Fairfax West Ox Animal Shelter, Control & Rescue 2026 Guide
The animal shelter at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 is Fairfax County Animal Services’ Michael R. Frey Campus. It is normally one of the county’s public animal-shelter campuses, but there is an important 2026 change before you drive there.
West Ox Road Is Closed: Where Should You Go Now?
Older directory pages and even some older Fairfax County content may still display normal West Ox hours. For a visit in October 2026, use the current county closure notice instead of relying on an older listing.
Michael R. Frey Campus
4500 West Ox Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Closed beginning August 31, 2026 for major HVAC work and building improvements.
Fairfax County originally described the renovation as approximately six months, but a guaranteed reopening date has not been published.
Fairfax County Animal Services — Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Phone: 703-324-0299
Current public shelter visits, adoptions and most shelter services are operating here during the Frey Campus renovation.
Current Fairfax Animal Shelter Adoption Hours
These are the current public hours published for the active Lorton Campus during the West Ox renovation. Fairfax County accepts the final adoption application 30 minutes before closing.
| Day | Current Lorton hours | Latest adoption application |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | No routine adoption applications |
| Tuesday | 12 PM–5 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 PM–5 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12 PM–7 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Friday | 12 PM–7 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–5 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–5 PM | 4:30 PM |
What Kind of Fairfax Animal Help Do You Need?
Adopt a pet
Browse available animals online and visit the active Lorton Campus for walk-in, same-day adoption.
Lost pet
File a lost-pet report with FCAS immediately and monitor current found-animal reports.
Found stray
Contact FCAS before transporting an animal. Intake rules differ by species and condition.
Animal Control
For Fairfax County animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns, call 703-691-2131.
Need to surrender
Surrender is appointment-based and currently heavily restricted because of reduced kennel capacity.
Need pet-care help
The Pet Resource Center offers food support, low-cost vaccines, microchips, spay/neuter vouchers and other assistance.
How to Adopt From Fairfax County Animal Services in 2026
FCAS offers walk-in, same-day adoptions. No normal adoption appointment is required. During the West Ox closure, use the Lorton Campus unless an official adoption event states another location.
Browse pets before leaving home
Open the official Fairfax County adoption page and review currently available dogs, cats and small animals.
Listings are updated as availability changes. Have more than one possible match in mind.
Confirm today’s campus status
Because the West Ox campus is closed for renovation, verify the current shelter location before driving.
Bring current photo identification
Fairfax County requires adopters to be at least 18 years old and have current photo ID.
Fairfax County residents must also satisfy applicable county zoning requirements for three or more dogs or livestock.
Prepare current-pet and housing information
Depending on the animal and questionnaire, be ready with current rabies information for household dogs/cats, county dog-license information where applicable, and housing or landlord-permission information.
Meet the pet
Staff or volunteers can help with the introduction. Ask about behavior, medical information, energy level, handling, household fit and any known needs.
Complete the adoption questionnaire
The customer-care team reviews the animal’s medical and behavioral information with you before the adoption is finalized.
Pay the applicable fee and prepare to go home
Standard fees vary by species and age. Fairfax County describes its normal process as same-day adoption, so arrive prepared with safe transportation.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
These are the standard current published fees. Temporary fee-waived events may reduce the amount, but an event price should not be mistaken for the normal fee.
| Animal | Age / category | Published fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | 2–6 months | $200 |
| Dog | 7 months–5 years | $150 |
| Dog | 6 years and older | $100 |
| Cat | 2–6 months | $150 |
| Cat | 7 months–5 years | $75 |
| Cat | 6 years and older | $50 |
| Rabbit | Any listed rabbit | $30 |
| Guinea pig | Standard | $15 |
| Ferret / chinchilla / hedgehog | Standard | $40 |
| Small pet | Hamster, gerbil, rat, mouse, etc. | $5 |
| Reptile | Standard | $20 |
| Small bird | Finch, parakeet, canary, cockatiel, etc. | $10 |
| Medium bird | Lovebird, small parrot, etc. | $75 |
| Large bird | Cockatoo, African grey, etc. | $150 |
| Domestic fowl | Chickens, ducks, geese, etc. | $20 |
| Livestock / barn animal | Goat, pig, etc. | $50 |
| Equine / bovine | Standard | $200 |
50% adoption-fee discount
Fairfax County currently publishes a 50% adoption-fee discount for active-duty and veteran military service members.
