Humane Society of Fairfax County Celebrates 50 Years

HUMANE SOCIETY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

by Bonnie Stephens

That pudgy prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil has determined that we’ve got a lot more winter ahead. While we may be warm and cozy in our down jackets and heated homes, there are some friends out there that need a little extra attention. And yes, we’re talking about our four-legged friends! This year, the Humane Society of Fairfax County, Inc. (HSFC) is celebrating its 50-year anniversary, and continues to work around the clock to ensure warm futures for all the animals in its care. Dogs, cats, horses, and many small animals have been given a second chance at a loving home after the Humane Society enters the picture.

Founded in 1965, the Humane Society of Fairfax County, Inc. began as a group of citizens concerned with the welfare of both domestic and wild animals. Over the years, it has grown from a handful of volunteers to a large organization, while still maintaining small-town roots. Shelly Feeley, Community Outreach Coordinator for HSFC, explains that the team works well together through the hands-on efforts of staff, many volunteers and very generous community support. At the Fairfax Administration Building on Chain Bridge Road, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and other small animals live in secure quarters while waiting for the opportunity to be adopted. Also at the building, Ani-Meals is a wonderful program wherein the community can donate pet food, treats, and supplies to pet owners in need of some assistance. Shelly says, “While donations help our program succeed, Ani-Meals provides immediate assistance directly to families to help them care for their pets. It’s a very rewarding program.”

At another location in Centreville, dogs and horses receive round-the-clock care at a private facility, while they await the chance to meet their new owners. Adopters must go through an approval process before they can be allowed onto the farm. The facility holds many highly adoptable dogs, and boasts generous transition and play areas with clean private quarters for all. Horses are cared for and fed quality hay several times a day while enjoying the benefits of 23 acres of pasture. The staff evaluates all animals in their care and will spend invaluable quality time daily to encourage safe social interactions. Oftentimes just sitting quietly in the room with a terrified dog will allow them to come around, and workers enjoy moments when walls of fear begin to fade away.

In addition to hands-on animal care and adoption, the Humane Society’s far-reaching work includes promoting anti-cruelty legislation, prosecution in abuse and neglect cases and help with the feral animal population. A new “34-foot mobile veterinary clinic” cares for companion animals, and houses the humane trap and neuter programs. Last year, HSFC provided support and endorsement of Fairfax City’s plan to research and manage the deer population through humane sterilization.

There are many ways in which the public can assist these animals: donations of pet food, bedding, funding, or just volunteer time. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs, schools and community groups all come together to provide food or blanket drives, cans of donations and great community awareness. The Humane Society runs a “Second Chance Thrift Store” at 4055 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax (next to the Administration building) where one can both drop off donations, and shop for bargains. All transactions directly benefit the HSFC.

The process of taking home a new pet has a few very important steps to it, but the reward is getting a fully vetted new family member who has been examined and assessed by many experts. As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, the Humane Society accepts donations to offset the costs of neutering, vaccinating and microchipping all companion animals for the safe transition to their new homes. HSFC helps save and adopt out nearly 2,500 feathered or furry friends each year.

This team approach has enabled the Humane Society of Fairfax County to work seamlessly for half a century! After all, helping thousands of homeless animals find loving families takes a lot of dedication, logistical expertise and community involvement. Have you found your next snuggly friend for the cold weeks ahead? If not, consider contacting the Humane Society of Fairfax County.

Humane Society of Fairfax County
4057 Chain Bridge Road,
Fairfax VA 22030
703.385.7387
www.hsfc.org