Fairfax County Animal Shelter

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Fairfax County Animal Shelter Fairfax County, VA's only open-access animal shelter. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter
Adopt! We welcome you and your comments!
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The purpose of official Fairfax County social media accounts is to present matters of public interest. We encourage you to submit your questions, comments, and concerns, but please note these are moderated online discussion sites. We recognize social media is a 24/7 medium, and your comments are welcome at any time. However, given the need to manage our staff resources (your tax dollars), we gener

ally only monitor comments and postings during regular business hours. Social Media Comments Policy: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/social-media-comments-policy

Política de comentarios en las redes sociales de Fairfax County: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/politica-de-comentarios-en-las-redes-sociales-de-fairfax-county

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The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is Fairfax County’s only open-access, municipal shelter. With 4,000 to 5,000 animals coming through our doors each year, the shelter provides a safe place for dogs, cats, and small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits and pet birds to stay while they wait for their forever families. At any given time, visitors to the shelter can choose from 40 cats and kittens, 25 dogs and puppies, and dozens of small animals, all available for adoption. We have a live release rate of over 90%, and are very proud of our excellent volunteer and foster programs, compassionate staff, progressive sheltering policies and practices, and the wonderful animal-loving community we're a part of!

Many people don't think about what to do in an emergency until there is one. Here are some tips to make sure you and you...
15/07/2025

Many people don't think about what to do in an emergency until there is one. Here are some tips to make sure you and your pets are prepared in case of a house fire.

Remember this face?One month ago, Walter came to us in need of extra love and care. He had several broken teeth, lesions...
15/07/2025

Remember this face?

One month ago, Walter came to us in need of extra love and care. He had several broken teeth, lesions, hair loss, a funny eye, and a severe tail wound. We shared his photo—hoping to find his family—with no luck.

After several vet visits, a full dental courtesy of Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at Pender Veterinary Centre, and a lot of love he was give the all-clear! Walter's left eye will always be unique. He has "microphthalmia." Essentially, his left eye didn't develop the same and will always be smaller than his right eye. He will most likely always be "winking" at you. His tail, now a nub, is completely healed.

Walter is loving and sweet. He is curious, kind, and ready to return your love tenfold! You can meet him at our Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax. Learn about our adoption process at fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt.

Animal Services Update 🚨Fairfax County is in the process of transitioning animal control services to the newly named Dep...
15/07/2025

Animal Services Update 🚨

Fairfax County is in the process of transitioning animal control services to the newly named Department of Animal Services (formerly the Department of Animal Sheltering).

As part of this transition, Animal Services Officers will gradually take over responsibilities currently handled by Animal Protection Police Officers. Residents may begin seeing Animal Services Officers on the road, responding to calls.

There will be no disruption in service, and no changes to how Fairfax County residents request assistance:

📞 For emergencies, call 911
📞 For animal-related concerns (including wildlife), call 703-691-2131

Fairfax County Animal Shelter programs and services will remain the same.

We are committed to keeping residents informed and will continue to share updates as they become available. For more details and the most current information, visit: fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/animal-control-transition.

Looking for a calm, cozy and FUN way for your child to enjoy summer reading?Join us for Paws and Read at our Lorton Camp...
14/07/2025

Looking for a calm, cozy and FUN way for your child to enjoy summer reading?

Join us for Paws and Read at our Lorton Campus! Children can build their skills and work through their summer reading lists, while our shelter pets enjoy the quiet company and stories!

📍 Location: Fairfax County Animal Shelter – Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton, VA)
📅 Dates: Tuesdays – Thursdays, July 15 to August 14
🕛 Time: noon to 2 p.m. (drop in during that window - no registration required)

This experience is designed for individual families and isn't open to camps or large groups. Children must be age six or older and accompanied by an adult (up to six people per group). Please bring a book or two and a towel or mat to sit on!

Please note: Dogs aren't part of the reading areas, but you're welcome to say hello on your way in or out!

For more details, visit: fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/paws-and-read-summer-reading-program-shelter-animals.

Seamus is a sweet and gentle boy looking for a quiet home. He had his eye removed several years ago due to cancer. Thank...
12/07/2025

Seamus is a sweet and gentle boy looking for a quiet home. He had his eye removed several years ago due to cancer. Thankfully, he has made a full recovery and is happier and healthier than ever!

Seamus has a full dental scheduled this August at Pender Veterinary Centre, fully funded by the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. His new family will need to ensure he makes it to his appointment on time!

Seamus has a long-standing issue with inconsistent litter box habits. His previous owners, as well as veterinarians, have explored this behavior and determined it is not medical in nature. He will occasionally go outside the litter box, so he would do best with someone who has the patience and experience to support him.

