Animal Control

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The City of Fairfax Animal Control section of the Police Department is responsible for enforcing all city and state animal-related ordinances. The primary goal is to maintain public safety for all and to insure humane treatment and care for companion animals.

resting hound face Animal control officers receive special training concerning the laws and regulations involved, the humane treatment of animals, proper animal apprehension methods, and the policies and procedures associated with animal cases. (When animal control officers are not available, police officers will investigate bite cases and barking dog complaints.)

Animal control officers are sworn officers empowered to issue court summonses. Their responsibilities include:

Picking up stray, vicious, diseased, injured, or sick animals
Investigating animal bite reports, and quarantining animals who have bitten someone
Investigating animal cruelty cases, complaints of excessive barking by dogs, and wildlife-related cases and issues
Issuing summonses for animal-related violations that are witnessed by the officer
Maintaining accurate records on all impounded animals and returning lost domestic animals to the rightful owners
Placing unclaimed companion animals with people who wish to adopt them

Quick Reference Numbers

Lost and Found Pets

Animal Laws

Pooper-Scooper Law

Number of Dogs at a Residence

Dog Licenses

All dogs age four months and older living in the city must be licensed in the city. Click here for information.

Required Vaccinations

All dogs and cats age four months and older must have a current vaccination against rabies. Vaccinations are available from your veterinarian, or check with the adoption agency or breeder for additional resources.
You must have written proof of vaccination for your dog and present it to an animal control officer upon request.
A proof of rabies vaccination is required when applying for a city dog license.
Cats must be vaccinated against rabies, but are not licensed.

Animal Impound

If your dog has been found running at large, an Animal Control Officer or Police Officer will impound your dog for reasons of public safety and the safety of your dog. If your dog has identifying information on it's collar, such as a phone number or address, the dog will be returned to it's home if possible. If the dog is not wearing a collar and the owner cannot be identified, it will be transported to Fairfax County Animal Shelter at 4500 West Ox Road Fairfax, VA 22030. The owner will be responsible for all costs associated with the impoundment.

To Redeem Your Dog:
If your dog has been taken to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter for safekeeping, you may email the shelter at animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov to make an appointment to re-claim your dog. You may also call the shelter at 703-830-1100, but email is the preferred and quickest method of contact.

What You Need To Bring:

Valid photo I.D. (driver's license or passport)
Valid and current Rabies Vaccine Certificate
Valid City of Fairfax Dog License
Current Shelter charges are:
- Impound Fee: $25
- Boarding Fee: $ 25 per day

Wild Animals • Injured Animals • Deceased Animals

To report an injured wild animal, call 703-385-7924. Read the Wildlife FAQs here.

City of Fairfax ordinance prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals. Read the City Code here.

The Public Works Department will pick up dead animals on most public city roads; call 703-385-7980.

Owners are responsible for the disposal of their deceased animals by having the body cremated, buried, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with Virginia law.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter accepts small deceased animals for cremation; call 703-830-1100.