Fairfax County Animal Shelter
Our Mission
Fairfax County Animal Services delivers exceptional and compassionate care for animals and the people in our community. We are dedicated to ending pet homelessness and advancing the health and well-being of all animals.
Who We Are
As Fairfax County’s only publicly funded open-access municipal shelter, we provide care to thousands of animals each year. Following a strategic consolidation of animal sheltering and control, we now operate as a unified department to better serve our residents, align with industry best practices, and provide consistent support for animals in need.
Our Approach to Care
We operate two state-of-the-art, open-access campuses where we provide individualized, compassionate care to every animal that comes through our doors. Beyond our facilities, we are supported by a vibrant network of foster caregivers, volunteers, and community partners who help us maintain a high live-release rate. We believe every animal deserves dignity and safety, and we work tirelessly to support that commitment every day.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Adoption is a joyful journey, and our goal is to help you find a companion who fits your lifestyle. Our staff works closely with potential adopters to ensure successful, long-term matches, focusing on the unique needs and personalities of each animal. Whether you are looking for a dog, cat, or small animal, we are here to guide you through the process and celebrate the beginning of your new life together.
Connect With Us
We invite you to visit our Lorton Campus or our Michael R. Frey Campus to meet our adoptable residents. You can browse our available pets online in real-time or learn more about our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities on our website. We look forward to meeting you and helping you find your new best friend.
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- Long wait times for services
7/31 - Athlete Arrives At Batting Cage To Find A Huge Bird Tangled In Netting
The other day, a Good Samaritan using the batting cages at their local park in Fairfax, Virginia, stopped in their tracks when they spotted a huge bird tangled in netting.
5/21 - Morning Notes for May 21, 2026 | FFXnow
Barn Fire in Great Falls -- The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded last night to "a barn fire in the 200 block of Walker Rd in Great Falls. Crews encountered a well-involved barn fire and established tanker shuttle operations due to limited hydrants. All occupants and animals are out safely." [FCFRD/X] Congress Seeks
2/19 - Former Supervisor Michael Frey’s unexpected death brings tributes pouring in | FFXnow
Fairfax County government officials and other civic leaders are paying tribute to former Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey, who died Feb. 16. "We're all in shock" at the unanticipated passing of the former supervisor, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said at the body's Feb. 17 meeting, observing that Frey "left us far too soon,
