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It is the biggest adoption event of the season—and we are ready to help every pet go home. Clear the Shelters, the nationwide adoption campaign sponsored by NBC and Telemundo, returns Friday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Aug. 31—and we’re waiving adoption fees all weekend long!
From exuberant adolescents to mature pups, curious cats to laid-back lap bunnies—every animal in our care deserves a family. This national campaign has always made a huge impact in Fairfax County, and with your help, we are ready to do it again.
Last year, 103 pets were adopted in just three days during Clear the Shelters. This year, we want to top that.
Event Details:
When: Friday, Aug. 29 – Sunday, Aug. 31
Where: Michael R. Frey Campus, Lorton Campus
What: All adoption fees waived
Whether you are planning to adopt or just want to share the message, you are helping make this a community-wide success.
As we gear up for Clear the Shelters, we are shining a light on a couple of our most patient residents—pets who have been overlooked time and time again, but who are just as deserving of love. From a silly dog made of spare parts to a gentle rabbit with red eyes and a soft heart, these pets have been waiting for their moment. Maybe this is it.
Chestnut | 2 years old
Chestnut has the kind of calm, steady presence that makes you pause and smile. She is gentle, friendly and even jumps into laps when the mood strikes. But as a white rabbit with ruby-red eyes, she is often overlooked.
Chestnut came to us with a group of rabbits from a home that became overwhelmed. She has known chaos and crowding—and now she is ready for something simpler: a quiet space, soft bedding and a person who sees her for the sweet companion she is.
A volunteer said, “Chestnut jumped into my lap and didn’t want to leave. She’s a wonderful rabbit—calm, kind and full of love.”
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Sobe | 1 year, 8 months
Sobe is made of joy, silliness and possibly leftover parts from three different dogs. He has too much skin, a tongue that doesn’t stay in his mouth and the personality of Scooby Doo. But somehow? It works, and we simply adore him.
He is hilarious, sweet, affectionate, and full of charisma. He also loves lap time—despite being 60 pounds—and he has done well with other dogs.
Sobe would do best with a dog-savvy adopter who appreciates big feelings, big zoomies and big cuddles.
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If you have considered adoption but aren’t quite ready to commit, we have a great option for you—Adoption Audition! This special trial program lets Virginia residents take home a shelter pet for five days to see if it is a good fit—no pressure, no commitment.
Adoption Auditions will be available during Clear the Shelters!
You will bring a pet home, get to know them in your own space and after five days we will check in to see how it went. If it feels like a match, you can finalize the adoption. If not, the pet returns to the shelter—armed with new insights to help us find their perfect home.
How it works:
• Stop by either campus in Fairfax or Lorton during open hours—no appointment needed!
• Take a pet on an Adoption Audition the same day.
• We will follow up in five days to hear how it went and walk you through next steps.
If you take them home during Clear the Shelters, but adopt several days later, your adoption fee will still be waived!
As the school year starts and schedules shift, your pets may feel the difference more than you realize. After a summer of company and activity, the quiet that comes with back-to-school can be confusing—especially for dogs and cats who have gotten used to having their people around.
Why It Matters
Dogs and cats both thrive on routine. Sudden changes in activity, attention or environment can lead to stress. Pets may react with vocalizing, hiding, pacing, accidents or changes in appetite or behavior.
Any sudden or significant change in your pet's behavior may be a signal that they need more support as the household settles into its new rhythm.
Watch for These Signs
Dogs: Barking, chewing, pacing, accidents or excessive clinginess
Cats: Hiding, decreased appetite, overgrooming or misuse of litter box
How to Help
• Stick to a schedule: Keep feeding, play and enrichment times consistent.
• Start small: Practice brief separations so it’s not a sudden change.
• Keep them busy: Use puzzles, treat games and provide window views for cats.
• Give comfort: Beds, familiar smells and safe spots help pets relax.
• Watch closely: If behavior changes, slow down and adjust.
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Back-to-school time can be a big shift, but with a little structure and patience, your pets can adjust smoothly. Routines, consistency and positive outlets for stress and energy go a long way toward helping them feel safe and secure.
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Helped by Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter: Spotlight on Booker the Dog
Booker, a one-year-old pup, came to FCAS with a torn cruciate ligament in his hind leg, an injury that required orthopedic surgery to heal. Thanks to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Booker received the TPLO surgery he needed and has been working hard on his recovery ever since.
Booker was one of our longest-stay dogs until he recently went on an Adoption Audition. His auditioners decided he was such a good boy that they had to make him a permanent member of the family and adopted him several days later! We are so happy he can continue his recovery with a family who adores him. Thank you to his adopters and Friends!
If you’d like to learn more about helping pets like Booker, visit www.ffcas.org.
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Upcoming Events
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 no pre-registration or appointment required.
Upcoming Clinics:
Friday, Aug. 22, 9 to 11 a.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 9 to 11 a.m.
Fairfax Center Fire Station 40
4621 Legato Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
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Summer Lunch & Learn Series: Understanding Your Dog's Behavior with Dr. Amy Pike
Join Reasa Currier, Director of the Fairfax County Department of Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Pike, Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist and Co-Owner of the Animal Behavior Wellness Center. Dr. Pike will share expert insights to help you better understand your dog’s behavior and build a stronger bond.
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Virtual
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Save the Date: Fall Fur-ward - A Celebration of Our Expanded Services
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Saturday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Join us for a family fun day to celebrate our expanded services as the newly named Fairfax County Animal Services. Meet adoptable pets and enjoy food, crafts and activities for all ages!
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