Fairfax County Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Fairfax County Animal Shelter is the official Fairfax County Animal Services shelter system with two public campuses for same-day walk-in adoptions, lost and found pets, pet reclaim, surrender requests, animal control, community pet resources, volunteering, fostering and shelter support.
This Fairfax County Animal Shelter guide helps Northern Virginia residents plan before driving to the wrong campus or missing the adoption cutoff: current adoption hours, two-campus addresses, phone and email, dog and cat adoption fees, small-animal fees, same-day adoption steps, lost-pet reports, reclaim preparation, surrender appointments, field services/animal control routing, maps, official Fairfax County links and a practical visit planner are all organized here for 2026. Use this article to prepare in detail, then use Fairfax County’s official Animal Services website for final live confirmation of pet availability, campus location, fees, events, closures and emergency instructions.
Quick Answer: Fairfax County Animal Shelter Hours, Phone and Campuses
Fairfax County Animal Shelter operates through Fairfax County Animal Services with two campuses: the Michael R. Frey Campus at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 and the Lorton Campus at 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079. The main Animal Services phone is 703-830-1100, and the public email is AnimalServices@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Both campuses are listed for same-day, walk-in adoptions during public hours: Tuesday and Wednesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday and Friday noon–7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Monday. Fairfax County says the last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing, so serious adopters should arrive well before the final half hour.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Locations: Which Campus Should You Visit?
The most common Fairfax County adoption mistake is driving to the wrong campus. Pet profiles can show which adoption center the animal is located in. If the pet is at the Fairfax campus, go to West Ox Road. If it is at the Lorton campus, go to Lorton Road.
| Campus | Address and phone | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Michael R. Frey Campus | 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 703-830-1100 | Adoptions, available-pet visits, lost/found help, general shelter services and Fairfax campus animals. |
| Lorton Campus | 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079 703-324-0299 | Adoptions and shelter services for animals housed at the Lorton campus. |
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Fairfax County’s public adoption hours are not the same every day. Thursday and Friday have later evening hours, while Tuesday and Wednesday close earlier. Monday is closed for public adoption visits.
| Day | Public shelter hours | Visitor planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Use the day to check pet profiles, prepare ID, and review fees. |
| Tuesday | 12 p.m.–5 p.m. | Arrive early; final applications stop 30 minutes before closing. |
| Wednesday | 12 p.m.–5 p.m. | Good weekday option, but do not arrive at the last minute. |
| Thursday | 12 p.m.–7 p.m. | Best weekday option if you need a later public window. |
| Friday | 12 p.m.–7 p.m. | Useful after work, but call if driving far for one pet. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Expect more visitors and arrive early with backup pet options. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Good family visit day, but verify holiday or event changes. |
How to Adopt from Fairfax County Animal Shelter
Fairfax County says both campuses are open for same-day, walk-in adoptions. You can browse pets online first or visit in person during open hours. The final adoption match happens with staff or volunteer help, a questionnaire, and review of the animal’s medical and behavior information.
Search available pets online
Use the official dog, cat and small animal links. Each pet profile should help you confirm which campus the animal is located at before you leave home.
Choose the correct campus
Go to West Ox Road for animals at the Michael R. Frey Campus and Lorton Road for animals at the Lorton Campus.
Meet the animal with staff or volunteer help
Ask about age, energy, medical notes, behavior information, children, dogs, cats, small animals, handling and the pet’s ideal home.
Complete the adoption questionnaire
Be honest about your household, rental rules, work schedule, current pets, pet experience, budget and what you can realistically handle.
Make it official and go home prepared
Fairfax County describes same-day adoptions, meaning pets can go home the day they are adopted. Bring ID, payment, transport supplies and a calm first-night plan.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
Fairfax County publishes adoption fees by species and age. 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/age category.
| Animal type | Published fee | What to ask before adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Dog, 2–6 months | $200 | Ask about puppy vaccines, training, chewing, socialization, crate setup and long-term vet care. |
| Dog, 7 months–5 years | $150 | Ask about energy level, leash behavior, other pets, children and first-week decompression. |
| Dog, 6 years and older | $100 | Ask about senior wellness, arthritis, dental needs, medication, energy and ideal home setup. |
| Cat, 2–6 months | $150 | Ask about kitten energy, litter habits, vaccines, carrier transport and safe starter room. |
| Cat, 7 months–5 years | $75 | Ask about confidence, other cats, dogs, children, scratching and handling. |
| Cat, 6 years and older | $50 | Ask about medical history, quiet-home fit and senior cat care. |
| Rabbits | $30 | Ask about housing, litter training, diet, enrichment and rabbit-safe vet access. |
| Guinea pigs | $15 | Ask about cage size, bonding, diet, bedding and handling. |
| Small pets | $5 and up by type | Ask about enclosure, diet, lifespan, handling and species-specific care. |
| Birds, reptiles, livestock and equine/bovine | Varies by category | Confirm legal ownership, enclosure, transport, noise, zoning, veterinary care and exact fee. |
Adoption Auditions: Fairfax County Trial Adoption Option
Fairfax County promotes an Adoption Audition program that lets you take a pet home for a five-day trial to see if the match is right. This can be especially helpful for people worried about real-world fit, household routine, energy level, confidence, or whether the pet settles well outside the shelter.
