Fairfax County, VA – Fairfax County Animal Services (FCAS) is joining the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® event this weekend, May 15-17, as part of the national effort celebrating the program’s 10th anniversary.

By waiving all fees, FCAS aims to make adoption as accessible as possible for individuals and families in the Fairfax County. Residents are encouraged to visit, meet adoptable pets, and help give animals in need a fresh start.

WHAT: Fairfax County Animal Services is waiving all adoption fees May 15–17 as part of BISSELL Pet Foundation’s national Empty the Shelters® event.

WHO: Fairfax County Animal Services and the BISSELL Pet Foundation

WHEN:    

• Friday, May 15  from noon–7 p.m.
• Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 17 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

WHERE:     

• Michael R. Frey Campus | 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030  
• Lorton Campus | 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton Virginia 22079

VISUALS: Media are invited to attend during open hours to capture photos and video of adoptable pets meeting their future families. Visuals include adoptable pets, shelter staff, volunteers, and community members.

QUOTES: 

• “Waiving adoption fees for the weekend as part of Empty the Shelters® helps make the decision to adopt easier for families,” said Reasa Currier, Director of FCAS. “When an animal finds a home, it opens space for us to support the next pet who needs safety, medical care, and meaningful support, and it underscores the remarkable role our community plays in helping animals move forward.”
• “Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters® began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible pets in shelters,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring. This impact has all been possible thanks to the commitment of shelters, adopters, donors and supporters across the country. As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.”  

About Fairfax County Animal Services

Fairfax County Animal Services (FCAS) delivers compassionate, high‑quality care for animals while partnering with the community to support their safety and well‑being. FCAS cares for nearly 20,000 animals each year through its two open‑access campuses and key programs, including adoption and reunification, foster and volunteer engagement, community cat outreach, and animal control and humane investigations. Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov/animalservices. 

About BISSELL Pet Foundation  

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 6,025 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.  

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