Fairfax County strives to ensure safe and healthy living for pets and other animals, as well as the residents that own them. Our Animal Shelter is a place with open doors and warm hearts for every lost, abandoned, abused, temporarily homeless, or unwanted Fairfax County animal and always has many dogs, cats and other animals up for adoption.

To Adopt an Animal You Must:

Meet the animal's physical and behavioral needs.

Be at least 18 years of age, and furnish a valid photo ID and current address.

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Prove you own your home, or if renting, furnish a copy of your lease showing any pet restrictions as well as receipt of payment of any required pet deposit.

You must be a Fairfax County resident in order to adopt any animal under the age of six months which can not be altered prior to leaving the shelter.

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Abide by all animal related-laws of the State and County in which you live.

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There is a $20 adoption fee for dogs, cats and rabbits.

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By state law, all dogs and cats adopted from the animal shelter will be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, unless a current medical condition prevents the animal from being altered at that time. Sterilization must be completed by the date designated on the adoption contract.

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Spay/neuter deposits are as follows: F-cats $55; M-cats $30; M/F dogs $65, fee is due at the time of adoption. The adopter is liable for all other costs such as hospitalization, board, or any other prerequisites to surgery required by the veterinarian.