Thank you for helping make this year’s Clear the Shelters an overwhelming success!

A total of 180 pets found new homes during the event, and with the 33 adoptions earlier in the week, that is 213 adoptions in just one week.

We also had many more pets go out on Adoption Auditions during the event, and many of those pets were adopted from their auditions.

This would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community, staff and volunteers. From processing adoptions, to caring for every pet, to helping families find their perfect match—you made this week unforgettable.

A special thank you goes to our volunteers who hit the streets to spread the word, and to the local businesses and organizations that helped by posting flyers and sharing the event's information. Your partnership made all the difference!

As September unfolds and temperatures dip in Fairfax County, a grand migration scene begins. From raptors soaring on thermals to songbirds seeking forest refuges, this season marks a pivotal time of movement and survival. Here is how wildlife is on the move, and what you can do to help.

Migration in the Commonwealth

Virginia lies along the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America's major bird migration routes, making our region a vital stopover for countless species. Raptors like broad-winged hawks and sharp-shinned hawks migrate during the day and offer spectacular viewing opportunities at hawkwatch sites such as Rockfish Gap and Snickers Gap.

Warblers and other songbirds, mostly traveling at night, depend on forested refuges across the state, especially the Eastern Shore and Shenandoah Valley, for safe daytime rest and fueling.

What Is at Risk—and What You Can Do

Window Collisions and Light Pollution
At night, migrating birds navigate by the stars. Bright city lights and reflective windows can disorient them, often with deadly results. You can help by turning off non-essential outdoor lights during peak migration nights and using decals or screens on large windows.

Outdoor Cats and Road Hazards
Exhausted or disoriented birds are more vulnerable to predation and vehicle strikes. Keeping cats indoors, especially during migration season, is one of the most impactful steps you can take to protect songbirds.

A Season of Transition

Autumn reminds us that the natural world runs on rhythms of preparation, rest and renewal. By making small changes—turning out lights, adding native plants, leaving safe cover—we help ensure that the skies and forests remain safe for our migratory neighbors.

Learn More in Our Upcoming Winter Wildlife Class Series

Do you want to dive deeper into how to support wildlife year-round? The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is thrilled to partner with the Animal Education and Rescue Organization (A.E.R.O.) for our Winter Wildlife Class Series. Licensed rehabilitators and local experts will cover topics like:

Wildlife Rescue Techniques: safe handling and first response
Renesting and Reuniting: how to reunite baby animals with their families
Emergency Care: The First 24 Hours: what to do before a rehabilitator can help

Classes begin this winter—stay tuned for full dates and registration details!

As the county’s population boomed, so did the number of animals needing shelter. Kennel space filled quickly.

Early partnerships with local rescue groups began to take shape, and the community’s voice grew louder in calling for expanded services and more humane practices.

2000s — A New Vision

In the 2000s, the shelter underwent a significant expansion. Bright adoption rooms, an improved veterinary suite and a dedicated small animal space helped transform the shelter from a holding facility into a welcoming adoption center. Volunteer and foster programs also grew during this era, adding community hands and hearts to sheltering work.

2010s — Building Momentum

With public demand for animal welfare at an all-time high, FCAS deepened its focus on lifesaving programs, including services for community cats, expanded foster opportunities and a surge of adoption events that brought thousands of pets into new homes each year.

In 2022, the shelter’s long-anticipated Lorton Campus opened its doors. Designed with community spaces, play yards and modern adoption areas, the new facility allowed FCAS to double its reach, serving the southern part of the county and easing crowding at the shelter on West Ox Road.

Today and Tomorrow

In 2024, FCAS created a Field Services Division as animal control services officially transitioned to the Department of Animal Services. With this expansion, a team of Animal Services Officers now serves our community, working every day to reunite lost pets, protect animal welfare and assist residents with animal-related concerns.

Our two campuses and new division mean our work now extends far beyond our walls through adoption, education, outreach, volunteerism and pet retention programs. Together, these changes mean we are more than just a shelter—we are Fairfax County Animal Services. The name may be new and the services broader, but the heart remains the same: ensuring every pet in Fairfax County has the chance for a safe, loving home and helping people and pets stay together.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

This fall, we are not just reflecting on our history; we are celebrating the future. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at our Lorton Campus for Fall Fur-ward, a special community event marking our expanded services and our rebranding as Fairfax County Animal Services.

Fall Fur-ward will be a family-friendly day filled with food, crafts, activities and opportunities to connect with residents, local organizations and community partners. It is a way to honor how far we have come and look ahead to the future of animal services in Fairfax County!

Poppy is a lively brown tabby kitten who came to the shelter with her mom and littermates during an emergency surrender this summer. While her siblings were healthy, Poppy was born with an angular limb deformity that required special veterinary care. Thanks to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, she was able to receive surgery in late August to help her live a comfortable, happy life.

In foster care, Poppy quickly stole hearts with her playful personality. “She loves her tall cat tree,” her foster shared. “Such a fun kitten!” With the comfort of a loving foster home and the right medical support, she’s been able to grow, play and thrive like any other kitten.

Now Poppy is ready for her next chapter: finding a home where she can keep climbing, exploring and bringing joy to her new family.

If you’d like to learn more about helping pets like Poppy, visit www.ffcas.org.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers monthly low-cost vaccination and microchipping services for Fairfax County residents. Clinics are walk-up and no pre-registration or appointment required.

Upcoming Clinics:
Friday, Sept. 26, 9 to 11 a.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079

Wednesday, Oct. 1, 9 to 11 a.m
Fairfax Center Fire Station 40
4621 Legato Road, Fairfax, VA 22030

Putting for Pets Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament
Join us for a round of fun that makes a difference! Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter present Putting for Pets on Monday, October 6. Tee up to support shelter pets and help give them the second chances they deserve.

Monday, Oct. 6
Bull Run Golf Club
15000 Bull Run Estates Drive, Haymarket, VA 20169

Visit here for more information!

Saturday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter - Lorton Campus
8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079

Join us for a family fun day to celebrate our expanded services as the newly named Fairfax County Animal Services. Meet adoptable pets and enjoy food, crafts and activities for all ages!