Looking to Adopt?
Petfinder.com – Shelters and rescues post their available cats online primarily through this website. You can search by animal type, age, breed, and zip code. I’ve had lots of success with adopting out my own fosters through this site. People will read the bios on my fosters, contact me, then arrange to meet with my foster either at my home or at a nearby adoption event.
I still recommend going to visit a physical facility, because sometimes the shelter doesn’t have the volunteer resources to post every single animal up on the site, or turnaround is too quick to get an animal listed.
Contact a Specific Rescue to Inquire About their Animals:
These are local (ish) rescues that I’ve either worked with personally, or am familiar with through my own colleagues.
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
AWLA is the county shelter. It’s located on Eisenhower Rd. My experience with them is limited to helping bottle feed.
Bully Paws
A colleague of mine volunteers and fosters for this group based in Fredricksburg, VA. They specialize in educating people specifically about Pit Bull mixes.
Fairfax County Animal Shelter
I’ve had to pick up some surrenders from here before. Despite being a shelter, which usually bears the imagery of a dark, depressing place, the facility is newly renovated and very nice.
Humane Society of Fairfax County
The building is close to GMU’s campus in the heart of Old Town Fairfax. They have several rooms of adoptable cats. Fill out an application to see the kitties. Also, they run a thrift shop next door, where proceeds help with operation costs of the facility.
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue
If you haven’t tried any of the Lost Dog Cafes in the Northern VA area, do it. Not only do they have a huge menu of unique sandwiches to try, but the restaurant profits help fund their animal rescue.
Madison-Greene Humane Society
MGHS is a no-kill animal shelter that services Madison and Greene counties in VA. Because they’re a small grassroots shelter, they often do adoptions in the Northern VA area as well.
Only Maine Coons Rescue
OMC is a network of foster homes without a physical facility. Currently, foster homes are spread throughout the East Coast from VA to NJ. They specialize in the Maine Coon breed.
Pet Insurance:
Other Links and Resources:
Occupation Cat Lady – My Pinterest board of random cat-related tidbits
Cat Camp NYC – Gathering of cat lovers, had its first year in 2017
Crumbs & Whiskers – A cat cafe in Washington DC
“a public service ad campaign focused on spreading the word that pets in shelters are wonderful and lovable, and encouraging potential adopters to consider the shelter as the first place to look when acquiring a “new best friend.””
occupation: cat lady 