Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl 2025
Chief Davis of the Fairfax County Police Department is facing off against Chief Butler of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in a friendly competition to see which team can find homes for the most dogs by the end of the event!
February 6th through 9th, adoption fees are waived for all dogs 45 pounds and larger during the Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl!
Ready to adopt? Come visit! You can also tune in to the action by following us on social media!
Winter Wildlife Classes with A.E.R.O.
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is thrilled to host the Animal Education and Rescue Organization (A.E.R.O.) presenting its Winter Wildlife Class series!
A.E.R.O. is comprised of licensed and insured at-home wildlife rehabbers throughout Northern Virginia, and provides educational classes for the public, current wildlife rehabbers, and individuals interested in beginning their journey with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. We highly encourage you to attend all four classes to gain a comprehensive understanding of wildlife rescue and care.
Adoption Auditions!
Are you thinking about adopting a pet and want to see whether it feels like a good fit before committing? Our Adoption Audition program offers a trial period, allowing you to see if it’s a good match - no strings attached! You’ll bring a pet home with you and, after five days, our team will reach out to see if you would like to adopt them, or return the pet to our shelter.
Adopt a Pet
Are you ready to adopt your new best friend? Learn more about our adoption process, including our requirements and adoption fee structure, and then come on in to meet all our available pets. We have dogs, cats, and small animals available to adopt and we do same-day adoptions!
Lost and Found Pets
Have you lost a pet, or found a stray pet? Get tips on finding a lost pet, file a lost or found report online to help shelter staff reunite lost pets with their families, and learn how to redeem your pet from our shelter.
Pet Resource Center
Our goal is to help pet guardians keep their pets! Learn more about our pet-retention-focused shelter programs, including our low-cost rabies vaccination clinics, Pet Food Pantry, PetHaven program to help victims of domestic abuse and check out the other helpful resources we've compiled!
Shelter Programs and Donations
Curious about how our volunteer and foster programs support shelter pets, how you can get involved and how to donate much-needed supplies to support shelter pets?
Community Cats
Have you noticed cats (and maybe kittens) in your neighborhood, and do you want to help them? We have a comprehensive (and free) program to help community cats and kittens!
Surrendering a Pet
We understand that sometimes the best and most feasible option for pet owners who can no longer care for a pet is to surrender them to a shelter, and we're here to help. Please make sure to read all the information about surrendering a pet, so you know what to bring and what to expect.
Shelter Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering what our open hours are, or where we're located? Curious about what our adoption requirements or fees are? Have any question about the Fairfax County Animal Shelter? Visit our FAQs!