Clear The Shelters is a national fee-waived pet adoption event presented in partnership with NBC and Telemundo stations. It’s designed to help pets find new homes and raise awareness about shelter adoptions!

1. Find Your Match: See all available pets in person at our Michael R. Frey Campus and Lorton Campus during open hours, or browse adoptable dogs, cats and small animals online. Each profile lists which adoption center the pet is located in.

2. Learn More and Meet the Pet: If you meet a pet you’d like to adopt, complete an adoption questionnaire (available at the shelter). A member of our customer care team will review the pet’s medical and behavior information with you.

3. Make It Official: We offer same-day adoptions, which means most pets can go home the same day they're adopted!

Full details are available at fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt/steps.

No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome, and adoptions are first-come, first-served.

Yes! During Clear The Shelters, adoption fees are waived for all adoptable pets of all ages, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and more.

You’ll find a variety of pets looking for new homes, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, birds, reptiles and more. Please refer to fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt for the most up-to-date adoptable pet profiles. Once a pet is adopted, their profile will no longer appear on our website.

Please note: We don't maintain a waitlist, and adoptions are first-come, first-served.

Yes! Our Adoption Audition program is still available during Clear The Shelters. It’s perfect if you’re thinking about adopting and want to make sure it’s the right match before committing. Adoption Auditions are available for all dogs and select pets.

Learn more: fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adoption-audition-program

Adoptions include everything you need to get started with your new pet!

All adopted cats, dogs and rabbits are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before going home. You'll also receive a starter supply of food to help transition your pet to their new diet, and a voucher for one free wellness exam at a participating veterinary clinic. Plus, thanks to our nonprofit fundraising partner Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, every adopted dog goes home with a leash and every adopted cat with a collar and nametag.