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

Winter Wildlife Classes with A.E.R.O.

Back by Popular Demand: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is thrilled to host the Animal Education and Rescue Organization (A.E.R.O.) presenting its Winter Wildlife Class series!

A.E.R.O. is comprised of licensed and insured at-home wildlife rehabbers throughout Northern Virginia, and provides educational classes for the public, current wildlife rehabbers, and individuals interested in beginning their journey with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. The A.E.R.O. Winter Wildlife Class series includes:

  • Wildlife Rescue 101: Prevention, humane solutions, and when to call for help
  • Renesting and Reuniting Baby Animals: Bridging conservation and construction (with education turtles, if space allows)
  • Keeping Wildlife Alive - The First 24 Hours: Feeding, habitat, and nest boxes done right
  • Coexisting and Being a Good Wildlife Neighbor: Seasonality, rescues, and common myths
  • PLUS a special edition add-on class: Not Every Snake with a Pattern is a Copperhead! presented by Bill Crisp

Each class will offer hands-on practice, informative presentations, and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with other wildlife enthusiasts. We highly encourage you to attend all five classes to gain a comprehensive understanding of wildlife rescue and care.

All classes will be held at our Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax.

Registration is required, and space is limited!

All ages welcome!

Classes are free to attend.

October Winter Wildlife Class: Wildlife Rescue 101

Learn the foundational skills of wildlife rescue! This class covers safe handling techniques, essential rescue tools, and safety protocols to ensure both you and the animals stay safe during rescue operations. Ideal for new and experienced rescuers alike.

Each class will offer hands-on practice, informative presentations, and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with other wildlife enthusiasts. We highly encourage you to attend all five classes to gain a comprehensive understanding of wildlife rescue and care.

This class will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Register here!

November Winter Wildlife Class: Renesting and Reuniting Baby Animals

Discover how to renest and reunite young wildlife with their families. This class will focus on reuniting baby animals with their parents and safely returning them to the wild, helping to reduce unnecessary rehabilitation cases.

Each class will offer hands-on practice, informative presentations, and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with other wildlife enthusiasts. We highly encourage you to attend all five classes to gain a comprehensive understanding of wildlife rescue and care.

This class will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

Register here!

December Winter Wildlife Class: Keeping Wildlife Alive - The First 24 Hours

When wildlife is injured or displaced, the first 24 hours are critical. Learn how to provide immediate care, including first aid, proper handling, and nutritional support to stabilize animals until they can be transferred to a rehabilitation center.

Each class will offer hands-on practice, informative presentations, and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with other wildlife enthusiasts. We highly encourage you to attend all five classes to gain a comprehensive understanding of wildlife rescue and care.

*Please note: this is not a class to teach about rehab. Long-term rehab is much different, and this is no substitution to a licensed rehabber.*

This class will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

Register here!

January Winter Wildlife Class: Coexisting and Being a Good Wildlife Neighbor

Promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife! This class will explore ways to live alongside native species, address common conflicts, and foster a deeper understanding of our natural world.

Each class will offer hands-on practice, informative presentations, and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with other wildlife enthusiasts. We highly encourage you to attend all five classes to gain a comprehensive understanding of wildlife rescue and care.

This class will be held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Register here!

February Winter Wildlife Class: Not Every Snake with a Pattern is a Copperhead!

Snakes are among the most misunderstood animals, often feared and killed due to lack of knowledge. Join Bill Crisp for an engaging session on Northern Virginia’s native snakes—because “not every snake with a pattern is a Copperhead!” Learn why snakes are beneficial, how to identify them and their mimics, ways to deter them from your property, and the truth behind common myths, with a special focus on Eastern Copperheads. Snake ambassadors will also be on display for a safe, up-close experience, alongside exhibits highlighting local reptiles and wildlife.

Each class will offer hands-on practice, informative presentations, and the opportunity to ask questions and engage with other wildlife enthusiasts. 

This class will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

Register Here!
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