The Connection asked Reasa Currier, the director of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, to find out if the volunteers and staff there would be willing to share the places in the county they frequently take their dogs or those in need of a walk to get them used to being outside of the shelter. It benefits both the dogs and their people.

Those who commit their lives to improving the lives of homeless dogs, whether for a few hours or a lifetime, are the best individuals to ask for advice on where to take a dog on an adventure. From gorgeous Lake Mercer at Fairfax Station, to sweeping views of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon Estate, to a place to unwind with craft beer, newcomers and longtime residents find Fairfax County dog-friendly.

Get your dog or volunteer at the Fairfax County Shelter to walk a dog, and you'll see your community in a new light.

Mason Neck State Park, Lorton: “Mason Neck has bald eagles and beautiful views of the water!” This is Cooper with his mom, Cindy, Fairfax County Animal Shelter Customer Care Manager, at Mason Neck Park. Cooper was adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in March 2024.

Reston Town Center: “As a resident of Reston (for now), I have to say Reston Town Center. Makers Union is particularly friendly to dogs!” About Fogo de Chao in Reston: “Their bar/patio menu is the best deal in Reston and they allow dogs.” Cliff was adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in August 2024. In the photo, Cliff is outside of Fogo de Chao in Reston.

Frying Pan Park, Herndon: “I love taking dogs there. Easy trails with lots for them to see and smell. You can walk them past Kidwell Farm if they enjoy meeting people, or park at church and go through woods. Nice stream where they can cool off too. I took Piper, a deaf dog from the shelter, on a pack walk there years ago. That’s where her new family saw her. They came to adopt her after we returned.”  Piper was adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in 2016.