Did you know we offer the Adoption Audition program? This ongoing opportunity allows potential adopters to take a dog, or select cats and small animals, home for a no-strings-attached trial period.

For five days, you can experience life with an animal you're considering for adoption and decide if they're the right fit for your family. All dogs are eligible for an Adoption Audition, and for other species just look for the Adoption Audition sign on cages or ask a Customer Care Representative for more information.

If it’s not the perfect match, don’t worry—there’s no judgment here! We’d love to hear how it went, what the pet was like, whether they snored a lot, were they potty-trained, or all over the counters? Your feedback helps us get a better idea of the pet's personality and find the best match for them moving forward!

Bringing a new partner into your life is exciting, but it can also be an adjustment for your pet. Pets thrive on routine and familiarity, and for some pets a change in their environment or routine – such as a new person! – can lead to stress or avoidance behaviors.

These reactions are natural and manageable with patience and consistency, and with the right approach you can foster harmony between your pet and your partner. Here are some ways we suggest building a bond:

Gradual Introductions: Allow your pet to meet the new person slowly. Keep the initial interactions calm and low-pressure.

Positive Associations: Reward your pet during and after interactions with treats, praise, or playtime to help them associate your partner with positive experiences.

Routine Involvement: Encourage your partner to take part in daily activities like feeding, walks, or play sessions.

Respecting Boundaries: Let your pet set the pace. Avoid forcing interactions, as this can create unnecessary stress.

Open communication between you and your partner is essential. Celebrate small wins and approach the process as a team effort! With time and positive reinforcement, your pet can learn to trust and enjoy the company of your new partner.

Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day celebrations bring plenty of tasty treats, but some can be dangerous for your pets. Keep these common food hazards in mind to ensure your pets stay safe:

Dips and Seasonings
Super Bowl spreads often include onion dips, garlic-seasoned snacks, and other flavorful treats. Onions and garlic are toxic to pets and can damage their red blood cells, leading to anemia. Avoid sharing any seasoned foods with your pets.

Candy and Gum
Valentine’s Day treats like sugar-free candies and gum often contain xylitol, a sweetener that’s extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure. Keep all candy and gum securely stored away.

Chocolate
Chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple, but it’s highly toxic to pets. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Dark and baking chocolate are especially dangerous, so keep all chocolate treats out of reach, too.

Fatty Foods
Super Bowl favorites like wings, nachos, and cheese dips can upset your pet’s stomach and lead to pancreatitis. This painful condition can require emergency care, so avoid letting pets sneak any table scraps.

Alcohol and Caffeine
Drinks served at parties, such as beer or coffee, can be harmful to pets. Even small amounts of alcohol or caffeine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or more serious health issues.

Celebrate responsibly by keeping these foods away from your pets and offering them pet-safe treats instead. If you suspect your pet has consumed something harmful, contact your veterinarian right away.

With a little caution, you can enjoy Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day while keeping your pets happy and healthy!

Jade, a petite and playful 7-month-old kitten with an adorable little nubbin tail, came to the shelter needing specialized care for a leg fracture. Thanks to the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Jade received a fully funded fracture repair surgery, giving her a new chance to thrive.

While recovering in foster care, Jade has charmed everyone she meets with her incredibly sweet personality. She greets you with a loud, happy purr, keeps purring while playing, and even purrs while making expert "air biscuits" (she’ll let you trim her nails while she kneads away). Jade loves to snuggle up next to you, often reaching out as if she wants to hold hands.

The Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter make lifesaving care like Jade’s possible. If you’d like to support animals in need, visit www.ffcas.org to learn more or make a donation. Your support truly makes a difference!

Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl

It’s game time! Join us from Thursday, February 6, through Sunday, February 9 for this friendly rivalry between the Chief of Police and the Chief of Fire and Rescue! Adoption fees are waived for all large dogs (45 lbs. and over) during this event.
Don’t miss your chance to adopt your MVP!

Thursday, February 6 – Sunday, February 9
Michael R. Frey Campus and Lorton Campus

Learn More about Adoption, and Follow Us On Social Media!

Foster Information Sessions

Interested in joining our Foster Program, to take shelter pets home or to take dogs for daytime foster as part of our Power Hour Program? Sign up for an upcoming New Foster Information Session! Upcoming dates:

• Thursday, February 13, 5pm - Lorton Campus
• Thursday, February 27, 3pm - Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax
• Saturday, March 22, 9:30am - Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax
• Tuesday, March 25, 3pm - Lorton Campus

Learn More