Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption

Senior dog Arya is a 79 lb. sweetheart with a thick brown-and-black sable coat, adorable triangle ears, and a long, expressive snout. She looks a bit like a wise woodland wolf, but her favorite place to be is right next to you on the couch! In her foster home, Arya settled in quickly and showed what a loving companion she is. She’s happiest being your shadow, curled up by your side, following you from room to room, and soaking up all the affection she can get. When she’s not cozying up, she loves to play with her toys! She’s a champion toy "surgeon," so sturdy toys, Kongs, puzzle feeders, and "find it" games with tasty treats are perfect for her. Arya is food-motivated and has been working on her basic cues and crate training, which makes continuing her training at home both fun and rewarding. On walks, she shows a strong interest in birds and squirrels and may pause and focus on them, but her foster has been helping her redirect with treats, and this has been manageable with guidance and patience.

Health-wise, Arya has hypothyroidism, a condition that is well managed with daily medication. She’ll need to stay on this medication for life and continue routine care with your veterinarian. Her symptoms are currently under control and she’s ready to enjoy her golden years with you.

Arya has a quiet, sweet demeanor and a lot of love to give! She may do best as the only dog in the home, and we highly recommend bringing your whole family, including any resident dogs, to meet her and make sure it’s a great match all around. If you’re looking for a devoted companion who will happily snuggle, play, and be by your side through it all, Arya might be your perfect match!

Arya is currently in a foster home. If you’d like to visit with this pet to hopefully adopt, please include their name in your email so we can coordinate to have them back at the Shelter! Our email address is: animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov

This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It’s a 5-day, no-strings-attached, trial adoption period. You can take this pet home to try it out! Interested? Email or come to the shelter any time during open hours and talk to one of our Customer Care staff! For more information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is Fairfax County’s only open-access, municipal shelter. With 4,000 to 5,000 animals coming through our...