One applicable adoption fee
A bonded pair that must go home together can currently be adopted for one adoption fee in the applicable species/age category.
What Is Included With a Fairfax Shelter Adoption?
Dogs
Current Fairfax County adoption information lists care such as spay/neuter, age-appropriate rabies and other vaccines, microchip, initial deworming/flea-tick prevention and age-appropriate heartworm testing.
Dogs may also go home with a collar, personalized tag and leash provided through Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
Cats
Current adoption information lists spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, microchip and initial parasite prevention.
The shelter also publishes a certificate for a free initial exam with a participating veterinarian when used within the stated post-adoption period; additional veterinary services remain the adopter’s responsibility.
Want to Try Before Committing? Adoption Auditions
Fairfax County Animal Services operates a five-day Adoption Audition program for eligible pets.
Virginia residents
The program is currently limited to Virginia residents who meet the applicable program requirements.
Five-day trial
The eligible animal goes home with you and FCAS follows up after five days to ask whether you want to adopt or return the pet.
All dogs + select other pets
FCAS says all dogs and some cats, rabbits or other listed pets may qualify.
Check the official Adoption Audition program and eligible pets
Lost a Pet in Fairfax County?
A missing pet can move across neighborhood and jurisdiction lines quickly, so start the report process as soon as possible.
File the official lost-pet report
Start with Fairfax County’s Lost & Found Pets page .
Use a current photograph and detailed description
Include distinguishing markings, collar or harness, approximate age, sex, microchip information, date and exact area last seen.
Monitor found animals repeatedly
An online breed or color description may not match how you would describe your own pet. Compare photographs and physical details.
Go in person for a probable match
If a listed animal looks like yours, contact FCAS and follow the reclaim process promptly.
Found a Stray Animal in Fairfax County?
Found a dog
Call Fairfax County Animal Services at 703-324-0299 during public hours.
After hours, Fairfax County directs animal-related assistance to 703-691-2131.
FCAS may discuss temporary finder-foster options and, in appropriate situations, can provide supplies and help search for the owner.
Found a cat or small animal
Intake rules differ. Current county guidance says healthy free-roaming adult community cats generally should not simply be removed and brought to the shelter.
Stray cats are accepted under more limited circumstances, including some sick/injured cats or cats showing evidence of ownership.
Contact FCAS before transporting the animal.
How to Reclaim Your Pet From Fairfax County Animal Services
Contact Animal Services
Current county guidance asks owners to call or email to arrange reclaim.
Email: AnimalServices@fairfaxcounty.gov
Bring valid photo ID
A driver’s license or passport is an example of acceptable identification listed by the county.
Bring available rabies documentation
Fairfax County asks reclaiming owners to bring the pet’s current rabies certificate.
Fairfax County Animal Control Changed in 2026
This is more than a shelter-name change. Effective March 9, 2026, Fairfax County animal-control operations formally moved into Fairfax County Animal Services.
The former Fairfax County Police Department Animal Services Division was disbanded as a separate division, and sheltering plus field services are now organized under one county department.
| Situation | Current contact | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate emergency | 911 | Immediate threat to human life or another genuine police/fire/medical emergency. |
| Animal-related emergency or assistance | 703-691-2131 | Fairfax County animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns and field-service response. |
| Shelter / adoption questions | 703-324-0299 | Current Lorton shelter services, adoption and general FCAS assistance. |
Open Fairfax County’s official Field Services / Animal Control page
Animal Bite or Possible Rabies Exposure
Wash the wound
Fairfax County Health advises scrubbing wounds with soap and running water for approximately 5–10 minutes.
Record animal details
Note the location, description, collar, owner information if known and where the animal went.
Seek medical evaluation
A medical professional can determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is appropriate.
Report the exposure
Use Fairfax County’s official rabies and animal-bite guidance .
