Patch Pets

Meet Dasher, White and Black Pointer, for Adoption at Fairfax Animal Shelter

Eight year-old dog available for adoption has been at the county shelter since Feb. 16.

Looking to add a furry friend to your household? Here's some information about one of the pets up for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter: "Staff took Dasher home to foster for one night. He was a perfect gentleman! He was wonderful getting in and out of the car - was very gentle when he met two cats and a female dog. He was non-reactive when my female dog growled at him and was perfect around the cats. "He came in, laid on a soft doggy bed, and made himself right at home. Very calm dog - would be wonderful with children or other pets. No issues with marking or dominance the entire night. Slept through the night. Appears to be completely potty-trained. He is incredibly gentle and trusting - not needy or anxious, just so happy to …

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New Animal Shelter Program Asks for Help from Senior Citizens

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will launch the Pets for Seniors program this month.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter currently has about 100 volunteers and is looking to expand its roster by targeting the county's senior population, according to a recent news release. The shelter will launch its new Pets for Seniors program later this month.  “Fairfax County seniors have so much to offer in the way of business, communication and animal care skills and experience. They are a wealth of information and support for shelter staff and animals," said Kristen Auerbach, community outreach program manager. Volunteers at the shelter usually walk dogs, greet shelter visitors, help with community outreach and animal socialization and the fostering programs. The staff at the county shelter also offers group tours for seniors and …

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Adopt a Cat: Rescue Isabella

A cat named Isabella is waiting for you at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

(Editor's note: Great news — Tobie, the brown tabby cat featured last week was adopted!) Meet Isabella. She is a 9 to 10 year-old beautiful dark brown tabby with a patch of white. She is spayed, up-to-date on feline distemper and rabies shots, feline leukemia/feline AIDS negative and has already been microchipped.  She originally came from a rescue in Washington State and moved all the way to Virginia with her owner. She was with the same person for the last seven years, but was given to the shelter when another cat in the household began to fight with her.  Isabella is very petite and quite a “ little lady.” She would do best with calm cats who will leave her alone or love her instead of bossing her around. She seems shy at first, but if …

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Patch Pets

Adopt a Cat: Rescue Josh

Looking for a pet to adopt? Josh is an older Siamese cat looking for a home. You can visit him at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

Josh, a beautiful Seal Point Siamese cat, is waiting for a new owner at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. He is a 12-year-old neutered cat with front declawed paws and the sweetest personality ever. He was adopted two years ago and was very happy with his family until he developed a urinary tract infection and started having accidents in the house.  His owners initially took him to the vet, but after a week of treatment he was still having problems and they did not take him back for further treatment. He spent a month and a half in their bathroom; then they decided to return him to the shelter.  Shelter staff took him to a shelter vet immediately and found he was suffering from an infection. After several weeks of treatment, he is now …

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Volunteers Give Back on National Day of Service at Animal Shelter

Fairfax County Animal Shelter volunteers put in many hours for love of animals.

On Saturday, the National Day of Service, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter was buzzing with volunteers helping socialize animals, organize donations and help visitors stopping by to adopt a pet. The volunteers do what they do, they say, for the love of the animals sheltered there and to help the animals find homes. In addition to volunteering many of the shelter's volunteers also help the animals by providing foster homes. The shelter, housed in a newly constructed headquarters, is currently accepting new volunteers: According to the shelter's website, the following positions are available: As a new volunteer, you can share your time and talents to help animals in need.  Opportunities for involvement include:  Cat Room Assistant: Assist …

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Animal Shelter Begins 'Home for the Holidays' Campaign

The Fairfax County animal shelter will offer a free spay or neuter for the first 100 dogs or cats adopted from the shelter through Dec. 31.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is having its annual 'Home for the Holidays' campaign to help homeless animals find permanent and stable homes in time for the holidays, according to a recent news release. As part of the campaign, the shelter will offer a free spay or neuter for the first 100 cats, kittens, dogs or puppies adopted from the shelter through Dec. 31. Along with cats and dogs that are available for adoption, the shelter also has rabbits, small mammals, reptiles and birds. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is located at 4500 West Ox Rd. To view animals available for adoption, visit the shelter's website and click on "Adoption." Regular adoption hours are Tuesday – Friday, 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Five Things to Know in Centreville This Week

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to present Life Saving Awards to five Centreville residents.

1. Last month, Centreville residents Said Benayed, Al Hussein Ahmed Wanas, Zoe Shankle, Deborah Shankle and Ashley Osterday saved two women from a fire at a Centreville townhouse. On Thursday, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will honor them with Life Saving Awards. Check back with Patch on Friday for coverage of this event.  2. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will host a "Summer OlymPETS" adoption event, starting Tuesday and running through Saturday, Aug. 11. During the adoption event, families can adopt two cats or kittens for the price of one. All adopted shelter cats and kittens will receive a free spay or neuter. Additionally, two cats or kittens can be adopted for $30 at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter during the …

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Low-Cost Rabies Clinic Available This Weekend

The cost for rabies shots at the clinic is $12.00 per dog or cat. All pets will receive a one-year rabies vaccine.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will host its June 24 low-cost rabies clinic from 2-4 p.m. at the Sully District Governmental Center. The cost for rabies shots at the clinic is $12.00 per dog or cat. All pets will receive a one-year rabies vaccine. To obtain a three-year vaccine, citizens must bring their pet’s rabies certificate showing the animal’s current rabies vaccination and vaccination expiration date. Rabies certificates will be issued, no tags. All dogs should be on leashes and all cats should be in carriers. Vaccines for ferrets are no longer available at this clinic. Fairfax County 2012 dog licenses will be sold separately at the clinic and cost $10.00 per dog. Cash or checks only will be accepted at the clinic. No credit …

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Kitten Season Strains Animal Shelter's Resources

Cat cages at the shelter are full.

Kitten season has arrived and Fairfax County officials say that they need help to handle the massive number of cats in their care.  The cat cages at the shelter are full, and volunteers are also taking care of 100 cats through the county's foster program, according to a press release issued by the Fairfax County Police Department Thursday.  Animal control officials say that the problem is in part due to the warm winter temperatures this year, which makes cats go into heat. During the summer season, many people also bring older cats in to the shelter because of allergies or moving to a new home. The problem also extends to areas outside Fairfax County.  “We have held special adoption events, appealed to our rescue partners and have been …

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