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  • Meet 8 Adorable Pets Up for Adoption in NoVA Shelters
Three adoptable pets
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Meet 8 Adorable Pets Up for Adoption in NoVA Shelters

These sweet cats and dogs are looking for forever homes.

By Maggie Roth December 5, 2024 at 8:22 am

Looking for a new member of the family? There are plenty of friendly and loving cats and dogs up for adoption at NoVA-area animal shelters and rescues, ready to find a home and join your family. Here are eight adoptable pets who may just capture your heart.  

Kahlua the dog
Kahlua (Courtesy Animal Welfare League of Arlington)

Meet Kahlua 

This mixed-breed adult dog at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is sophisticated and sweet, with “a taste for the finer things in life.” Kahlua loves soft food, playing outside and catching leaves, and relaxing indoors. Kahlua is house-trained but is not a fan of loud noises. He would prefer to be the only dog in his household, and it is unknown whether he is comfortable around kids or cats. The shelter notes that Kahlua would do best in a single-family home, townhouse, or garden-style apartment.

Snoopy the dog
Snoopy (Courtesy Animal Welfare League of Arlington)

Meet Snoopy 

At the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, this mixed-breed adult dog is smart and eager to learn new tricks — especially when treats are involved. He loves to cuddle and play.  Snoopy is friendly with other dogs at the shelter and lived with children in his previous home, but it is unknown how he interacts with cats. He would do best in a single-family home, townhouse, or garden-style apartment. Snoopy’s adoption fee is free, thanks to a donor. 

Tan dog named Nana
Nana (Courtesy Loudoun County Animal Services)

Meet Nana 

This sweet pup at Loudoun County Animal Services just finished raising eight puppies, and now she’s ready to kick back and enjoy the good dog life! Nana loves playing with toys and has just learned how to sit and shake. Nana’s goal in life is to be a lap-dog — she might be at tad big, but that won’t stop this snuggly dog from trying her best to squeeze in right beside you. Nana is about 2 years old. 

Scooby the adoptable dog
Scooby (Courtesy Loudoun County Animal Services)

Meet Scooby 

Roly-poly in a patch of grass, belly rubs, and snacks all equal the best day ever for Scooby! This 6-year-old male is a smart and playful pup. He is a star in his weekly training classes, mastering new tricks like a pro. Sit, shake, down, speak, high-five — Scooby can do it all! He does the cutest “tappity-tap-tap” dance with his paws to get your attention and will place his whole head in your lap for snuggles. Scooby was house- and crate-trained in his previous home. He is available for adoption through Loudoun County Animal Services. 

Cherry the Cat
Cherry (Courtesy Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation)

Meet Cherry 

Cherry is a 1-year-old domestic shorthair who is sweet and easy-going. She has raised six kittens and is now looking for a home. Cherry loves food, chasing toys, cheek scratches, and sleeping in windows. She’s up for adoption at the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.  

Hero the dog
Hero (Courtesy Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation)

Meet Hero 

This 10-year-old terrier mix at the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation loves to go for brisk walks and gets along well with humans, cats, and dogs alike. While Hero is a senior dog, he remains young at heart. His zest for life brings a smile to the face of anyone who meets him. He is very intelligent and is learning commands such as “sit.” He has demonstrated house-training but may need a refresher in a new environment. Hero is looking for a great home to enjoy his glory days where love and attention are plentiful, and he will give it back to you in spades.  

Diamond Sterling the dog
Diamond Sterling (Courtesy Fairfax County Animal Shelter)

Meet Diamond Sterling 

Diamond is a 9-year-old mixed-breed female dog at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter who is loyal and protective, seeking a home where she will get plenty of attention and structure from experienced owners. Diamond has challenges with other animals and would do best in a home where she is the only pet. She loves people and is compatible with older children, but she may be too energetic for younger kids. She is crate-trained, house-trained, and knows several basic commands such as “sit” and “stay.” She may be reactive while on a leash. With the proper attention, training, and patience, Diamond will be a loyal companion to her new family.  

Boinga the cat
Boinga (Courtesy Fairfax County Animal Shelter)

Meet Boinga  

Boinga is a friendly 8-year-old domestic shorthair mix, and she loves to snuggle up on a soft lap, bed, or sofa. She’s a loving pet in search of companionship. Boinga is deaf, and she would prefer to live in a home where she is the only pet. She is up for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.  

Feature image of Hero, Kahlua, and Cherry courtesy shelters

For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Family newsletter. 

Maggie Roth

Maggie Roth

Associate Editor

Maggie Roth is the associate editor for Northern Virginia Magazine, where she covers news and culture in the NoVA area. Originally from New Jersey, she is a graduate of George Mason University and joined the magazine in 2021 as an editorial intern.

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