Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) in Northern Virginia is home to cats and dogs available for adoption to loving families.
Our shelter experience is unique, offering walking trails and play yards on 40 acres where you can spend time with our adoptable dogs, as well as open-space catteries for you to fully interact and play with our adoptable cats. Each animal is patiently waiting for their forever families to come and meet them. You can take all the time you need to make that perfect match.
Adoptable Dogs and Cats
Prior to adoption, all of our dogs and puppies are spayed/neutered, microchipped, fully vaccinated, tested (and, if necessary, treated) for heartworm, checked for dental issues, and on preventatives for heartworm, ticks, and fleas.
Prior to adoption, all of our cats and kittens are spayed/neutered, microchipped, fully vaccinated, combo tested for FeLV/FIV, and dewormed.
Visiting FOHA and Our Adoption Events
Potential adopters are welcome to visit the FOHA shelter Friday, Saturday or Sunday 12-5pm. We ask that you submit an adoption application for a dog or cat prior to coming out to the shelter and selecting a meet and greet appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments take priority.
In addition, we also participate in many weekend pet adoption events in Northern Virginia where our adoptable dogs and cats are available for a meet-and-greet. Check out our calendar to see when we will be in your neighborhood. We look forward to seeing you!
Pet Adoption Policy and Applications
FOHA volunteers and staff work tirelessly to find the best homes for our cats and dogs. Our process and policies are meant to help match pets and adopters together and help with a smooth transition once they are adopted. Please review our adoption policies and submit an application prior to arriving at FOHA so we can begin the matchmaking process with you.
Senior Care Plan for Dogs
In 2018, FOHA launched our Senior Care Plan to promote adoptions of our senior dogs (age 8+), who are often less likely to get adopted due to adopters’ concerns about impending medical expenses. Our Senior Care Plan helps to cover any unexpected costs if they arise. FOHA waives the adoption fee on eligible pets and reimburses up to $1,500 in qualifying medical expenses or pet insurance premiums.
Funding for this program is obtained through the generous support of FOHA donors committed to saving senior dogs and a generous grant from Grey Muzzle Organization.
Foster Forward Incentive Program
Thanks to a generous donor, FOHA launched the Foster Forward Incentive Program to help our long stay dogs and cats (6+ months at FOHA) finally experience the comfort of a home. These pets are often overlooked in the kennel environment, but with structure, patience, and support, they can thrive in foster care, and increase their chances of adoption.
Foster families commit to 30–60 days, receive full training and support from FOHA staff, and earn a monthly stipend for their dedication. Weekly updates and promotional highlights help us showcase these amazing animals to potential adopters. And if a foster falls in love? Adoption fees are waived when a foster placement becomes a forever home.
Diamond Dog Program
The Diamond Dog Program is a dog adoption program designed by FOHA to help dogs with behavioral and training needs find loving homes. They are often overlooked because they may require additional training and guidance for adopters to ensure a successful transition into their new home.
The program provides specialized training and behavior modification support for each dog in the program, tailored to their individual needs. Potential adopters are carefully screened before being matched with a diamond dog. A match will depend on the person/family's lifestyle, home environment, the dog's specific needs, adopters willingness to work with the dog & allow the necessary time needed for transition and the likelihood of success. The program provides guidance for the adopters to help successfully transition the dog into their new home, potentially including, pre-adoption guidance or sessions and/or follow-up support and training resources (Costs are covered by FOHA).
By providing additional training and support, the Diamond Dog Program gives dogs with extra needs a second chance at finding a loving home, while also ensuring that adopters are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to provide the best possible care for their new furry family member.
Adoption Success Stories
Each year, hundreds of FOHA cats and dogs find their forever homes and thrive as a part of families that love and care for them. Here are just a few of our success stories!
