Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Animal shelter’s Fairfax campus to temporarily close for HVAC renovations

Published August 19, 2026 at 2:45PM

Fairfax County Animal Shelter on West Ox Road (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s Michael R. Frey campus in Fairfax will soon close for about six months as the Ox Road facility undergoes building improvements and HVAC system updates.

Beginning Aug. 31, services such as reunifications with a lost pet and pet pantry requests will move to the shelter’s Lorton campus (8875 Lorton Road), according to the animal shelter’s website. Animals housed by the shelter will also move to the Lorton campus. Field services, community outreach events and off-site events will not be affected by the closure.

Obituary

Former Supervisor Michael Frey’s unexpected death brings tributes pouring in

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 19, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated February 19, 2026 at 4:11PM

Michael Frey with one of his rescue animals (via Fairfax County Animal Shelter)

Fairfax County government officials and other civic leaders are paying tribute to former Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey, who died Feb. 16.

“We’re all in shock” at the unanticipated passing of the former supervisor, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said at the body’s Feb. 17 meeting, observing that Frey “left us far too soon, with so much more to give.”

News

Fairfax residents rally to keep pets fed during federal shutdown

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published November 10, 2025 at 3:45PM

Fairfax County Animal Shelter workers Frankie Kachur, Jean Card and Julie Schwartz unpack and organize recent donations at the Michael R. Frey Campus on Nov. 7, 2025 (photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

It all started with a picture of a kitten sitting on an empty shelf.

On Nov. 3, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter posted a plea for donations to its pet pantry, citing an uptick in requests for supplies due to the federal government shutdown.

Countywide

‘Friends’ group lauded for 20 years of aiding Fairfax County Animal Shelter

By Scott McCaffrey

Published June 17, 2025 at 3:45PM

Resolution honoring 20th anniversary of Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (screenshot via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently lauded the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter for reaching its 20th anniversary.

The nonprofit, which supports the animal shelter through fundraising, celebrated the occasion by bringing a number of adoptable shelter dogs to the Board Auditorium on June 10.

Countywide

Fairfax awaits police union approval to consolidate animal-control services

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 14, 2025 at 11:15AM

A Fairfax County Animal Protection Police van (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Pending final agreement with a key bargaining unit, Fairfax County government officials are ready to move forward with a consolidation of animal care and protection services.

The change, which was approved last year as part of the county’s fiscal year 2025 budget, will move operations currently handled by the Animal Protection Police (APP) within the Fairfax County Police Department to the county’s Department of Animal Services (formerly the Department of Animal Sheltering, or DAS).

Countywide

County animal shelter to waive pet adoption fees this weekend

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 22, 2024 at 10:30AM

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is looking to find homes for more than 160 animals, including mice (courtesy FCAS)

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) will waive adoption fees this Friday through Sunday (Aug. 23-25).

The shelter has more than 160 animals waiting for adoption, it said in a press release. That includes cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice and rabbits.

Countywide

Fairfax County shelter pushes for older animals to get homes

By Angela Woolsey

Published July 26, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated July 26, 2024 at 8:51PM

Caesar, a 10-year-old cat, is among the older pets available for adoption at Fairfax County's animal shelter (courtesy Fairfax County Animal Shelter)

Fairfax County Animal Shelter is trying to drum up some attention for its older furry occupants.

Starting today (Friday), the shelter has waived adoption fees for all dogs and cats 6 years and older as part of a “Vintage Tails” event that will continue through Sunday, July 28.

Countywide

Fairfax County board likely to approve consolidation of animal control services

By James Jarvis

Published May 6, 2024 at 4:45PM

Fairfax County Animal Shelter on West Ox Road (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Fairfax County Department of Animal Sheltering (DAS) will likely assume the duties of the Animal Protection Police, starting this summer.

At a mark-up session last Tuesday (April 30), the Board of Supervisors indicated that it will implement the consolidation by transferring a position from the Fairfax County Police Department and creating a new chief animal control officer (ACO) as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget, which is scheduled to be formally adopted tomorrow (Tuesday).

Countywide

Police union objects to proposed merger of county’s animal shelter and police services

By Acacia James

Published February 12, 2024 at 11:45AM

Fairfax County Animal Protection Police officers in February 2024 attended the release of a bald eagle they found injured in Fairfax Station (via FCPD)

A plan to consolidate the duties of Fairfax County’s Department of Animal Sheltering (DAS) and Animal Protection Police (APP) is drawing some pushback from the local police union.

Last month, county staff proposed to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors that DAS take charge of both animal care services and enforcement of animal protection laws, which would be carried out by animal control officers (ACOs). The recommendation came from both DAS and Fairfax County Police Department leaders.

Countywide

Fairfax County proposes consolidating animal shelter and police services

By Acacia James

Published February 1, 2024 at 11:00AM

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

Fairfax County wants to consolidate the duties of its Department of Animal Sheltering (DAS) and Animal Protection Police (APP).

Under the new arrangement, DAS would oversee both animal care services and enforcement of animal protection laws, which would be carried out by animal control officers (ACO), according to the recommendation from DAS and the Fairfax County Police Department.