderful life with his buddy, Tonka. However, when Tonka unexpectedly 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.
Rusty
Rusty was adopted in December 2015, but now his former family is moving and can’t take him. Rusty is approximately eight years old and is a happy, loving dog. He weighs about 20 lbs., is a good walker, and really enjoys car rides. He gets along with other dogs (both big and little) but isn’t sure about cats. He is very engaged and social with adults but is not a fan of young children; that said, they think older kids will be okay. He does need grain-free food to avoid allergy issues. To meet Rusty, call Aggie at (435)773-1667 or Sue at (801) 554-3378. His adoption fee is $125.
Pyxis
Born July 2017, Pyxis is a good fit with any family and children who are respectful. BAM is seeking a foster-to-adopt family or foster family for her. A foster-to-adopt family is one that takes her with the understanding that they would adopt her once she is spayed. A foster family would take her in and prepare her to move to an adoptive family. The advantage of foster-to-adopt is that she gets started with her family early and does not experience another move. Prior to her being adopted, she will be spayed, chipped, and be current with age-appropriate vaccinations. She is believed to be a purebred pitbull (no papers) and will not be placed out of the southwestern Utah area until after she is spayed. If interested, please complete an application at BAMutah.com. Upon receipt of the application, you will be contacted by the current foster parent. BAM does not place on a first-come, first-served basis but rather will select the family they feel is best for her now and in the future. Her adoption fee is $200.
Ursa
Born July 2017, Ursa is a good fit with any family and children who are respectful. BAM is seeking a foster-to-adopt family or foster family for her. She is believed to be a purebred pitbull (no papers) and will not be placed out of the southwestern Utah area until after she is spayed. If interested, please complete an application at BAMutah.com. Upon receipt of the application, you will be contacted by the current foster parent. Her adoption fee is $200.
