Adopt-a-Pet Guide
Northern Virginia is home to a wide network of animal shelters, rescue groups, and welfare organizations dedicated to caring for homeless pets and supporting responsible pet ownership. These groups provide adoption services, veterinary assistance, foster programs, and community education to help animals find safe and loving homes.
Whether you are looking to adopt a new companion, support animal welfare efforts, or access low-cost pet services, these organizations play an essential role across the region.
Arlington & Alexandria
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
This nonprofit organization offers a range of services designed to help pet owners keep their animals, including affordable rabies vaccination clinics, spay and neuter programs, and emergency veterinary assistance for families with limited income.
Location: 2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington
Phone: 703-931-9241
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Operating out of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, this open-admission facility accepts animals regardless of age, breed, or medical condition and works to provide care and adoption opportunities for every intake.
Location: 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria
Phone: 703-746-5655
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
Focused on rehoming dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters and private surrenders, this organization works across the Mid-Atlantic region to place animals into permanent, responsible homes through foster networks and adoption programs.
Location: P.O. Box 100968, Arlington
Phone: 703-249-5066
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
Since its founding in 2001, this organization has rescued tens of thousands of homeless pets. Animals are cared for in foster homes and on a rural property featuring cage-free spaces, with regular off-site adoption events held throughout the region.
Location: P.O. Box 50037, Arlington
Phone: 703-295-3647
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
This rescue group saves animals primarily from high-risk shelters across several U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Thousands of dogs and cats have been successfully placed into adoptive homes through its network of volunteers and foster families.
Location: 5159 Lee Highway, Arlington
Phone: 703-237-5327
Washington Humane Society
With roots dating back to the 19th century, this organization played a key role in establishing early public animal care systems in Washington, D.C., and continues to provide shelter and services for stray and abandoned animals.
Location: 7319 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Phone: 202-234-8626
Fairfax County
Animal Allies
This rescue organization focuses on cats with special needs, including those with medical conditions or disabilities, ensuring they receive care and placement in compassionate homes.
Location: P.O. Box 7040, Fairfax Station
Phone: 703-940-9183
Fairfax County Animal Shelter
A full-service public shelter housing a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The facility serves as a central adoption and intake center for the county.
Location: 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax
Phone: 703-830-1100
Friends of Homeless Animals
A no-kill rescue organization dedicated to finding permanent homes for dogs and cats, placing several hundred animals each year through adoption programs and foster care networks.
Location: P.O. Box 415, Aldie
Phone: 703-385-0224
Humane Society of Fairfax County
This organization operates a farm-based facility that provides shelter and adoption services for animals, including both dogs and horses, in a more spacious rural environment.
Location: 4057 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax
Phone: 703-385-7387
Wolf Trap Animal Rescue
A foster-based rescue program that places animals in temporary homes until adoption, focusing on saving dogs and cats from euthanasia in overcrowded shelters.
Location: P.O. Box 2753, Merrifield
Phone: 703-638-2531
Fauquier County
Bunny Lu Adoptions Inc.
Specializing in rabbit care and adoption, this organization also provides boarding services and enrichment programs for pet rabbits, ensuring proper care while owners are away.
Location: P.O. Box 1681, Waynesboro
Phone: 703-753-0833
Fauquier SPCA
All animals available for adoption at this shelter are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and behaviorally evaluated to ensure compatibility with future homes.
Location: P.O. Box 733, Warrenton
Phone: 540-788-9000
Washington Area Adoption Group
Animals are housed in climate-controlled individual enclosures designed to reduce stress while awaiting adoption, with a focus on both dogs and cats.
Location: P.O. Box 105, Delaplane
Phone: 571-393-4980
Loudoun County
Loudoun County Animal Shelter
This county-operated shelter provides adoption services and operates mobile adoption units that allow animals to be showcased in community locations.
Location: 39820 Charles Town Pike, Waterford
Phone: 703-777-0406
Humane Society of Loudoun County
This organization supports both animal welfare and community needs by partnering with local groups to distribute pet food and assist families in caring for their animals.
Location: P.O. Box 777, Leesburg
Phone: 703-777-2912
Prince William County
Prince William County Animal Shelter
Operated under the county’s Animal Control Bureau, this facility enforces animal welfare regulations while housing stray and surrendered animals in a secure environment.
Location: 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas
Phone: 703-792-6465
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg SPCA
In addition to adoption services, this organization provides humane education programs that teach children and community members about responsible pet care and animal safety.
Location: 10819 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg
Phone: 540-898-1500