You can meet Seamus during our open hours at our Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax. View all our adoptable pets at fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt.

Adoption update! 🎉16-year-old Maisie (FKA Itsy) had no idea what was in store when her new mom adopted her. Turns out, i...
11/07/2025

Adoption update! 🎉

16-year-old Maisie (FKA Itsy) had no idea what was in store when her new mom adopted her. Turns out, it was tons of love, pets, and new cat and dog siblings!

"Maisie has taken on the challenges with a gentle spirit and a wisdom that comes with age," her mom shared. "Maisie has completed my household. She’s home!"

Find your next family member at fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt.

UPDATE: All puppies have been adopted!Here comes trouble! 🐶All these puppies are available for adoption RIGHT. NOW. Chec...
10/07/2025

UPDATE: All puppies have been adopted!

Here comes trouble! 🐶

All these puppies are available for adoption RIGHT. NOW. Check out each photo to learn their names and which campus they are at!

fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt

Adoptable Bow and Colita have quite the story to tell—and we hope you speak Spanish!Colita and Bow traveled all the way ...
10/07/2025

Adoptable Bow and Colita have quite the story to tell—and we hope you speak Spanish!

Colita and Bow traveled all the way from Puerto Rico to find their new homes. Bow is social and outgoing. She loves people and is excited for whatever new adventure comes her way! Colita is all sweetness. She takes a bit longer to feel safe but earning her trust makes it all worthwhile!

While buddies, they do not have to go to a home together. Bow and Colita are both Adoption Audition candidates. Virginia residents can bring them home for a 5-day trial audition period to see if they are a good fit.

Meet them at our Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax today! fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt

You gotta be kitten me! Happy National Kitten Day! 🎉 When you adopt a kitten from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, you...
10/07/2025

You gotta be kitten me!

Happy National Kitten Day! 🎉 When you adopt a kitten from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, you are doing more than giving a pet a home. You are supporting the work we do every day to ensure pets get the care and medical attention they need. Here are just SOME of the benefits of adopting:

🐱 Microchip: All kittens are microchipped ensuring they can find their way back home

🐱 Vaccination: All kittens receive their initial round of the FVRCP vaccine and rabies vaccine (if old enough)

🐱 Spay/Neuter: All kittens are spayed/neutered

🐱 Vet: A certificate for a free exam with a participating veterinarian

🐱 A new best friend!

Happy adopting! ❤️

fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt

It's ! While you're sniffing out savings, consider checking out our Amazon wish list. Each donation goes directly to im...
09/07/2025

It's ! While you're sniffing out savings, consider checking out our Amazon wish list. Each donation goes directly to improving the care and quality of life of our animals.

Check out our wish list here! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/donate

📸: Avita!

Do you recognize these found pets? Please help us find their families by sharing this post!Please Note: These pets aren'...
09/07/2025

Do you recognize these found pets? Please help us find their families by sharing this post!

Please Note: These pets aren't available for adoption right now as we’re focusing on reuniting them with their families. We won’t be responding to adoption inquiries.

1. A0058828210
Date Found: 7/2
Location Found: Fairfax Station—near Ox Rd. & Burke Lake Rd.
Description: Black, white, and brown tricolor intact female adult dog

2. A0058832716
Date Found: 7/2
Location Found: Herndon—near Springtide Pl. & Herndon Pkwy.
Description: White intact male adult dog

3. A0058843138
Date Found: 7/3
Location Found: Fairfax—near Fairfax Court Shopping Mall (near Burlington)
Description: Black & tan female juvenile dog

4. A0058842315
Date Found: 7/3
Location Found: Fair Lakes—near Fair Lakes Mall Shopping Center
Description: Gray intact male juvenile dog

Do you need help keeping your pet? Is this your pet, but you can no longer care for them? Are you concerned about fees or need assistance finding a new home for them? Please reach out to us at 703-324-0299. We are here to help!

Queen Bee lives up to her name! 👑In no time at all, she'll be ruler of your house and heart. Queen Bee prefers subjects ...
09/07/2025

Queen Bee lives up to her name! 👑

In no time at all, she'll be ruler of your house and heart. Queen Bee prefers subjects who know when to give her space and when to wait on her, tail and paw. She takes time to assess her kingdom before deciding how to rule.

Meet her at our Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax today! fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt

Address

VA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 12:00 - 17:00
Thursday 12:00 - 19:00
Friday 12:00 - 19:00
Saturday 11:00 - 17:00
Sunday 11:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+17038301100

Website

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