Before You Visit: Fairfax County Adoption Checklist
Fairfax County’s adoption process can move quickly because same-day adoptions are possible. Use this checklist before you arrive so the visit is focused on fit, not missing documents or rushed decisions.
Dog Adoption Notes for Fairfax County Visitors
Dog adopters should ask about leash behavior, energy level, kennel stress, bite history if any, known history, children, other dogs, cats, medical notes, exercise needs and decompression. A high-energy dog may need training and structure, while a shy dog may need quiet routines and patient handling.
Cat Adoption Notes
Cat adopters should ask about confidence, hiding, litter habits, scratching, handling, other cats, dogs, children and the best starter-room setup. Bring a secure carrier and plan a calm first week.
Small Animal, Bird, Reptile and Livestock Notes
Fairfax County adopts more than dogs and cats. Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, small pets, domestic fowl and livestock may require specialized food, space, temperature control, veterinary access, zoning compliance and safe transport. Ask staff about the exact setup before adoption.
Lost and Found Pets in Fairfax County
If your pet is missing, act fast and repeat your checks. Fairfax County recommends microchips because a found pet can be scanned at the shelter or a veterinarian’s office, making reunification much faster. The official lost/found page lets residents report lost or found pets and view found animals currently in shelter care or reported by others.
Redeeming or Reclaiming a Pet
If your pet is found and brought to Fairfax County Animal Services, the shelter will care for the animal until you arrive. Owners should bring the right proof and be ready for reclaim requirements and fees.
Fairfax County Animal Control / Field Services
Fairfax County Animal Services Officers respond to calls involving domestic animals, livestock and wildlife. Their work includes animal-bite and rabies-related incidents, cruelty and neglect investigations, dangerous animal situations, stray animal capture, distressed wildlife assistance, public education and support for Police, Fire and Rescue and the Health Department.
Surrendering a Pet to Fairfax County Animal Shelter
Fairfax County Animal Shelter is an open-access shelter for Fairfax County residents’ owner-surrendered dogs, cats and other companion animals, but owner surrenders are scheduled by appointment. The county says the appointment process helps keep the shelter population at humane levels, lets staff prepare and ensures space is available.
Pet Resource Center, Clinics and Help Before Surrender
Before surrendering because of cost, vaccines, microchips, spay/neuter, food, behavior or temporary hardship, check Fairfax County’s Pet Resource Center. The county points residents toward community services, low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, spay/neuter vouchers, pet pantry support and other assistance options.
Common Mistakes Fairfax County Visitors Should Avoid
Fairfax County Shelter Action Planner
Use this quick planner before visiting or calling. It does not search a live database, but it helps you choose the right Fairfax County next step.
Always verify final hours, campus, fees and rules with Fairfax County Animal Services.
Official Fairfax County Animal Services Links
Use these official Fairfax County pages for current details. This independent guide helps you plan, but official Fairfax County pages control live pet availability, campus locations, fees, closures, events and service rules.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Maps
Use the map for the campus listed on the pet profile. If you are visiting for one specific animal, confirm the campus before traveling.
Michael R. Frey Campus Map
4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Lorton Campus Map
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fairfax County Animal Shelter located?
Fairfax County Animal Shelter has two campuses: Michael R. Frey Campus at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, and Lorton Campus at 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079.
What is the Fairfax County Animal Shelter phone number?
The main Animal Services phone number is 703-830-1100. The Lorton Campus location page also lists 703-324-0299 for that campus.
What are Fairfax County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Public hours are Tuesday and Wednesday noon–5 p.m., Thursday and Friday noon–7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and closed Monday.
When is the last adoption application accepted?
Fairfax County says the last adoption application is taken 30 minutes before closing.
Do I need an appointment to adopt?
Fairfax County lists both campuses as open for same-day, walk-in adoptions during posted public hours.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Published dog adoption fees are $200 for dogs 2–6 months, $150 for dogs 7 months–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 2–6 months, $75 for cats 7 months–5 years, and $50 for cats 6 years and older.
What is included with adopted dogs, cats and rabbits?
Fairfax County says dogs, cats and rabbits adopted from the shelter are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on age-appropriate vaccines before going home.
What should I do if I lost a pet in Fairfax County?
File a lost report, view found pets, check both campuses if needed, update the microchip company, post locally and prepare proof of ownership.
Can I surrender a pet to Fairfax County Animal Shelter?
Fairfax County is an open-access shelter for Fairfax County residents’ owner-surrendered companion animals, but owner surrenders are scheduled by appointment.
Final Takeaway
Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a two-campus Animal Services system with walk-in, same-day adoptions at the Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax and the Lorton Campus. The most important visitor details are the 703-830-1100 phone number, Tue–Sun public hours, Monday closure, 30-minute final adoption application cutoff, pet-profile campus check, published adoption fees, lost/found reporting, and appointment-based surrender process. Choose one canonical URL for this article and do not index both the clean Fairfax slug and the -2 duplicate.
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.