Fairfax County Animal Shelter offering new program that gives pets ‘trial’ period with prospective adopters

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — If you’ve wanted to adopt a pet but weren’t sure how it would settle down in your home, a new Fairfax County program could help address your concerns.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter announced its new “Adoption Audition” program. Through this program, adoptable pets can have a five-day “trial period” at your home. After those five days, a shelter employee will reach out to see if you would like to finalize the adoption or return the pet to the shelter.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter said that the program has no strings attached — just swing by one of its locations during open hours and see which pets are eligible for the program.

Right now, the shelter has five different dogs available in the program. Officials said that only dogs are eligible at this moment, but the shelter has plans to expand the program to other pet species.

What if you have to return the pet? The shelter said there’s still a benefit — “Your time with the pet not only gives them a break from the shelter, but also provides us with valuable insights into the pet’s personality.”

You can find more information about Adoption Audition and see available dogs on the shelter’s website.

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