2022 Dog License Sales at Shelter!
- In-person dog license sales at the Shelter have resumed! Residents who need to purchase a County dog license may come to the Shelter and ring the doorbell at the main doors for assistance, on the following days/time:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday: 9am-5pm
- Thursday, Friday: 9am-7pm
- Mondays: Shelter is closed; no availability
- Dog licenses may also be purchased in-person at the Department of Tax Administration: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/dog-license-information
Updated adoption process, now easier to book appointments to visit available pets!
- We have updated our adoption process, and it's now easier to schedule an appointment to come visit available pets! (Just email us!) We remain closed for unscheduled walk-in visits. For full details and instructions: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt/steps
Essential services by advance appointment only:
- Return-to-owner of stray pets: If your pet is at the Shelter as a stray, email or call to make an appointment to reclaim them. Email – animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov – is preferred due to the expected high volume.
- If you find a stray dog in Fairfax County, you have two options. You may call Animal Protection (703-691-2131) to pick the dog up, or you may hold on to the dog (if you do this option, you must file a found report).
- If you see a stray cat, please visit this webpage for more info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/catintake
- Pet surrenders: We are accepting owner-surrendered pets from Fairfax County residents, by appointment only. If you need to surrender your pet, please email or call to make an appointment. Email is preferred: animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more info, visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/surrenderingyourpet
- Dog and cat food pet pantry: If you are a Fairfax County resident facing financial hardship and are in need of dog or cat food (canned and/or dry) to help care for your pet(s) during this difficult and challenging time, please call or email us; the Shelter has a supply of these items available. Call (703-830-1100) or email (animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov) to arrange a time for pickup.
- Low-cost rabies vaccination clinics: 2022 dates are posted! Registration for each clinic opens one month in advance. Dates and details: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/communityassistance/rabiesclinics
Donations accepted:
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We are now accepting a very limited number of items as donations. If it's not on the below list, please do not leave it at the shelter; we simply don't have any more storage space, or we cannot use the donated items, and we're having to throw things in the dumpster which we'd like to avoid!
- Unopened, unexpired cat and dog food (dry and canned)
- Clean towels
- Newspaper
- Items from our Amazon Wish List!
- Monetary donations are always very much appreciated and should be directed to the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
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For more info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/donate
Paused programs and services:
- Volunteer program – we have paused the onboarding for our in-house volunteer program
- Shelter Tours and Reading Tails
- All Scout programming
- Workshops, group meetings, events
If you have any questions about the changes in Shelter programs and services, please email us at animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov. We will be doing our best to respond in a timely manner. We thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate this ever-changing situation while balancing the needs of the shelter pets in our care with the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and community.
If you have an animal-related emergency, such as ill/injured wildlife, a stray dog, or potential abuse or neglect, please contact Animal Protection at 703-691-2131. For more info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/specializedunits/animalprotectionpolice
