The Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) is currently experiencing an increase of canine upper respiratory infections in the shelter’s dog population. While it is common to have a few dogs with upper respiratory infections (URIs) at any given time, occasionally URIs can spread through a shelter population quickly and cause more dogs to experience symptoms.

FCAS is currently experiencing the two most common factors that can lead to an increase in URI prevalence in shelters: more dogs than usual in the shelter’s care and prolonged length of stay. Shelter environments and other places where large numbers of animals are housed or congregate can be ideal for illness to incubate and spread. URIs are usually viral and spread through respiratory droplets, thriving in humid environments, and exacerbated by stress.

Under the direction of our shelter veterinarians, FCAS has robust daily cleaning protocols, shelter staff are carefully monitoring all dogs for symptoms, and we are awaiting PCR test results so we can learn more about the illness.

Here are three ways to help our shelter dogs:

Adopt! – The very best place for dogs to recover is out of the shelter and in a home environment, and dogs with mild symptoms will continue to be available for adoption. ALL available dogs are available for our five-day, no-strings-attached Adoption Audition Program!

(Cats and small animal adoptions help, too, as fewer pets in the shelter overall allows staff to devote more time and attention to sick dogs!)

Foster! – If you have no other dogs at home and can foster a large dog for two weeks, please email the shelter at animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov with the subject line “Two-week large dog foster.”

Postpone surrendering – In order to keep our shelter dogs safe and healthy, we've temporarily suspended all owner surrendered dogs. We are only accepting essential intakes, such as sick or injured dogs and those posing a threat to public safety.

Shelter Locations/Hours

FCAS has two campuses: 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax and 8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton. The shelters are open Tuesday through Sunday – Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Mondays.

For more information on available pets, open hours, adoption process, and more, visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt