Animal Protection Police Officer duties include:

• Enforcement of county codes and state laws that pertain to domestic, as well as wild animals
• Investigation of animal cruelty complaints
• Investigation of dog attacks or bites to humans and animals
• Response to emergencies involving sick or seriously injured animals, including potential human exposure to the rabies virus
• Removal of stray dogs from streets and other public areas
• Response to reports of dog attacks on livestock

Animal Protection Police hours of service:

           Seven days a week

           6 a.m.- 12:30 a.m. call 703-691-2131 to report an incident

What to report and how to make a report:

Call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency dispatch number at 703-691-2131 to report:

           Animal bites

           Animal cruelty or neglect

           Sick or injured wildlife

           Human exposure/encounters with potentially rabid wildlife

Animal Protection Police Officers will respond to the following wildlife encounters/emergencies:

           In a home or business that poses a threat to humans or pets

           Between humans or domestic animals that could result in rabies exposures

           When wildlife shows signs and symptoms of rabies

           When wildlife poses a threat to humans or pets

           When wildlife appear sick or injured

In addition to our officers, The Wildlife Rescue League operates a wildlife assistance hotline that provides the public with advice, resources and referrals to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. You can visit their website for more information, http://wildliferescueleague.org/.

Animal Protection Police Officers do NOT respond to the following:

           Calls reporting wildlife nuisances

           When wildlife poses no real threat to humans or pets

           Examples:

           Wild animals living under decks, storage sheds, porches

           Wild animals living in populated areas

           Wild animals in attics, basements, garages and sheds

           Wildlife has damaged gardens, flower beds or shrubs

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has more information on their webpage, http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/nuisance/.  You can also call their toll-free wildlife conflict helpline at 1-855-571-9003.

Dog licenses are mandatory in Fairfax County

A license will ensure quick identification and reunion if your dog becomes lost or missing. 

           All dogs age 4 months and older must be licensed

           Licenses are good for the calendar year issued and expire December 31

           New licenses must be purchased by January 31

           Animal Protection Police Officers enforce the dog license code

Full dog licensing information can be found at:

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/dog-license-information

Penalties for an unlicensed dog:

           A class IV misdemeanor

           Up to $250 fine

Learn more about the rabies virus.

           Rabies is a deadly disease, to both humans and animals

           All dogs and cats over four months old must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed vet

           In Fairfax, the rabies virus has appeared in raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, and occasionally dogs, cats and ferrets

           Minimize contact between pets and wildlife.

           Report animal bites: 703-691-2131

           Report animals acting strangely or altercations between wild and domestic animals: 703-691-2131

           Learn more about this deadly virus at: Fairfax County Health Department or www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DEE/Rabies/

Preparing to care for your pets in an emergency:

           The Fairfax County Animal Services Division encourages pet owners to be prepared.

           Create a disaster kit for your pets

           Check out the Virginia Department of Emergency Management suggestions on what to include in your pet disaster preparedness kit:

           http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit/pets

Animal Shelter

Incidents of animal hoarding can be reported by calling the Fairfax County Police non-emergency dispatch number at 703-691-2131. For more information about hoarding, please visit the Code Compliance webpage: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/code/hoarding