Fairfax County strives to ensure safe and healthy living for pets and other animals, as well as the residents that own them. Our Animal Shelter is a place with open doors and warm hearts for every lost, abandoned, abused, temporarily homeless, or unwanted Fairfax County animal and always has many dogs, cats and other animals up for adoption. Shelter staff work hand-in-hand with animal control officers in helping residents understand the legal aspects to owning an animal. Dog owners are required to register their dogs; the application can be downloaded and then mailed or submitted in person.

Adoptions & Missing Pets

Adoptions
Animal Shelter (policy, hours,location)
File a found cat report / dog report
File a missing cat report / dog report
Redeeming your pet from the Animal Shelter
Watch Adopt-a-Pet television show

Animal Care & Health

Helping animals and the Animal Shelter
Pet loss program
Please ID your pets
Rabies
Volunteer opportunities

Animal Regulations

Dangerous/vicious dogs
Dogs running loose
Legal aspects of pet ownership (leash laws, scooping)
Off-leash dog area
Dog License Information - Register your dog
"Your Pets and the Law" brochure
Zoning Ordinance (Art.2, Sect 2-512)

Animal Shelter

Wildlife

Are geese becoming a nuisance in your pond? Has a deer crossed your car's path on the road? Do your neighbors pick up after their dog? Learn about policies and programs that address concerns about domestic animals and wildlife.