 Happy New Year from Fairfax County Animal Services! This month, we're highlighting connection and care during the coldest season: a staff adoption story, a quick look at Adoption Auditions, and practical safety tips for walking dogs on cold nights.
When Gigi first arrived at Fairfax County Animal Services, her future was uncertain. She was a senior dog with medical needs, and it was not immediately clear whether adoption would be an option. After veterinary evaluation and care, staff were thrilled to determine her health concerns were treatable! That meant Gigi had the chance to move forward toward a new home, with time, support, and patience.
As an Animal Care Manager, Sarah is involved at every step of an animal’s path after arrival, helping to determine next steps, coordinate veterinary care, assess placement needs, and identify when additional support - such as fostering - is the right choice. In Gigi’s case, Sarah advocated for a slower, more thoughtful approach and made sure she received the care she needed. This included the removal of a fairly large growth behind one ear, and a dental procedure which was funded by the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, both of which helped set Gigi up for success and comfort moving forward.
While Gigi waited for her procedures Sarah stepped in to foster her and, at the time, adoption was not the plan. “I wasn’t actually considering adopting a dog when I started fostering her,” Sarah said. With long workdays and a busy schedule, she needed a dog whose needs matched her lifestyle. Gigi was calm, gentle, and content simply being nearby. “She doesn’t need to be an active participant,” Sarah said. “She’s just happy to be included.”
By New Year’s Eve, the decision felt right. “I didn’t go into [the experience] feeling like I had to make it work,” Sarah said. “That’s what made it work.” Today, Gigi is exactly where she belongs: part of the routine, quietly nearby, and very happy to be included, warm sweater and all.
As Gigi’s story shows, time and real-life context can be the difference between uncertainty and a confident match, especially for older dogs and pets with medical or behavioral needs.
Adoption Auditions give pets and adopters time to get to know each other without pressure to decide right away. For many animals, behavior and confidence shift once they have time to decompress outside the shelter. For adopters, it is a chance to see how a pet fits into their daily routine, work schedule, and home environment.
As Sarah puts it, this program allows people to move forward thoughtfully. “If it works out, that’s wonderful,” she said. “If it doesn’t, you have still helped an animal.”
January is often a quieter time at the shelter, but it is also when many people make more intentional decisions. Programs like Adoption Auditions help ensure that when an adoption happens, it is built on understanding, patience, and a true fit - just like Gigi’s.
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Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (Friends) has funded dental care for countless pets over the years, improving their comfort and adoptability. These three pets received Friends-funded dental care and have all since been adopted!
Loochoo
Loochoo, an 11-year-old dog, received a Friends-funded dental procedure that helped address painful dental disease and improve his day-to-day comfort. With that resolved, he was able to focus on settling in and finding his match!
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Billy
Billy, who arrived as a stray, had clearly lived an exciting life on the streets. He needed significant dental work, and Friends helped cover his procedure and recovery care. That support improved his quality of life and helped set him up for a successful adoption!
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Baxter
Baxter, a senior small-breed mix, received a Friends-funded dental cleaning and extractions. He also took part in an Adoption Audition, giving his adopter time to get to know him in a home setting before making it official.
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Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit fundraising partner of Fairfax County Animal Services. Learn more at ffcas.org.
Winter changes dog walking in predictable ways: shorter days mean more walks happen in low light, colder temperatures can affect comfort and stamina, and snow and ice can turn familiar routes into slippery hazards. Here are some tips to make winter walks safer:
Focus on visibility and footing. Reflective gear and a headlamp help drivers see you sooner and help you spot icy patches. Keep walks steady, slow down near hills and steps, and watch for de-icing salt that can irritate paws. A quick paw wipe after the walk helps remove residue.
Use the right equipment for winter. Wear sturdy boots or shoes with good traction, and skip retractable leashes - always a good idea - and choose a strong, standard 4–6-foot leash. If your dog tends to pull, a well-fitted front-clip harness can help by redirecting forward momentum.
A few simple, consistent habits can make winter walks safer, calmer, and more comfortable for both you and your dog!
As part of Fairfax County Animal Services’ Pet Resource Center, Fairfax County residents can have their pets vaccinated and microchipped without the cost of a veterinary exam.
Clinics are first-come, first-served, and cash only. Clinics are held at either Fairfax Center Fire Station 40 or Fairfax County Animal Services’ Lorton Campus
Upcoming clinic dates & locations
Fri., Jan. 23, 9–11 a.m.
Lorton Campus, 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Wed., Feb. 4, 9–11 a.m.
Fairfax Center Fire Station 40, 4621 Legato Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Fri., Feb. 20, 9–11 a.m.
Lorton Campus, 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
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