Many northern Virginia public animal shelters – including the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington – are reporting much higher than usual numbers of small animals in their care. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter has so many rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, parakeets, and other small animals that shelter staff have needed to expand into the shelter’s lobby, training room, and cat holding spaces in order to accommodate all the small animal enclosures.

“Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and birds are all wonderful companions. If you are thinking about adding a small pet to your family, our knowledgeable team of staff and volunteers will happily assist you with finding a match that works best for you,” says Reasa Currier, Director of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

To help promote small animal adoptions, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and the Fairfax County Animal Shelter are hosting adoption events this Sunday, June 26. Adoption fees at both shelters will be waived for all small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, hamsters, small birds, ferrets, and other small animals. Normal adoption process and requirements apply.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s event is from 12-4pm, walk-ins welcome and no appointments required; the shelter is located at 2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington VA 22206. For available pets and adoption info: www.awla.org/adopt/small-animals/ 

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s event is from 12-5pm, walk-ins welcome and no appointments required for small animals; the shelter is located at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax VA 22030. The first five adopters will receive goodie bags with supplies, courtesy of the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. For available pets and adoption info: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt