Fairfax Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Fees, Locations & Contact 2026

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2026 Fairfax County adoption helper

Fairfax Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

Use this practical guide before visiting Fairfax County Animal Services for adoption hours, campus locations, pet fees, lost and found pets, animal control, surrender requests, Adoption Auditions, foster help, volunteer programs and official contact details.

Fairfax Animal Shelter is best understood as Fairfax County Animal Services, with two public shelter campuses in Fairfax and Lorton serving adopters, lost-pet owners, found-pet helpers, surrender requests, animal-control questions and pet resource needs. This 2026 guide brings the essential details together before you visit: West Ox Road and Lorton addresses, walk-in same-day adoption hours, the last-application cutoff, current adoption fees, what bonded-pair pricing means, which campus to choose, what to bring for adoption or reclaim, when to call 703-830-1100, when to use the non-emergency animal line, and how to avoid common mistakes that waste a trip.

2 public campuses 703-830-1100 Last app 30 min before close Walk-in same-day adoption Animal help: 703-691-2131
Official Adoption Page Official Locations Lost & Found Pets
1
Check pet campusFairfax and Lorton are different locations.
2
Arrive before cutoffLast adoption application is 30 minutes before closing.
3
Prepare proofID, payment, carrier, housing approval and pet questions.
4
Use right phone pathShelter, non-emergency line or 911 depending on issue.
Duplicate URL note for your WordPress update: If both /fairfax-animal-shelter-2/ and /fairfax-animal-shelter/ are published, choose one canonical URL. For SEO cleanliness, the non--2 URL is usually better. If you keep this -2 page, do not also index a duplicate copy with the same content.

Fairfax Animal Shelter Quick Details

Fairfax County Animal Services operates public animal shelter campuses in Fairfax and Lorton. The main Animal Services phone number is 703-830-1100, and the official email is AnimalServices@fairfaxcounty.gov. For immediate emergencies, call 911. For animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns, Fairfax County lists the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.

Official nameFairfax County Animal Services / Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
Main campusMichael R. Frey Campus, 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Lorton campus8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079.
Emergency routing911 for immediate danger; 703-691-2131 for non-emergency animal help.

Fairfax Animal Shelter Locations: Fairfax and Lorton Campuses

Fairfax County has two public shelter campuses. This matters because a pet you like online may be at the Lorton Campus even if the Fairfax campus is closer to you, or the opposite. Always check the pet profile and the official location before driving.

Michael R. Frey Campus 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Main shelter phone: 703-830-1100.
Lorton Campus 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079.
Lorton campus phone listed by the county: 703-324-0299.
Visitor tip: When checking adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds or small animals online, write down the animal name, animal ID and campus location. That prevents going to the wrong building.

Fairfax Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

Fairfax County lists adoption hours as 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. The county also states that the last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing.

Day Adoption hours Practical visitor plan
Monday Closed Use the day to browse pets online and confirm campus location.
Tuesday 12 PM–5 PM Arrive before 4:30 PM because the last application is 30 minutes before closing.
Wednesday 12 PM–5 PM Good midweek option if you want a calmer adoption visit.
Thursday 12 PM–7 PM Evening hours help working visitors, but do not arrive near closing.
Friday 12 PM–7 PM Check pet availability online before leaving work or school.
Saturday 11 AM–5 PM Weekend visits can be busy; go earlier for serious adoption plans.
Sunday 11 AM–5 PM Useful for families, but pets may move quickly on weekends.
Verify Official Adoption Hours Call 703-830-1100

How the Fairfax Animal Shelter Adoption Process Works

Fairfax County describes its adoption program as walk-in, same-day adoption. You can browse adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other pets online, then visit the correct campus during open hours. Online profiles are updated in real time, but availability can still change before you arrive.

1

Browse official pet listings first

Use the official adoption page to view adoptable dogs, cats and small animals. Save the pet’s name, ID, species, age, notes and campus location. Do not rely only on screenshots or social posts.

2

Choose the correct campus

Fairfax and Lorton are separate campuses. A pet listed online may not be at the campus closest to you. Confirm the location before driving.

3

Arrive before the last-application cutoff

The last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing. For a serious adoption visit, arrive earlier so you can meet the pet, ask questions and complete the process without rushing.

4

Ask match questions, not only fee questions

Ask about medical history, behavior notes, energy, children, other pets, grooming, special needs, first-week decompression and the animal’s campus/foster history if available.

5

Complete the adoption questionnaire

Adoption staff may review your match and share important information before finalizing. Bring ID, payment and safe transport supplies.

Adoption Auditions: Fairfax County’s Five-Day Trial Option

Fairfax County describes an Adoption Audition program that may let you take a pet home for a five-day trial before making the adoption official. This can be helpful if you are unsure about household fit, but it is not the same as putting an animal on hold.

Best forHomes that need a short, structured trial to test real-world fit.
Ask staffNot every pet or situation may qualify; confirm before relying on it.
Do not confuse it with holdsFairfax County says pets cannot be placed on hold and adoptions are first-come, first-served.

Fairfax Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026

Fairfax County structures adoption fees by species and age. The county states that dogs, cats and rabbits adopted from the shelter are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on age-appropriate vaccines before going home. Bonded pairs can be adopted for one adoption fee of their species and age category.

Pet type Published fee What to ask before adoption
Dogs, 2–6 months $200 Ask about expected size, training, vaccines, spay/neuter timing and first-month costs.
Dogs, 7 months–5 years $150 Ask about energy, leash behavior, children, other pets and housing fit.
Dogs, 6 years and older $100 Ask about senior care, dental needs, medication, mobility and calm-home needs.
Cats, 2–6 months $150 Ask about kitten-proofing, carrier, vaccines and whether another cat is recommended.
Cats, 7 months–5 years $75 Ask about litter habits, hiding, social level, other cats and adjustment space.
Cats, 6 years and older $50 Ask about senior health, feeding, medications and stress reduction.
Rabbits $30 Ask about enclosure size, diet, litter training, bonding and rabbit-safe space.
Guinea pigs $15 Ask about cage size, bonded pairs, diet, hay and handling.
Small pets $5 for hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice and similar pets Ask about lifespan, safe housing, diet and species-specific handling.
Birds $10 small, $75 medium, $150 large Ask about cage size, noise, lifespan, diet, handling and vet access.
Discount note: Fairfax County lists one free pet adoption per calendar year for eligible Fairfax County government employees with valid employee ID, and a 50% discount for active duty military service members and veterans. Bring proof and verify current eligibility before your visit.

Fairfax Shelter Visit Planner

Use this quick helper before you go. It does not check live inventory, but it helps you choose the correct campus, phone path and document checklist.

Build Your Fairfax Animal Services Plan

Choose your options and generate a practical next-step plan.

Lost and Found Pets in Fairfax County

If your pet is missing, act quickly. Search official shelter listings, call Fairfax County Animal Services, check both campuses if needed, update the microchip company, post locally and prepare proof of ownership before visiting to reclaim.

If you found a pet, look for a tag, collar, microchip or nearby owner first. Fairfax County has specific guidance for community cats and stray cats, so do not assume every outdoor cat should be removed and brought to the shelter.

If your pet is lost Call 703-830-1100, check official listings, search both campuses, update microchip records and bring proof.
If you found a pet Check for owner clues, scan for microchip if safe, follow Fairfax County rules and avoid unsafe handling.
Community cat caution Fairfax County says free-roaming adult community cats should generally be left where they are.
Official Lost & Found Page Animal Services Homepage

Surrendering a Pet to Fairfax Animal Shelter

Surrendering is not the same as walking in for adoption. Fairfax County asks pet owners to explore resources first and then complete the correct pet profile if surrender is still needed. Submitting a request does not guarantee the shelter can accept the animal.

After the profile is reviewed, staff may reach out for a phone consultation to discuss surrender and retention options. If surrender is accepted, the owner signs a release transferring legal ownership to Fairfax County, so treat surrender as a final decision.

Before surrender Ask about vaccine clinics, microchip clinics, spay/neuter vouchers, pet pantry help, financial support and trainer referrals.
Prepare records Have proof of Fairfax County residency, medical records and up to three recent photos ready.
Important limit Acceptance can depend on species, jurisdiction, available space and other factors.
Official Surrender Guidance Pet Resource Center

Fairfax Animal Control and Field Services

Animal control issues do not always belong at the adoption counter. For immediate emergencies, call 911. For animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns, Fairfax County lists the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. Use 703-830-1100 for shelter, adoption, lost/found and general Animal Services questions.

Call 911 Use emergency services when people are in immediate danger or there is an urgent safety situation.
Call 703-691-2131 Use the non-emergency line for animal-related assistance and wildlife concerns when it is not a 911 emergency.
Call 703-830-1100 Use the shelter number for adoption, lost/found, reclaim, surrender and general shelter questions.
Official Animal Control Page Call Non-Emergency Line

What to Bring Before Visiting Fairfax Animal Shelter

A little preparation prevents delays. Bring different proof depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, surrendering or asking for animal-control help.

