Animal Shelter

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.
8875 Lorton Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Reasa Currier
Director

Department Resources

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Adoption Auditions

Are you thinking about adopting a pet and want to see whether it feels like a good fit before committing? Do you want to help an animal in need? Our Adoption Audition program offers a trial period, allowing you to see if it’s a good match—no strings attached! You’ll bring a pet home with you and, after five days, our team will reach out to see if you would like to adopt them, or return the pet to our shelter.

brown mixed-breed dog with a tennis ball in his mouth

How does it work?

  1. Visit our Shelters: Come by our Michael R. Frey Campus or Lorton Campus during open hours. No sign-up or appointment is needed!
  2. Go Home With Your Adoption Audition Pet: You will go home with your Adoption Audition pet the same day! Our team will make sure you have all the information you need and answer any questions you may have.
  3. Check in With Our Team: After five days, our team will reach out to you to see if you would like to adopt or return the pet to the shelter for staff to learn all about how their experience in a home was!
     

Pets Available for Adoption Auditions

All dogs, along with select other species (such as cats and rabbits) listed below, are eligible for adoption auditions. Click on the pet's profile to learn more about them!

Adoption Auditions FAQ

This program is available to residents of Virginia, who must also:

  1. Must be at least 18 years old, with a photo ID.
  2. Provide rabies vaccination certificate(s) for any current dogs and/or cats in the home.
  3. Have dog licenses for any current dogs (if you live in Fairfax County).
  4. Show proof that you’re allowed to have the pet where you live (ex: proof of home ownership, lease with pet addendum, letter/email from landlord/homeowner).

All dogs, as well as select pets of other species (such as cats and rabbits), are eligible for Adoption Auditions!

To check if a pet is eligible for the Adoption Audition program:

  1. Check the List on This Page: At the top of this page, you'll find a list of eligible pets that is updated continuously and in real-time.
  2. Visit Our Shelters: When visiting our shelters, our Customer Care team can help you identify which pets are part of the program.
  3. Read the Pet's Adoption Profile: Look for a note in the pet’s adoption profile on our website indicating eligibility.

Remember, all dogs, along with select other species, such as cats and rabbits, are eligible for adoption auditions.

If you find that the pet isn't quite the right match for your family, that is perfectly okay! You can bring them back to the shelter. Your time with the pet not only gives them a break from the shelter but also provides us with valuable insights into the pet’s personality. Your experience helps us gain a deeper understanding of the pet's needs in a home environment, helping us to match them with their future family!

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