Animal-related rabies concerns can also be routed through 703-691-2131.
Fairfax County vs City of Fairfax: Use the Right Animal Control
This distinction matters because the City of Fairfax is a separate jurisdiction inside the geographic area commonly called Fairfax.
County Animal Services
For an animal issue within Fairfax County’s jurisdiction, use Fairfax County Animal Services.
Animal assistance: 703-691-2131
City Animal Control
The City of Fairfax publishes its own Animal Control contact:
The City partners with the Fairfax County shelter system for sheltering/adoption functions, but field Animal Control routing remains city-specific.
Owner Surrender During the West Ox Renovation
Do not arrive expecting immediate surrender
Owner surrender is handled by appointment. Start with the official surrender process .
Complete the appropriate pet profile
Fairfax County publishes separate profile forms for dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles and birds.
Prepare supporting information
Current instructions ask for proof of Fairfax County residency, available medical records and up to three recent pet photographs.
Wait for the consultation
Shelter staff review the profile and discuss whether retention assistance, another rehoming option or an intake appointment is appropriate and available.
Pet Resource Center: Help That May Prevent a Surrender
Fairfax County’s Pet Resource Center exists to help some residents keep pets safely at home.
Pet Pantry
Fairfax County residents experiencing hardship can request pet food and selected supplies such as collars or leashes, subject to availability.
Low-cost care resources
FCAS publishes low-cost vaccine, spay/neuter and pet-medical-expense resources.
PetHaven
PetHaven can provide short-term temporary pet care for qualifying Fairfax County residents escaping a dangerous situation.
Low-Cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinics
These clinics are useful for Fairfax County residents, but they are not currently held at the closed West Ox shelter. Fairfax County says scheduled clinics are held at the Lorton Campus or Fairfax Center Fire Station 40.
| Service | Current price | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies vaccine | $20 | Prior records are required for applicable 3-year vaccination. |
| DHPPi — dogs | $20 | Dogs must be on fixed, non-extendable leashes. |
| FVRCP — cats | $20 | Cats must arrive in secure carriers. |
| Microchip | $20 | Offered during scheduled walk-up clinics. |
| Fairfax County dog license | $10 | Available at scheduled clinic events. |
See current Fairfax County vaccine and microchip clinic dates
Fairfax County Spay/Neuter Voucher Program
FCAS also operates an income-based voucher program for eligible Fairfax County residents.
$90–$130
Current published cat voucher costs range from $90 to $130, depending on the applicable program tier.
$180–$210
Current published dog voucher costs range from $180 to $210.
The county says voucher coverage includes the qualifying spay/neuter procedure and specified routine related care. Eligibility, participating clinics and available vouchers should be checked before making plans.
Fairfax County Dog License: 2026 Basics
$10 annual county license
Fairfax County requires dogs four months of age or older to be licensed.
Current license fee: $10 per dog.
The license is valid through December 31 of the calendar year for which it is issued.
Fairfax County currently uses PetData for licensing services.
Make sure the rabies vaccination is current
A current rabies vaccination certificate is needed for the licensing process.
Choose online, mail or in-person processing
Review the official Fairfax County dog-license page for the current PetData link and application routes.
Do not rely on West Ox while it is closed
Older licensing instructions may still list the West Ox shelter as an in-person site. Confirm current availability before making that trip.
Rescue, Foster and Other Ways to Help Fairfax Shelter Pets
Fairfax County Animal Services is a publicly funded municipal animal-services department, not a private rescue organization. However, foster homes and nonprofit support are important parts of how animals move safely through the shelter system.
Temporary homes
Foster volunteers help adult dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and other animals that need space, recovery time or a break from the shelter.
The person responsible for foster animals must generally be at least 18.
Adoption Audition
Eligible Virginia residents can use the five-day program to see how an eligible shelter pet fits into the home before making the adoption permanent.
Friends of the Shelter
Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a nonprofit fundraising partner that supports medical care, enrichment, supplies and other shelter needs.
Community Cats: Do Not Automatically Bring Every Outdoor Cat In
Fairfax County takes a targeted approach to free-roaming and community cats.
Programs can include community-cat spay/neuter, return-to-home work, identification help and evaluation of kittens or other cats that may need shelter placement.
Email: CommunityCats@fairfaxcounty.gov
Before You Leave Home: 2026 Fairfax Shelter Checklist
If you are adopting
- Confirm West Ox is still closed.
- Check the current pet listing.
- Plan for the Lorton Campus.
- Bring current photo ID.
- Prepare current-pet records if relevant.
- Bring landlord/housing information when needed.
- Arrive well before the final application cutoff.
- Bring appropriate pet transportation.
If you need another service
- Call first for stray intake questions.
- File lost/found reports online promptly.
- Do not walk in expecting owner surrender.
- Use 703-691-2131 for county animal assistance.
- Use 911 for immediate human-safety emergencies.
- Check clinic event dates before travelling.
- Use City of Fairfax contacts if the incident is inside the independent city.
Current Fairfax County Animal Shelter Map
During the Michael R. Frey Campus renovation, ordinary public shelter traffic is being directed to:
Fairfax County Animal Services — Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Related Northern Virginia Animal Shelter Guides
Animal-control jurisdiction changes quickly across Northern Virginia. Use the guide for the locality where the animal issue actually occurred.
Fairfax County overview
For a broader county-level view of both shelter operations and general adoption information, see the Fairfax Animal Shelter guide .
City of Alexandria
Alexandria uses a different shelter and animal-services structure. See the Alexandria Animal Shelter & Control guide .
Loudoun County
If the animal issue occurred farther west, use the Loudoun Animal Shelter & Control guide for that county’s process.
Prince William County
For Manassas and Prince William County animal services, see the Prince William Animal Shelter & Control guide .
Official Fairfax Animal Services Resources
Fairfax West Ox Animal Shelter FAQs
1. Is the Fairfax animal shelter on West Ox Road open right now?
No. Fairfax County currently lists the Michael R. Frey Campus at 4500 West Ox Road as temporarily closed for major HVAC renovation. The closure began August 31, 2026.
2. Where do I go to adopt a pet while West Ox is closed?
Current public shelter and walk-in adoption operations are being handled at the Fairfax County Animal Services Lorton Campus, 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079.
3. What are the current Fairfax County shelter adoption hours?
The Lorton Campus is currently open Tuesday and Wednesday noon–5 PM, Thursday and Friday noon–7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM–5 PM, and closed Monday. The last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing.
4. Do I need an appointment to adopt from Fairfax County Animal Services?
No normal adoption appointment is required. Fairfax County publishes walk-in, same-day adoption. You must be at least 18 with current photo identification and meet applicable adoption requirements.
5. How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Fairfax County?
Current standard dog fees are $200 for dogs 2–6 months, $150 for dogs 7 months–5 years, and $100 for dogs 6 years and older. Temporary fee-waived events may differ.
6. How much does it cost to adopt a cat?
Current standard cat fees are $150 for cats 2–6 months, $75 for cats 7 months–5 years, and $50 for cats 6 years and older.
7. What number should I call for Fairfax County Animal Control?
For Fairfax County animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns, current county guidance uses 703-691-2131. Call 911 for an immediate threat to human life or another genuine emergency.
8. Can I surrender my pet to Fairfax County Animal Services right now?
Owner surrender is normally appointment-based, but current capacity is unusually restricted because West Ox is under renovation. Fairfax County currently says it is accepting animals in emergency situations only, with other requests evaluated according to available space.
9. Does Fairfax County offer low-cost vaccines and microchips?
Yes. Scheduled county clinics currently list rabies vaccination, dog DHPPi, cat FVRCP and microchipping at $20 each. Clinics are walk-up, first-come, first-served and cash only. Current locations are the Lorton Campus or Fairfax Center Fire Station 40, depending on the event.
10. Is the City of Fairfax Animal Control the same as Fairfax County Animal Services?
No. The City of Fairfax is a separate jurisdiction. City Animal Control publishes 703-385-7924 for city animal-control issues. Fairfax County animal-related assistance is routed through 703-691-2131.
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.