Event Details

• Dates: Thursday through Sunday, February 6-9.
• Special Offer: Fee-waived adoptions for dogs 45 pounds and up.
• Locations:
  • Michael R. Frey Campus: 4500 West Ox Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Lorton Campus: 8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton, VA 22079

Get ready for an electrifying showdown! The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is thrilled to announce the return of the Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl for the second year in a row! This exciting adoption event, featuring fee-waived adoptions for dogs 45 pounds and larger, runs from Thursday through Sunday, February 6 to 9.

This unique event brings a fun twist to adoption. Fairfax County Fire Chief John Butler and Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis will each lead a "team" of adoptable dogs. The winning team will be determined by the number of dogs adopted during the event. It’s a friendly competition with a serious mission: finding loving homes for as many large dogs as possible.

A Shelter Full of Large Dogs in Need of Loving Homes

This event couldn’t come at a better time. The shelter’s kennels are nearly full, and large dogs typically wait the longest to be adopted.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Chief vs. Chief Adoption Bowl back for the second year,” says Reasa Currier, Director of Fairfax County Animal Shelter. “We have so many amazing dogs in our shelters, and this event will help these MVPs score a touchdown into a loving home. With Chief Butler and Chief Davis acting as ‘coaches’ for each team, large dogs will take center stage in this fun and friendly competition. We’re incredibly grateful to the Fairfax County Fire and Police Departments for their support.

How to Participate 

Visit either of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter campuses — the Michael R. Frey Campus, 4500 West Ox Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030, or the Lorton Campus, 8875 Lorton Rd., Lorton, VA 22079. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointments are required for adoptions. 

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday: Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Mondays.  

For more information about the adoption process and to see pets available for adoption, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt. 

About Fairfax County Animal Shelter: 

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is the open-access municipal shelter for Fairfax County, committed to providing the highest quality of care to pets. Last year, the shelter accepted nearly 4,000 companion animals and impacted the lives of thousands more through community-based programs and services. With a consistent live release rate of over 90%, the shelter prioritizes the well-being and happiness of every animal in its care.