Animal Control

Quick reference numbers

• To claim an impounded pet: Call Fairfax County Animal Shelter at 703-830-1100
• For general information and adoptions: Call Fairfax County Animal Shelter at 703-830-1100
• For more information on animal-related issues: Email an animal control officer or call 703-385-7924

What we do

The City of Fairfax Animal Control team of the Police Department enforces city and state animal-related ordinances, ensuring public safety and humane treatment of animals.

Our animal control officers are trained and authorized to issue court summonses when necessary.

Animal control officers:

• Pick up stray, injured, vicious, or sick animals
• Investigate animal bite reports and quarantine animals when needed
• Investigate animal cruelty cases, complaints about excessive barking and wildlife-related issues
• Maintain accurate records on all impounded animals
• Assist with lost and found pets
• Help place unclaimed animals for adoption

Need assistance? Call 703-385-7924 or email an officer.

Report a stray or injured animal

If you find a stray or injured animal, call 703-385-7924 immediately.

Note: Animal control only picks up cats and wildlife if they are injured or pose a threat to others.

If your dog was found running loose, an animal control officer or police officer may have impounded it for public and pet safety.

• If your dog has ID (such as a collar with a phone number or address), officers will try to return it home.
• If your dog has no ID, it will be taken to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at 4500 West Ox Road.
• Owners are responsible for all impoundment-related costs.

How to reclaim your pet

• Email is the fastest way. Contact the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov to schedule an appointment.
  • Prefer to call? Dial 703-830-1100.
• What to bring
  • A valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
  • A current rabies vaccine certificate
  • A valid City of Fairfax dog license
• Fees (due at pickup)
  • Impound fee: $25
  • Boarding fee: $25 per day

Prevent future impoundments

Keep your dog’s ID tags and microchip information up to date to help them return home safely.

Animal laws & licensing

Dog ownership limits

The number of dogs allowed at a single residence is based on lot size:

• One or two dogs may be licensed at any residence, regardless of lot size.
• Three dogs require a lot size of at least 7,500 square feet.
• Four dogs require a lot size of at least 12,500 square feet.
• No more than four dogs are allowed at a single address.

Local animal laws

• City animal laws: Read City Code, Chapter 6: Animals.
• Pooper-scooper law: Dog owners are required to promptly remove their dog's waste from public areas or any property that is not their own. Read the City Code here.
• Dog licenses & rabies vaccinations: Required for all dogs over four months old. Learn more at the dog license webpage.
• Keeping wild animals is prohibited: City of Fairfax ordinance prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals. Review the City Code for details.

Wild animals – Injured or deceased

Report an injured wild animal

If you see an injured wild animal, call 703-385-7924 immediately.

Report a deceased animal

• On public property: The Public Works Department will remove deceased animals from most public city roads. Call 703-385-7980 to request pickup.
• Private property: Owners are responsible for properly disposing of their deceased pets in compliance with Virginia law. Options include cremation, burial, or other lawful methods.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter accepts deceased small animals for cremation if they are pets. Call 703-830-1100 for more information.