Fairfax County animal control services have moved under the Department of Animal Services (formerly the Department of Animal Sheltering). Animal Services Officers will respond to animal-related calls involving wildlife that are unnaturally confined, sick, injured, or orphaned. Animal Services Officers can be reached through the Public Safety Communications non-emergency number at (703) 691-2131. 

More Information

Wildlife rehabilitators provide professional care to sick, injured, orphaned and “kidnapped” wildlife. Wildlife rehabilitators are dedicated in their efforts to ensure comprehensive and humane care. The goal is to return healthy wild animals to their natural habitat.

Wildlife rehabilitators are required to have a valid Virginia permit. Information on how to become a certified wildlife rehabilitator OR to contact a certified wildlife rehabilitator.

It is important to recognize the species you are attempting to rescue and its species-specific ecology and behavior. In many instances, “orphaned wildlife” are not actually orphaned, abandoned, or in distress. Most commonly kidnapped young animals are:

• Birds (fledglings have feathers and open eyes, unable to fully fly yet)
• Deer (fawns left unattended by their mother during daylight)
• Rabbits (young rabbits left unattended by their mother during the daylight)
• Turtles (Independent upon hatching from egg)

Visit Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for more information.