If you are looking for a puppy and don’t want to spend thousands on a dog from a breeder, there are free or low-cost options in Utah. Check your local community pet store and area bulletin boards, and be on the lookout as you travel through your town.
It’s not unusual to see free puppies listed in your local paper, on classified ads, and in online services and directories. You can sometimes even find them outside your local supermarket.
In looking for free puppies in Utah, we found very few. There are, however, many all-breed and breed-specific rescues all over the state.
These puppies are not free, however, the small adoption fees are money well-spent, as they fund the continuing work of helping more dogs and puppies. While it’s not free, it’s still money going toward a worthy cause and enabling the rescues to continue their work.
Here’s a list of rescues and classifieds where you can find a free or low-cost puppy in Utah.
Before you scroll further down this guide, “Best Free and Low-Cost Puppy Places in Utah,” check out: 3 Best Maltipoo Breeders in Utah! (2023) and 4 Best Cockapoo Breeders in Utah! (2023).
1. Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab
Located in Moab, the Underdog Animals Rescue and Rehab helps dogs from Native American reservations in the Four Corners area of the state. These dogs are often of unknown parentage and there is little history known about their past before rescue.
The cost to adopt a puppy is $275 and $175 for a mature dog. There is no fee for filling out or submitting your adoption application. The website has a gallery of available dogs for you to browse. They’re always looking for donations, foster homes, and volunteers to help the many dogs that pass through the doors of Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab.
Underdog Animal Rescue and Rehab Details:
- Location: Moab, UT
- Website: Underdog Animal Rescue & Rehab
2. Rescue Me
Rescue Me is an online directory of rescued dogs that need homes. There is a contact form for each dog referencing their ID number and a whole bunch of cute puppies in the Utah directory. With each dog, you’ll see a brief description and a photo, stating the city and state where they are located.
There is no mention of price, and you are encouraged to use the email contact form or call the number provided for the puppy that you are interested in. They also have a Facebook, although it doesn’t seem to be currently updated.
Rescue Me Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Phone Number: 800-800-2099
- Website: Rescue Me
- Social Media: Facebook
3. Humane Society of Utah
A great option for a nearly free puppy is adoption from the Humane Society of Utah. They have so many unwanted dogs including adorable puppies that are looking for their forever homes. Their adoption fees vary by animal, and sometimes you can “name your price” which means that the dog you choose can come home with you for a mere donation to the Humane Society.
The Humane Society of Utah also helps with a private placement service for individuals who need to rehome their animals. You can view a private listing on the site along with the other adoptable dogs. They’re also looking for fosters, donations, and volunteers if you want to help more dogs in need.
Humane Society of Utah Details:
- Location: 4242 S Commerce Dr, Murray, UT, United States, Utah
- Phone Number: 801-261-2919
- Website: Humane Society of Utah
4. Small Paws Rescue
Small Paws Rescue is a directory of Bichon Frise rescue dogs. Since 1998, they’ve rescued over 17,000 Bichons! For a mere $250 you can welcome an adorable little white pup into your life and home. This breed-specific rescue is affiliated with PetFinder and Adopt A Pet.
Fill out the adoption application online and choose an adorable Bichon puppy near you in Utah. They do not ship, so you’ll want to be within driving range
This rescue encourages you to donate to help offset the cost of the high veterinary bills they incur monthly taking care of their dogs. They are always looking for foster homes and volunteers.
Small Paws Rescue Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Contact: Small Paws Rescue Contact
- Website: Small Paws Rescue
5. Paws Adoption Center
Paws Adoption Center, located in St. George, is a small non-profit animal shelter. Their mission is to rescue dogs who have run out of time at high-kill shelters and place them into volunteer foster homes until they find new owners. They will sometimes take surrenders from the public on a case-by-case basis.
They have a great search filter on their website to find adoptable puppies and are always looking for volunteers to foster puppies and kittens as well as volunteers to staff their offices, shelter, and thrift store.
You are welcome to interview if you are interested in adopting a puppy from Paws. They will conduct a home visit and verify that you are a good candidate to adopt. The price for a puppy is $300 and the price goes down for older dogs and seniors.
Paws Adoption Center Details:
- Location: St. George, UT
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Paws Adoption Center
6. Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends is well-known for helping animals find new homes. There are hundreds of dogs, including some adorable puppies available from their adoption centers in Salt Lake City and Kanab. They have over a thousand animals inside their no-kill facilities daily. The gallery on the website is full of faces that will definitely tug on your heartstrings.
To adopt a pet from Best Friends, simply enter your address on the site. You can fill out an interest form and Best Friends will do their best to match you with the dog of your dreams. They welcome you to donate, shop, be an adopter, and/or a corporate sponsor. There are many ways to help this organization.
Best Friends Animal Society Details:
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Best Friends Animal Society
7. Craigslist
Craigslist is known for often having free or low-cost puppies in their pets section. That said, it’s always buyer beware when you’re purchasing a dog from an individual, so be alert and careful that you don’t get taken advantage of by the seller.
One benefit of using Craigslist is that you can correspond with the seller and get details and also have the potential to negotiate the price of the animal you want.
Chances are good that you can find a dog that’s a good match for you and your family by shopping in the comfort of your own home on Craigslist.
Craigslist Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Website: Craigslist
8. South Utah Valley Animal Shelter
SUVAS partners with other rescues and works to reunite lost pets with owners, as well as networking with other shelters to find homes for unwanted pets in Spanish Forks, Utah. This facility also administers impound and licensing issues for dogs in the county.
The fee to adopt a pup from SUVAS is nominal, check out the fees link on the website. This shelter wants you to show up in person and spend some time with the dog you wish to adopt before you fill out an adoption application. They are also looking for volunteers and foster homes. Donate, be a sponsor, and help SUVAS in the very important work they do in Utah.
South Utah Valley Animal Shelter Details:
- Location: Spanish Fork, UT
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: South Utah Valley Animal Shelter
9. Rescue Rovers
Rescue Rovers had the most puppies available of all the shelters we researched, spanning all breeds, colors, and ages. They have an adoption fee of $300 for puppies, and the price goes down the older the dogs get. There is an online application process, and you can call or email for more information.
Rescue Rovers is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue. All dogs that go through the rescue are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. Your donations, sponsorship, and adoption fees go towards the costs of these services.
Rescue Rovers hosts regular adoption events locally in Sandy or Salt Lake City. Be sure to apply online beforehand to streamline the process. Who knows? You might meet your dream dog.
Rescue Rovers Details:
- Location: Salt Lake City and Sandy, UT
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Rescue Rovers
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a rescue or shelter is a fantastic source of dogs. You’ll be able to find a dog that suits your specific home, lifestyle, and personality — and you’ll save money compared to a breeder.
In 2022, the three most popular dogs are the French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever, according to the AKC.
Dogs can stay in their crate overnight, but puppies will likely need to go out every two to four hours.
Conclusion for “9 Best Free and Low-Cost Puppy Places in Utah”
When you compare their fees to the cost of purchasing from a breeder, it truly is negligible. What matters is that you are giving a loving home and a secure future to a puppy in need.
There are many shelters offering adoptions in Utah, so do your research and go visit for a free or low-cost puppy.
If you find this guide, “Best Free and Low-Cost Puppy Places in Utah,” helpful, check out:
- 7 Best Dog Breeders in Utah! (2023)
- Beagle Puppies in Utah: Top 6 Breeders! (2023)
- 3 Best Yorkie Breeders in Utah! (2023)
Before you find a free or low-cost puppy in Utah, learn more by watching “Everything You Need to Know About Raising a Puppy” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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