Found a stray animal? You can make a big difference.

If you’ve come across a lost pet, you have a couple of options to help them. You can always call the Fairfax County non-emergency line, 703‑691‑2131, and one of our Animal Services Officers or staff will come pick up the stray pet.

You can also choose to keep the pet safely with you for a short time, which can often be the best way to get them back home.

By safely housing the animal, you give them comfort, reduce stress, and often help reunite them with their family faster than a shelter intake. We’ll provide vet care, vaccines, a microchip scan, food, and supplies to help you care for the pet temporarily. This approach helps us reserve shelter space for animals with nowhere else to go while giving found pets a calm, home-like environment until their owners are located.

How it works when you find a stray animal:

1. Get in touch with us.

• Call 703-324-0299 (TTY Relay: 711) during our open hours.
  • Closed Monday, 12-5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 12-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• If it’s after hours, call the Fairfax County non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.

2. Tell us a little about the animal.

• We’ll ask a few quick questions, like:
  • Where you and the animal are located
  • What kind of animal it is
  • Whether you noticed any tags or identifying marks
  • If you’re able to safely keep the animal temporarily

3. We’ll come to you.

• A team member will head your way as soon as possible with supplies. We’ll take photos of the animal and provide things like food, a collar or leash, litter and a litter box for cats, and anything else you might need if you choose to keep them with you.

4. We handle the search for the owner.

• After the visit, we take care of checking lost and found reports, scanning the pet’s microchip, and coordinating a safe return to their family.