Animal Shelter

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays. Please note: We take our last adoption application 30 minutes before closing.
8875 Lorton Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Reasa Currier
Director

Department Resources

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Vaccine and Microchip Information

Our Vaccine and Microchip Clinic offers Fairfax County residents core vaccinations, including the rabies vaccine, DHPPi (canine distemper) vaccine and FVRCP (feline distemper) vaccine, as well as microchips and dog licenses. 

If you have any questions about Vaccine and Microchip Clinics, vaccines offered at the clinics or microchipping your pet, please email our Pet Resource Center.
 

Rabies Vaccine Information

The Commonwealth of Virginia requires pets to receive a rabies vaccination before four months (16 weeks) of age. The minimum age for a rabies vaccine is three months (12 weeks), and animals are not considered immunized for at least 28 days following vaccination.

Your pets’ vaccination schedule will vary based on their age and vaccination history.

Age Recommended Vaccination Schedule
12 weeks to one year or no proof of vaccination One rabies vaccine with a duration of one year
Over 1 year old and proof of previous rabies vaccine One rabies vaccine every three years

 

DHPPi (Canine Distemper) Vaccine Information

The DHPPi vaccine, also known as canine distemper, is a core vaccination that provides dogs immunization against several serious viruses, including Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus Types 1 and 2, Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Canine Parvovirus.

Your pets’ vaccination schedule will vary based on their age and vaccination history.

Age Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Six to 20 weeks Distemper vaccine every three to four weeks until 20 weeks of age
20 weeks to one year old Three distemper vaccines, three to four weeks apart 
Over one year old and never vaccinated (or no vaccination documentation) Two distemper vaccines, three to four  weeks apart 
Over one year old and documentation of previous  
vaccine series 		 One distemper vaccine every three years

 

FVRCP (Feline Distemper) Vaccine Information

The FVRCP vaccine, also known as feline distemper, is a core vaccination that provides cats immunization against several serious viruses, including Feline Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia. 

Your pets’ vaccination schedule will vary based on their age and vaccination history.

Age Recommended Vaccination Schedule
Six to 20 weeks Distemper vaccine every three to four weeks until 20 weeks of age 
20 weeks to one year old Three distemper vaccines, three to four weeks apart 
Over one year old and never vaccinated (or no vaccination documentation) Two distemper vaccines, three to four weeks apart 
Over one year old and documentation of previous  
vaccine series 		 One distemper vaccine every three years

 

Microchip Information

Microchips are an important tool in reuniting lost pets with their families and are one of the first things we check for when a stray pet comes through our shelter doors!

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. 

When your pet receives a microchip at our Vaccine and Microchip Clinic, your microchip will be registered within five business days of implantation at no cost to you. You will then receive an email from 24Petprotect to create an account and complete the registration. 

Vaccine and Microchip FAQs

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal. It is transmitted through direct contact with the saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. 

Rabies is typically spread through bites from rabid animals. While uncommon, there is a rare possibility for people to contract rabies through non-bite exposures, such as scratches, abrasions or open wounds that come into contact with saliva or other potentially infectious substances from a rabid animal.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

  • Keep children and pets away from all wildlife 
  • Keep your pets’ rabies vaccine up to date 
  • Always walk your dogs on a leash 
  • Secure any possible wildlife food sources such as trash cans 
  • Do not keep wild animals as pets 
  • Report any bites or strange behavior by wildlife to the Fairfax County Animal Protection Police by calling 703-691-2131 

If you have had any encounters with wildlife or unknown animals, especially if there were bites or severe scratches involved, please consult with a healthcare or public health expert to assess the potential risk of rabies or other illnesses.

If you are bitten by a wild animal, stray dog or stray cat: 

  • Wash the wound with soap and water immediately  
  • Seek medical attention 
  • Report the incident to the Fairfax County Animal Protection Police by calling 703-691-2131 

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and are implanted just under the skin of a pet, typically between the shoulder blades. 

When a specialized microchip scanner passes over the microchip, radio waves activate the chip and it transmits the identification number to the scanner. Establishments such as animal shelters and veterinary offices can use this identification number to look up the pet guardian’s contact information.

Guardian information that can be attached to a microchip number includes your address, phone numbers and email addresses as well as contact information for any emergency contacts you have identified.

To get your pet home as quickly as possible, it is important to keep this information updated if you move or change your phone number! 

No, microchips do not have GPS-tracking functionality.

Microchips allow you to be reunited with your pet as quickly as possible. If your pet is lost or stolen, their unique microchip number that is registered with your information will identify you as their guardian. 

Microchips are administered similarly to a vaccine. They are sterilely implanted underneath the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades by inserting a needle containing the microchip. There is no sedation or pain medication required, and it takes just a few seconds.

Administering a microchip feels about the same as receiving a vaccination. Your pet may be tender in the area for the day, but lasting pain or complications are very rare.

When your pet receives a microchip at our Vaccine and Microchip Clinic, your microchip will be registered within five business days of implantation at no cost to you. You will then receive an email from 24Petprotect to create an account and complete the registration. 

If you don't receive an email from 24Petprotect, please email the Pet Resource Center.

You can update your contact information through your 24Petprotect account. If you are unsure what your email address or password is, you will need to contact 24Petprotect support directly.

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