✓Government-issued photo ID for adoption or reclaim.
✓Payment method for adoption fees, reclaim fees, carrier purchase or other required charges.
✓Animal name, ID and campus location if asking about a specific pet.
✓Pet carrier for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds or small animals; safe leash/harness plan for dogs.
✓Landlord, HOA, condo, military housing or apartment pet approval if relevant.
✓For reclaim: recent photos, vet records, microchip info, license details and proof of address or ownership.
✓For surrender: pet profile, medical records, photos and Fairfax County residency proof if requested.
✓Questions about medical history, behavior notes, first-week routine, return/trial policy and long-term costs.

Pet Resource Center, Vaccines, Microchips and Help Keeping Your Pet

Fairfax County’s Pet Resource Center can be important if your issue is not simply adoption. Before surrendering a pet because of cost, food, vaccines, microchip, behavior or temporary hardship, check whether county resources or community support can help you keep your pet safely.

Pet pantry helpUseful when food or supplies are the main problem.
Low-cost clinicsCheck vaccine and microchip clinic information before surrendering due to basic care costs.
Spay/neuter helpVoucher programs may help reduce future pet-care strain.
Pet Resource Center Vaccine & Microchip Clinics

Volunteer, Foster, Donate and Support Fairfax Shelter Pets

Fairfax County Animal Services works with staff, volunteers, foster caregivers and community supporters. The county lists volunteer, foster, donate and youth-support pathways. Volunteer rules may include age requirements and application steps, so use official pages before planning service hours or showing up.

Volunteer Program Apply officially and check age, role and schedule requirements before planning service. Foster Program Help animals temporarily from home while the shelter supports placement needs. Donate to Animal Services Support shelter animals with official county donation and supply routes. Youth Programs Options for kids and young helpers who may not qualify for adult volunteer roles.

Common Fairfax Animal Shelter Mistakes to Avoid

Going to the wrong campusCheck whether the pet is at Fairfax or Lorton before driving.
Arriving too lateThe last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing.
Assuming holds are availableFairfax County says pets cannot be put on hold and adoptions are first-come, first-served.
Using old fee screenshotsCheck the current county adoption fee page before visiting.
Skipping landlord approvalConfirm pet limits, deposits, breed rules, weight rules and written permission first.
Bringing community cats unnecessarilyFairfax County has specific guidance for community and stray cats.
Calling the wrong lineUse 911, 703-691-2131 or 703-830-1100 depending on urgency and issue type.
Assuming surrender is guaranteedA surrender request does not guarantee the shelter can accept the pet.

Maps to Fairfax Animal Shelter Campuses

Fairfax County Animal Services has two public shelter campuses. Use the correct map based on the pet’s profile or your service need.

Michael R. Frey Campus Map

4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030

Lorton Campus Map

8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079

Maps are for directions only. They are not proof of live hours, pet availability, adoption approval, campus assignment or holiday closures.

Helpful Video Before Choosing a Pet for Adoption

This video can help first-time adopters think through the right pet match before visiting. Use it as general preparation, then follow Fairfax County’s official adoption process and staff guidance for the specific animal.

Fairfax Animal Shelter FAQ

What is the official Fairfax Animal Shelter phone number?

The main Fairfax County Animal Services phone number is 703-830-1100.

Where is Fairfax Animal Shelter located?

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.

What are Fairfax Animal Shelter adoption hours?

Adoption hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 12 PM–5 PM, Thursday and Friday 12 PM–7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM–5 PM, and closed Monday.

When is the last adoption application accepted?

Fairfax County states that the last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing.

Do I need an appointment to adopt from Fairfax Animal Shelter?

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.

Can Fairfax Animal Shelter hold a pet for me?

No. Fairfax County’s FAQ says the shelter is not able to put pets on hold and adoptions are first-come, first-served.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

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.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat?

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.

Who do I call for animal control or wildlife concerns?

For immediate emergencies call 911. For animal-related assistance, including wildlife concerns, Fairfax County lists the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.

Can I surrender my pet to Fairfax Animal Shelter?

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 first.

Final Takeaway

Fairfax Animal Shelter is Fairfax County Animal Services, with public campuses in Fairfax and Lorton. For adoption, check official pet listings, confirm the correct campus, arrive before the last-application cutoff, bring ID/payment and ask detailed match questions. For lost pets, prepare proof of ownership and search quickly. For surrender, complete the correct profile and understand that acceptance is not guaranteed. For animal-related assistance or wildlife concerns, use the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 unless it is a true 911 emergency.

Official Fairfax Animal Services Back to Top
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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.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

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Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

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Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

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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.

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Animal control contact decision helper

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This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

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Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.