Adopting a Dog from Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Do you remember the story in the newspapers and on TV not too long ago about the animal hoarder in West Virginia? Approximately 60 dogs were crammed into a trailer, living in filth and unable to go outside.

 The Middleburg Humane Foundation fortunately gained custody of these pitiful dogs and then asked other organizations for help. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter volunteered to take care of seven dogs. The Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART), which is based in Fairfax Station, signed up to foster three others.

The dogs will be ready for adoption on April 26. Before that time, they will be examined by vets, giving them vaccinations and clean bills of health.

Have you considered adopting a pet? If you have, this is an opportunity you should seize. These dogs are little, weighing 12 to 15 pounds. They are young; the puppies are about 10 weeks old, and the adults are no older than 4. Their breed is the best part, probably Shetland Sheepdog-Corgi-Chihuahua mixes.

How can anyone resist such an appealing “fur child”? I certainly couldn’t. A couple of years ago, I drove to Sterling to rescue a Corgi. This Corgi, it turned out, was part Chihuahua or maybe part longhair Dachshund. She came home with me and has made me smile every time I look at her.     

If you and your family hope to adopt a dog from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter or any reputable rescue group like HART, plan to spend some time on the process. You will fill out an application, visit the shelter with your family, introduce your other dogs to the prospective pet, and show proof that your other pets are vaccinated and licensed (if dogs).

 The rationale for this policy is clearly presented on HART’s website. “We do not place the animals on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. HART absolutely wants you to have a wonderful pet; but our first obligation is to ensure that the animals in our charge are placed in loving and safe ‘forever homes.’ Therefore, we review all applications for the animals and try to effect the best match.”

The cost of adopting a dog from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a bargain. Instead of the $300 to $1,200 price tag on dogs in the newspapers or pet stores, you will pay $40, a fee that includes a rabies shot, a microchip and needed vaccinations. An additional $170 is required to cover the cost of spaying or neutering.

Statistics from the Virginia Department of Agriculture show plainly the importance of adopting dogs. In 2010, 23,187 stray dogs were taken to county animal shelters in Virginia, and another 15,135 dogs were surrendered by their owners. Although owners reclaimed 8,770 lost pets and 7,971 were adopted, 16,738 dogs were euthanized.

Fairfax County’s numbers were better last year. Only 1,242 strays were picked up and 642 were surrendered by their owners. Most of the strays were reclaimed, 218 were adopted and only 576 dogs were euthanized.

Maybe you want only a particular breed. Specialized animal rescue groups have been formed in our area for every type of dog imaginable. My next-door neighbor’s daughter has a gorgeous Collie that was abandoned in an empty house. My Airedale Tessa was given up because her owner “couldn’t manage her any more.” (Not to mention the buckshot later revealed in an X-ray!) Marty, the Welsh terrier who joined us a few months ago, even has papers.

But don’t forget the “pound puppies.” At the shelter on Ox Road last week, a lovely 3-year-old Golden Retriever was waiting patiently for her forever home. In cages next to her were snoozing 3 adorable fluff balls. On Tuesday, 7 precious Sheltie-Corgi-Chihuahua dogs will be looking for their new families.  Maybe one will be yours.