The Fairfax County Animal Shelter's Lorton location is experiencing overcrowding due to the closure of its Michael Frey campus for renovations for the next several months. To expedite the adoption of more than 60 pets, Fairfax County Animal Services is collaborating with the BISSELL Pet Foundation for an “Empty the Shelters” event over the weekend from September 25 to September 27, during which all adoption fees will be waived.
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The BISSELL Pet Foundation's support enables the shelter to eliminate fees without incurring additional costs. Reasa Currier, Director of Fairfax County Animal Services, noted that waiving these fees removes financial barriers, facilitating the transfer of animals into loving homes.
All pets adopted during this event will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. The available pets include 20 dogs, over 40 cats, and a few small animals. Animal Services plans to organize more adoption events throughout the closure of the Fairfax campus on West Ox Road.
Staff are actively visiting various community locations to promote pet adoptions. Last week at the Tysons Mixed Market event, a long-stay dog named Bookmark, well-liked by staff and volunteers, found a home. Currier mentioned that the shelter will return to the Tysons Mixed Market this Thursday and is planning further adoption events across the county.
The final Tysons Mixed Market for this year will take place at The Boro (8350 Broad Street) tomorrow, September 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. This event will include an adoption event along with local vendors, live entertainment, and a free cardio and strength class.
The Michael Frey campus has been closed since mid-August for major HVAC updates and other improvements, with the closure projected to last about six months. Managing a large pet population from a single shelter has required significant planning. Currier explained that prior to the closure, efforts were made to ensure adoptions and placements to avoid overcrowding. The shelter also increased its foster capacity to allow more pets to be cared for in home environments. Enhanced resources have been offered through the Pet Resource Center to help residents keep their pets safe and healthy.