Animal Services

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.
4500 West Ox Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Reasa Currier
Director

Department Resources

How Kids Can Help

Looking for ways for kids to lend a helping paw? Kids can earn a Humane Hero Award by organizing supply or monetary collections for FCAS or by participating in other fun off-site activities.

Please note that you must be 18 years or older to volunteer at our shelters. For more information on volunteering, visit our volunteer page.

Crafting items from our suggested list is another great way to contribute while showcasing your creativity. Simply drop off your donations at the front desk and commemorate your efforts by picking up your award!

Below are a few project ideas—download the full list for even more options:

  1. Hold a Supply Drive: Collect donations from our wish lists to help shelter pets! Items like toys, leashes, and food are always needed. Check out our wish lists, foster program, and Pet Pantry on our donation page.
  2. Gift a Gift Card: Have an unused gift card? The shelter can use gift cards to major retailers to buy essential supplies.
  3. Spread the Word Online & Offline: Help pets find homes by telling friends, family, and classmates about adoptable animals and shelter events. Follow us on social media, share posts, and tag friends! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
  4. Promote Pets with Posters or Graphics: Create eye-catching flyers or digital designs for adoptable pets. Pick a pet that needs a home, make a flyer, and ask local businesses if you can post it. Digital designs can also be shared online to boost visibility!
  5. Write Letters or Thank-You Notes: Brighten someone's day with a kind note! Write letters to shelter staff, volunteers, or adopters to thank them for caring for animals.
  6. Treat the Shelter Staff & Volunteers: Show appreciation by bringing store-bought snacks, coffee, or small self-care items like lotion or lip balm.

While we appreciate homemade gestures, we regret to inform you that we cannot accept homemade animal treats for safety reasons. 

Humane Hero Award

Be sure to pick up a Humane Hero Award to commemorate any achievement you or your community group has accomplished to support FCAS. Just ask the front desk staff at either campus. 

Visiting Our Campuses

Kids are welcome to visit both of our locations when dropping off completed projects or donations and picking up a Humane Hero Award. Guests may take a self‑guided walk through the adoption areas to see our adoptable pets. For optional onsite activities, you can print the FCAS Activity Book to use during your visit or at home.

Before visiting, please keep these guidelines in mind so the experience is safe and calm for both animals and visitors:

  • Choose the Lorton Campus. It is larger, brighter, and better suited for group visits.
  • Plan your visit for less busy times. Weekend afternoons tend to be very crowded.
  • Ensure adequate adult supervision. Adults should stay with and guide youth visitors at all times.
  • Keep hands and fingers out of kennels and enclosures. This helps prevent accidental bites or scratches.
  • Break large groups into smaller ones. Smaller groups help reduce stress on the animals and improve the visitor experience.
  • Use quiet voices and calm movements. This helps keep the animals relaxed and comfortable.
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Fairfax Virtual Assistant