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This month and every month, we want to remind you how important microchips are!
In addition to being one of the first things we check for when a stray pet comes through our doors, microchips are the most effective tool in reuniting lost pets with their guardians. Ensuring your pet is microchipped and that the microchip is registered with updated contact information helps lost pets get back home faster.
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How Do Microchips Work?
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and contain a unique ID number that can be obtained by scanning a pet with a specialized tool. When a microchip is registered and the unique ID number is searched, the pet guardian’s information will be displayed. Microchips that have not been registered will not have any information attached to the unique ID number.
Watch this video to learn more about how microchips work!
How Do I Know if My Pet Is Microchipped?
The only way to ensure your pet is microchipped is through the use of a microchip scanner. Veterinary offices and animal shelters are equipped with these tools. You can always visit one of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's campuses in Lorton or Fairfax to check if your pet is microchipped and to ensure your pet's information is updated!
This National Microchipping Month, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is hosting a "Check the Chip" event! Bring your pets to this free, walk-up event on Monday, June 24th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lorton Campus! We will check to see if your pet has a microchip, ensure it is registered and your contact information is updated and answer all your microchip-related questions.
Where Can I Get My Pet Microchipped?
Many veterinary clinics offer microchipping as part of their services. It is a simple procedure that can usually be done during a regular check-up or appointment. Additionally, some animal shelters, like the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, offer microchipping clinics or events to make it more accessible to pet guardians in the community.
If you are a Fairfax County resident, visit our monthly Vaccine and Microchip Clinics! These clinics offer low-cost vaccines and microchips—no appointment or pre-registration required. Learn more about Vaccine and Microchip Clinics.
Meet Our New Staff
With so many new faces joining our team, we are excited to introduce you to some of the talented individuals you will see around our shelters!
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Crystal Benton, Customer Care Representative
Crystal is joining us from Virginia Beach, bringing her love for animals and a passion for making a difference. In her role, she facilitates the adoption process, helps care for our shelter animals and manages various tasks to ensure smooth operations.
Crystal is the proud pet parent of two dogs and three cats. She enjoys outdoor adventures, paddleboarding and discovering new breweries. She loves the dynamic environment of the shelter and finds immense joy in helping animals find homes!
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Erika Unruh, Animal Care Supervisor
Originally from Hagerstown, Maryland, and now residing in Front Royal, Virginia, Erika is our new Animal Care Supervisor at the Lorton Campus! She is a devoted pet mom to a diverse family of three dogs, three cats, two Flemish Giant rabbits and a bearded dragon.
Erika enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband and 11-year-old son. They love disc golfing, hiking and finding new adventures. An avid yogi and passionate cook, Erika cherishes the shared passion for animal welfare within the Fairfax County Animal Shelter community and is excited about contributing to our mission to help pets and their families.
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Georgia Manning, Communications and Outreach Assistant
Born and raised in Fairfax, she is a proud bun mom and aunt to a “ferocious” Lhasa Apso pup. She enjoys a variety of hobbies including painting, figure skating, horseback riding, tennis and hiking. Georgia loves spending time with the amazing pets at the shelter and is passionate about using her marketing skills to help them find their perfect homes!
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Keeping Your Pets Safe During Hot Weather
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As the temperatures rise, it is important to ensure that our furry friends stay safe and comfortable! Pets can easily suffer from heat-related issues, so we need to take steps to make sure they are protected. Whether you have dogs, cats or small animals, these tips will help keep your pets cool and healthy during the hot summer months.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Always make sure your pets have access to fresh, cool water. Dehydration can happen quickly in the heat.
Provide Shade and Shelter
Make sure your pet can rest in a shady area that allows for airflow, like tree shade and tarps. Doghouses do not give relief from the heat as they block airflow and trap the heat inside.
Limit Exercise and Heat Exposure
Take your pets out early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler, avoiding peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Do not leave your pets in cars! Temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly, even if you leave the windows cracked. It can be deadly for your animals within minutes. If you see a pet in a hot vehicle, call Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131.
