For immediate emergencies, dial 911. For animal-related emergencies or assistance, continue to call the Department of Public Safety Communications non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Whether your call is related to a stray animal, wildlife concern or an animal welfare situation, dispatch procedures will remain the same. Animal Services Officers will be dispatched just like current Animal Protection Police Officers and will be equipped with portable radios and mobile dispatch terminals to ensure efficient and timely response.

The transition of animal control services to the Department of Animal Services will take place in phases throughout 2025, with full implementation expected by the first quarter of 2026.

During this period, services will continue without interruption.

During the transition, both Animal Protection Police Officers and Animal Services Officers may respond to calls, depending on the type of incident and the phase of implementation.

Once the transition is complete, Animal Services Officers will respond to animal-related calls, especially those involving issues such as stray animals, animal welfare concerns, and injured wildlife. In cases involving significant or immediate public safety threats, sworn law enforcement officers from the Fairfax County Police Department will remain involved as appropriate.

The primary difference between Animal Protection Police Officers and Animal Services Officers is that Animal Services Officers are non-sworn and operate under the Department of Animal Services. Animal Protection Police Officers were previously under the Fairfax County Police Department.

Animal Services Officers will:

• Enforce state and local laws related to animal care, treatment, and control.
• Investigate animal cruelty and neglect, rabies exposure, and bite cases.
• Obtain search warrants, seize animals when necessary, and appear in court.
• Partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Offer a compassionate, service-oriented approach, helping pet owners access shelter programs, including:
  • Behavior and training support
  • Free pet food and supplies
  • The Pet Haven program for domestic violence survivors
  • Pet-friendly housing assistance
  • Free and low-cost veterinary care

Animal Service Officers will complete comprehensive training in:

• Animal handling and restraint
• Investigation procedures
• State and local animal laws
• Wildlife response
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution
• Community engagement and public education

Animal Service Officers are required to complete a state-mandated academy that is taught by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and industry experts. Aside from state-mandated training, the Department of Animal Services will be requiring the staff to be trained and proficient in firearms. Department of Animal Services expects preliminary training for Animal Service Officers to be approximately three months once hired.

Yes. Animal Service Officers will be trained to safely and humanely resolve wildlife concerns, including those involving animals that are unnaturally confined, sick, injured, or orphaned. They will work in coordination with licensed wildlife rehabilitators and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources when appropriate.

Yes. The Fairfax County Police Department will continue to operate the Wildlife Management Program, which includes oversight of the Deer Management Program and wildlife disease surveillance. 

Yes, Animal Services Officers will wear a standardized uniform that makes them easily identifiable while serving the community. See the uniform here.

Updates will continue to be posted to this webpage as the transition progresses.