Fairfax Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees, Locations & Pet Help
Fairfax Animal Shelter is officially Fairfax County Animal Services, with public shelter campuses in Fairfax and Lorton. This guide helps you quickly check adoption hours, phone numbers, fees, locations, lost-pet steps, surrender rules, and the right official pages before you visit.
Walk-in, same-day adoptions are available during posted shelter hours. Fairfax County notes that the last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing, so arrive early enough to meet the animal, ask questions, and complete the process.
Fairfax Animal Shelter Quick Details
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Fairfax Animal Shelter Locations: Fairfax and Lorton Campuses
Fairfax County Animal Shelter operates with two public shelter campuses. The main Michael R. Frey Campus is in Fairfax on West Ox Road, while the Lorton Campus serves visitors in the southern part of the county. When you are looking at an animal online, check which campus the pet is located at before you drive.
4500 West Ox Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
8875 Lorton Road
Lorton, VA 22079
If you are comparing nearby public shelter options in the greater Northern Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. region, you may also find the Prince George’s County Animal Shelter guide useful for regional adoption and lost-pet planning. For another nearby county-style shelter resource, see the Frederick County Animal Shelter guide.
Fairfax Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The posted Fairfax County Animal Services adoption hours are designed around walk-in, same-day adoptions. Both the Fairfax and Lorton campuses are listed for public adoption access during the same general weekly schedule.
| Day | Adoption Hours | Visitor Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Do not plan a walk-in adoption visit on Monday unless the county posts a special event or update. |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–5 PM | Arrive before 4:30 PM because the last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing. |
| Wednesday | 12 PM–5 PM | Good midweek option if you want a calmer visit than a weekend. |
| Thursday | 12 PM–7 PM | Evening hours can help working visitors, but still arrive before the last-application cutoff. |
| Friday | 12 PM–7 PM | Check pet availability online before leaving work or school. |
| Saturday | 11 AM–5 PM | Weekend visits can be busier; go earlier if you want more time with staff. |
| Sunday | 11 AM–5 PM | Useful for families, but pets may move quickly during high-interest weekends. |
Fairfax Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
Fairfax County structures adoption fees by species and age. Dogs, cats, and rabbits adopted from Fairfax County Animal Shelter are listed as spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on age-appropriate vaccines before going home. Promotions and fee-waived events can happen, but the standard fee page is the safest source to check before visiting.
| Pet Type | Age / Category | Published Adoption Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | 2 months through 6 months | $200 |
| Dogs | 7 months through 5 years | $150 |
| Dogs | 6 years and older | $100 |
| Cats | 2 months through 6 months | $150 |
| Cats | 7 months through 5 years | $75 |
| Cats | 6 years and older | $50 |
| Rabbits | Standard rabbit adoption | $30 |
| Guinea pigs | Standard guinea pig adoption | $15 |
| Small pets | Hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice and similar small pets | $5 |
| Birds | Small, medium, and large birds | $10, $75, or $150 depending on category |
Bonded pairs may be adopted for one adoption fee of their species and age category. That matters if you are considering two pets who are listed as inseparable or best adopted together.
How the Fairfax Animal Shelter Adoption Process Works
Fairfax County describes its shelter as open for walk-in, same-day adoptions. You can browse adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and other pets online before you go. Pet profiles are updated in real time, but availability can still change quickly when another visitor adopts first.
Use the official Fairfax County adoption page and pet listings to see which animals are available, where they are located, and whether a pet’s age, size, species, or needs fit your home.
Fairfax County has the West Ox Road campus and the Lorton campus. A pet you like may not be at the campus closest to you.
Walk-ins are welcome for adoptions, but last adoption applications are taken 30 minutes before closing. For a serious adoption visit, do not arrive at the final minute.
Ask about medical history, behavior notes, energy level, housing fit, children, other pets, grooming needs, and what the first week at home may look like.
Staff or adoption counselors may review your match and share important information before the adoption is finalized.
Questions to Ask Before You Adopt
- Is the pet already spayed or neutered, microchipped, and current on age-appropriate vaccines?
- Does the pet have known behavior notes, medical follow-up, or special handling needs?
- Is the animal at the Fairfax campus or the Lorton campus?
- Does the pet need a quiet home, fenced yard, no small children, no cats, or a slow introduction to other pets?
- What should I expect during the first 72 hours after adoption?
Lost and Found Pets in Fairfax County
If your pet is missing, act quickly. Check the official shelter pages and online listings, contact the shelter, and prepare proof of ownership. Useful proof can include recent photos, veterinary records, microchip information, license details, adoption records, or distinctive markings.
- Search official shelter listings daily.
- Call Fairfax County Animal Services at 703-830-1100.
- Check both the Fairfax and Lorton campuses if needed.
- Bring proof of ownership if you visit to reclaim a pet.
- Update your microchip company and local lost-pet posts.
- Look for a tag, collar, microchip, or nearby owner first.