Remember to Protect Their Paws
Hot pavement can burn paws. Test the ground with your hands. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for them! Walk your dogs in the grass to avoid asphalt burning their paws.
Know the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion in Pets
Signs can include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.
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Thinking of Adopting a Parakeet? Here Is What You Need to Know
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Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are fascinating and lively birds with many fun traits. One particularly entertaining aspect of parakeets is their remarkable ability to mimic human speech and sounds. Despite their small size, they can learn to say dozens of words and phrases, and some even develop quite extensive vocabularies. Male parakeets are typically more talkative and better at mimicking sounds than females.
Parakeets are also known for their playful and curious nature. They love interactive toys, enjoy exploring their surroundings and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks. They are social birds that thrive on interaction, both with their human companions and with other parakeets. Watching them play, chat and explore can provide endless amusement.
If you are thinking about adopting a parakeet, here are some things you should consider:
Social Interaction and Mental Stimulation
Since parakeets are social creatures, they flourish with attention and enjoy engaging with their human companions through play and training. A newly adopted parakeet may need some time to warm up to new people, so patience is crucial.
Proper Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is vital for a parakeet's well-being. Their diet should include a mix of seeds, high-quality pellets, and fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. Many store-brand pellets lack essential nutrients, so providing a variety of foods is key to their health.
Clean and Safe Environment
Parakeets require a clean, spacious cage with safe perches and toys to explore. A cage that is wide rather than tall is ideal, as it allows for natural movement. Regular cleaning of the cage and daily fresh water are essential to prevent illness and maintain their overall health.
While these are the top three considerations, there are other important factors to keep in mind when adopting a parakeet. By meeting these needs, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your parakeet! If you have any questions or need more information, our team at the shelter is here to help.
Visit our website to meet our adoptable parakeets!
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Helped by The Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter: Spotlight on Trixie
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Trixie was brought to our shelter as a stray, severely lethargic with a fractured leg. The Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter generously stepped in to provide the essential funding she needed for leg surgery. Thanks to their help, and the compassionate care of a wonderful foster family, it was not long before Trixie was back to her fearless self—conquering tall cat trees and jumping for wand toys! Today, Trixie is thriving in her new home, adopted by a loving family who adores her! |
Upcoming Events
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Make Your Own Snuffle Mat—Pride Edition!
In this free class, our shelter experts will talk about the benefits of using a snuffle mat for your pet all while making your very own rainbow mat to take home! Snuffle mats can be used for dogs, cats, small animals and even pigs! We will also celebrate Pride Month by sharing fun facts about the intersectionality of Pride history and animal welfare.
Sunday, June 23, 12 to 2 p.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Register
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Check the Chip—Free Pet Microchip Screening
Are you unsure if your pet has a microchip? Do you want to make sure your microchip is registered and up-to-date? Bring your pets to this free, walk-up event! We will check if your pet has a microchip, provide information on how to register it, explain how to update your contact information and answer all your microchip-related questions.
Monday, June 24, 5 to 7 p.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
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Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers monthly low-cost vaccination and microchipping services for Fairfax County residents. Clinics are walk-up and there is no pre-registration or appointment required.
Upcoming Clinics:
Friday, July 12, 9 to 11 a.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Monday, July 22, 9 to 11 a.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Michael R. Frey Campus
4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Learn More
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Flock Talk: An Introduction to Chicken Behavior
Whether you are considering adopting a new bird, are a seasoned backyard chicken keeper or are just curious about chickens, this free class is perfect for you! Join Adopt A Bird Network and our shelter experts for an informative session about chicken pecking order, communication, feeding and foraging habits as well as health and well-being.
Sunday, July 28, 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Register
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Putting for Pets
Mark your calendars for The Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's annual Putting for Pets Golf Tournament! There will be a silent auction, prizes, food, drinks and more! It is a fun (and competitive) way to support our shelter pets.
Monday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bull Run Golf Club
15000 Bull Run Estates Drive, Haymarket, VA 20169
Learn More
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