Thanksgiving-Themed Enrichment For Your Pets
Mental and physical enrichment helps keep our companion animals happy and healthy by encouraging natural behaviors. Enrichment is important part of our daily care for our shelter pets and, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, our animal care team compiled some of our favorite holiday-themed treats!
Dogs and cats can enjoy a mix of unseasoned turkey or chicken, green beans, rice and broth that has no additives (such as salt or seasoning). Freeze this tasty mix in a bone-shaped silicone mold for an extra special touch. You can also use pumpkin puree as a Kong toy filler or spread it on a lick mat and freeze it for a cool treat.
Small pets, such as guinea pigs and rabbits, can enjoy a paper bag stuffed with healthy goodies like hay, carrots and kale. They can also nibble on carved, seedless pumpkins as a special treat.
Helped by Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter: Spotlight on Simon
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Simon came into our care suffering from severe dental disease, which caused him significant pain and made eating difficult. Thankfully, our nonprofit partner, Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter, stepped in and provided the necessary funding Simon needed for dental surgery.
With their support and the loving care of his foster family, along with a diet of delicious soft foods, Simon made a swift recovery. He was recently adopted by a loving family, where he will be surrounded by all the soft beds and blankets his heart desires!
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Celebrating 13 Years Working at Fairfax County Animal Shelter
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Julie, Customer Care Representative
Julie has worked on our customer care team since she started at Fairfax County Animal Shelter back in 2010. She shared that working at the shelter is truly a dream job for her and that she looks forward to coming into work every day!
Favorite Memory: Reuniting Dante the dog with his family last year.
Favorite Thing About Her Job: Making families complete by helping them find their new family member.
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Rachel, Animal Caregiver
Rachel started her career at Fairfax County Animal Shelter working as a customer care representative. In 2020, she transitioned to our animal care team after deciding she wanted to work directly with our pets!
Favorite Memory: Fostering and adopting her Saint Bernard, Kira, from Fairfax County Animal Shelter in 2014.
Favorite Part of Her Job: Working with animals and helping them find homes.
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Long-Stay Senior Pup Georgia Finds Her Perfect Home
At nine years old, Georgia was brought into our shelter as a stray in early May. She had been wandering the streets of Alexandria for over three weeks, but thanks to tips from our dedicated community, Animal Protection Police Officers pieced together her movements and safely captured her.
For months, Georgia patiently awaited her new family, all the while receiving love and attention from the shelter's volunteers and staff. She enjoyed numerous excursions with them, from hydrotherapy sessions at Aquatic Paws to visits to Frying Pan Park.
In early October, Georgia’s new mom, Laura, paid a visit to our Michael R Frey Campus to meet her. Laura had lost her beloved dog in January, and after some time, she began searching local rescues and shelters for a new companion to welcome into her family.
Upon meeting Georgia, she discovered a remarkable connection. Laura had battled cancer multiple times and had recently undergone a bone marrow transplant, resulting in hair loss that was slowly growing back. She noticed that Georgia had alopecia spots along her back that were also showing signs of regrowth.
“That was a connection,” Laura said. “We're both not really furry people!”
Georgia seamlessly fits into Laura's life and has become a cherished companion. Bringing people and pets together is one of the cornerstones of Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s work. We could not have imagined a more perfect match than Laura and Georgia!
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Upcoming Events
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Community Conversation About Community Cats
Curious about cats who live outside, how to assist them, and the most humane and effective approach to addressing community cat populations? Join us for a free workshop featuring expert panelists. Register on our website.
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Reading Tails
Reading Tails is back! Kids can pick their favorite story and read to a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or even a parakeet! Registration is required. For more information and available dates, visit our website.
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Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers Fairfax County residents the opportunity to have their pet vaccinated or microchipped without the cost of a veterinary exam. Learn more about vaccine and microchip clinics on our website.
Sunday, December 3, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Thursday, December 14, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
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Optimizing Health With a Plant-Based Lifestyle: A Free Two-Part Educational Series
Join us for a free two-part series on plant-based living with Gwyn Whittaker, CEO of GreenFare Organic Café, and an Executive Producer of The Game Changers
Part I: Optimizing Health for Humans With a Plant-Based Lifestyle
A journey to health: learn why and how to optimize your health and well-being through a nutritional intervention. Register here.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
4500 West Ox Road., Fairfax, VA 22030
Part II: Optimizing Health for Your Pup With a Plant-Based Lifestyle
Learn how to improve your dog's skin, energy and well-being with meal prep of organic, fresh plant foods to boost your dog's lifespan. Register here.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
4500 West Ox Road., Fairfax, VA 22030
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