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

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Volunteer Program

Volunteers play an important role in our shelter’s work. From welcoming visitors and helping pets find their perfect match, to offering calm, supportive care to animals of many species, volunteers make a meaningful difference every day. They also help us stay on top of everyday tasks like dishes and laundry, which keep shelter operations running smoothly. 

If you’re looking for a unique way to support a mission-driven animal shelter, connect with animals, meet new people, and learn new skills, we’d love for you

 to consider joining our volunteer team! We deeply appreciate the time and dedication our volunteers share with us, and we truly couldn’t do all that we do without them.

General requirements to become an in-house volunteer:

  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Unfortunately, we’re not able to make exceptions, even with a parent or guardian.
  • Be able to commit to at least 18 hours per quarter and volunteer with us for a minimum of six months.
  • Have access to a computer so you can receive important email updates and manage your volunteer schedule.
  • Understand that some volunteer roles involve more physical activity or animal‑handling skills and may include additional requirements.
  • Commit to treating all animals and people with respect and kindness!

In-house volunteer onboarding process:

  1. Register for and attend a virtual New Volunteer Information Session. These sessions are usually offered monthly, and the volunteer areas we are recruiting for may change depending on the shelter’s needs.
  2. Complete a volunteer application. You will receive the application only after attending the New Volunteer Information Session, and it is not available online.
  3. Attend a group Orientation Session.
  4. Participate in a Mentor Session for hands-on training in your chosen volunteer area.
  5. Begin signing up for volunteer shifts!

Please note: this onboarding process usually takes 3-4 weeks from attendance at a New Volunteer Information Session.

Interested in becoming an in-house volunteer?

Visit our Upcoming Events page for upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions and to see which volunteer areas we are currently recruiting for. Sessions are offered by volunteer area at one or both of our campuses, so be sure to review the details before signing up.

If there are no dates visible, it means all the upcoming sessions are full. There is no waitlist. Please check back to view future dates!

View Upcoming Sessions

Fairfax Virtual Assistant