Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County Animal Services has planned low-cost rabies vaccination clinics on 20 May, 15 July, 16 September, and 18 November 2007.  Clinics are held from 12 - 2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, Phone: (703) 830-1100.

Only dogs, cats and ferrets will be vaccinated.  Dogs must be on leashes, and cats and ferrets must be in carriers.  No rabies tags will be issued on these dates.

2007 dog licenses will be sold for an additional cost of $5 for altered (neutered) animals and $10 for unaltered animals.  Fairfax county requires a dog license for all dogs over the age of four months.  The license can be an important identification in the event that a pet strays from its owner.

Did you know the deadline to purchase or renew a dog license was January 1st?  Don't worry, it is never too late to get a license.  If your pet should ever get lost, it could be his or her ticket home.  And most important, it is the law.

Just a license tag, or just a rabies tag isn't enough.  If it is after hours or a holiday, and the vets are close, there is no way to identify your pet by only a rabies tag.  And in an emergency situation, an animal control officer cannot tell from just a license tag, whether or not your dog's rabies shots are current.  This is particularly important today in Fairfax County, given the number of rabies incidents.

License fees go into the general County account that funds the shelter and animal protection and control services.

You can purchase or renew a license by mail or in person at the Department of Tax Administration (12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223, Fairfax) or in person at the Animal Shelter.  A license costs $5 for an infertile dog, and $10 for a fertile dog.  The form is also available to download.  For further information, please call 703-222-8234.