- Do not assume every outdoor cat should be removed.
- Follow Fairfax County rules for stray animals found within the county.
- For animal-related help, use the shelter or non-emergency line.
Surrendering a Pet to Fairfax Animal Shelter
Pet surrender is not the same as walking in for an adoption visit. Fairfax County asks pet owners to explore support and retention options before surrendering, and the surrender process generally begins with a profile and staff review. Submitting a surrender request does not guarantee that the shelter can accept the pet.
Before You Request Surrender
- Check whether Fairfax County’s Pet Resource Center can help you keep your pet with services such as low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, spay/neuter vouchers, pet pantry help, financial-assistance resources, or trainer referrals.
- Try safe rehoming options if the pet can be responsibly placed without entering the shelter.
- If you adopted the animal from another shelter or rescue, contact that organization first because many rescues require pets to be returned to them.
- Prepare proof of Fairfax County residency, medical records, and recent photos if staff requests them.
Stray Animal Intake Basics
Fairfax County accepts stray dogs found within Fairfax County. The county’s guidance for stray cats is more specific: stray cats found within Fairfax County are accepted only if sick or injured and in need of medical care, or if they are declawed or have a microchip or collar. Other stray small companion animals found within Fairfax County may also be accepted according to county guidance.
Fairfax Animal Control and Animal-Related Assistance
For immediate emergencies, call 911. For animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns, Fairfax County lists the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. This is important because not every animal issue should be handled by visiting the adoption desk.
Use emergency services when people are in immediate danger or there is an urgent safety situation.
Use the non-emergency line for animal-related assistance and wildlife concerns when it is not a 911 emergency.
Use the shelter phone number for adoption, shelter, lost-and-found, and general Animal Services questions.
Animal control issues can involve stray animals, injured animals, bites, wildlife conflicts, cruelty concerns, and other public-safety matters. Use the correct contact path so your issue reaches the right county team faster.
What to Bring Before Visiting Fairfax Animal Shelter
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment method for the adoption fee
- Rental or HOA pet approval if applicable
- Pet carrier for cats or small animals if needed
- Questions about the animal’s needs and behavior
- Recent photos of your pet
- Microchip or license information
- Veterinary records or adoption paperwork
- Proof of address or ownership if requested
- Payment method in case fees apply
Official Fairfax Animal Shelter Links
Use official Fairfax County pages for current animal availability, fees, events, surrender instructions, lost-pet guidance, and service updates. Social posts and third-party pet websites can help discovery, but county pages should be your source of truth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving too late: Last adoption applications are accepted 30 minutes before closing.
- Going to the wrong campus: Always check whether the animal is at West Ox Road or Lorton.
- Assuming pet holds are available: Fairfax County’s FAQ says pets cannot be put on hold and adoptions are first-come, first-served.
- Using old fee screenshots: Check the current county fee page before visiting.
- Skipping landlord approval: Many failed adoptions happen because housing rules were not confirmed first.
- Bringing a community cat to the shelter without checking guidance: Fairfax County has specific guidance for community cats and stray cats.
Fairfax Animal Shelter FAQ
The main Fairfax County Animal Services phone number is 703-830-1100.
The main Michael R. Frey Campus is at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Fairfax County also operates a Lorton Campus at 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079.
The shelter is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 PM to 5 PM, Thursday and Friday from 12 PM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, and closed Monday.
Fairfax County states that the last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing.
Fairfax County describes adoptions as walk-in, same-day adoptions during open shelter hours. Always check the official adoption page for current updates before visiting.
Published dog adoption fees are $200 for dogs 2 through 6 months, $150 for dogs 7 months through 5 years, and $100 for dogs 6 years and older.
Published cat adoption fees are $150 for cats 2 through 6 months, $75 for cats 7 months through 5 years, and $50 for cats 6 years and older.
No. Fairfax County’s FAQ says the shelter is not able to put pets on hold, and adoptions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For immediate emergencies call 911. For animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns, Fairfax County lists the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
Fairfax County provides a surrender request process, but submitting a request does not guarantee acceptance. The county encourages owners to explore pet retention, rehoming, and resource options before surrendering.
Final Takeaway
Fairfax Animal Shelter is best understood as Fairfax County Animal Services, with public adoption campuses in Fairfax and Lorton. For most visitors, the key steps are simple: check the official adoption page, confirm which campus has the pet, arrive before the last-application cutoff, bring ID and payment, and ask detailed questions before committing to adoption.
If your need is not adoption, use the right path: lost-pet help, surrender guidance, field services, or the non-emergency line. That will save time and help the correct Fairfax County team respond to your situation.
This independent guide was prepared using official Fairfax County Animal Services pages for hours, locations, phone number, adoption process, fees, surrender guidance, and animal assistance contacts. Always confirm current details directly with Fairfax County before visiting, adopting, reclaiming, surrendering, or reporting an animal-related issue.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.