email (preferred)
(703) 323-3972
phone
email (preferred)
(703) 323-3972
phone
PETS BRING JOY
A foster-based cat rescue serving Northern Virginia, DC, and Suburban Maryland.
We are a foster-based focused on finding every cat the best home possible.
Browse Cats
How Adoption Works
Animals placed
Adoptions in 2025
Volunteers
PETS BRING JOY
A foster-based cat rescue serving Northern Virginia, DC, and Suburban Maryland.
We are a foster-based focused on finding every cat the best home possible.
Browse Cats
How Adoption Works
Animals placed
Adoptions in 2025
Volunteers
PETS BRING JOY
A cat rescue organization serving Northern Virginia, DC, and Suburban Maryland.
We are a foster-based focused on finding every cat the best home possible.
Browse Cats
How Adoption Works
Animals placed
Adoptions in 2025
Volunteers
Thank you to our amazing sponsors!
Thank you to our amazing sponsors!
Adoption
Application Process
At PBJ we take pride in our success rate. This is no accident. Our adoption process is more thorough than most. It is through this process that guides our success.
1
Submit Your Application
It's no-obligation.
If you're unsure about which cat(s) you want to adopt, you can leave the animal field blank.
2
Phone Interview
A PBJ volunteer will call you within 48 hours to discuss your lifestyle, home, and preferences.
3
Vet & Landlord Checks
Veterinary reference if you've had pets in the past 5 years/landlord check if you rent.
4
Home Visit & Match
We recommend the best cat for you. The entire process takes ~1 week.
Apply Now
Timeline
Day 1-2
Submit application
Phone interview
Day 3-5
Vet reference check
Landlord verification
Day 5-7
Home visit
Cat match & adoption
Submit Your Adoption Application
Adoption FAQ's
Adoption can be a major life event for some people, especially as a first-time adoptor
Please look over these Frequently Asked Questions before you apply to adopt
How long does the adoption process take?
You will typically hear from a PBJ volunteer within 48 hours of submitting your application; the entire process takes approximately a week to complete.
I would like to adopt a single kitten ... is that possible?
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a young kitten is to make sure they have a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they're actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. That is why our policy is for people to adopt two kittens, or adopting a solo kitten only if you already have another young friendly cat in the home for the kitten to befriend.
How can we meet cats or kittens of interest?
We're delighted to arrange for approved adopters to meet our cats/kittens by appointment, either in their foster homes after they've been approved to adopt from Pets Bring Joy, or at one of our two adoption venues - PetSmart in East Fairfax, VA or PetMAC in DC
Where is PBJ located? Do you adopt out of state?
Pets Bring Joy is based out of Fairfax, Virginia, and serves the Greater Washington D.C. metro area; while we don't generally have the capacity to adopt out of our area, we make exceptions for special needs/harder to place animals.
Must I apply for a specific animal by name?
If you're uncertain as to which of our animals you are interested in, no worries -- simply leave that spot blank on the application, and we'll be delighted to make recommendations of which pets we feel are a best fit for you after reviewing your application and speaking with you.
I'm interested... what do I need to do to get the process started?
The first step will be for you to submit a no-obligation adoption application by clicking the button provided at the top of this page; once submitted, you'll receive a copy of your application via email for your records.
What should I expect after submitting my application?
Our application evaluation process consists of a telephone interview, a veterinary reference check if you've had pets within the past five years, and a landlord check if appropriate.
View Our Available Cats
We are partnered with
We update our Petfinder.com page regularly with new arrivals, so please take a peek!
How to Meet Cats in Person
Adopters can meet cats by appointment in either their foster homes
email (preferred)
(703) 323-3972
phone
Or
At one of our two adoption venues:
Can I adopt a single kitten?
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a young kitten is to make sure they have a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they're actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age.
Our Policy
Adopt two kittens together, or a solo kitten only if you already have a young friendly cat at home for them to befriend.
Why This Matters
Kittens who grow up with a companion develop better social skills, fewer behavioral issues, and experience less separation anxiety. They learn bite inhibition, grooming, and play boundaries from each other — things humans can't teach.
→ Pair adoptions are $300 (save $100)
Adoption Fees
All fees cover age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. Updated January 26, 2026.
$200
Single
Cat / Kitten
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
$300
Pair of
Cats / Kittens
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Save $100 — best value
Pay Now
$100
Single
Senior / Special Needs
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
$160
Pair of
Senior / Special Needs
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
Our Service Area
We are based in Fairfax, Virginia, and serve the Greater Washington D.C. metro area. We generally cannot adopt to outside our areas, with exceptions made for special needs or harder-to-place animals.
Adoption
Application Process
At PBJ we take pride in our success rate. This is no accident. Our adoption process is more thorough than most. It is through this process that guides our success.
1
Submit Your Application
It's no-obligation.
If you're unsure about which cat(s) you want to adopt, you can leave the animal field blank.
2
Phone Interview
A PBJ volunteer will call you within 48 hours to discuss your lifestyle, home, and preferences.
3
Vet & Landlord Checks
Veterinary reference if you've had pets in the past 5 years/landlord check if you rent.
4
Home Visit & Match
We recommend the best cat for you. The entire process takes ~1 week.
Apply Now
Timeline
Day 1-2
Submit application
Phone interview
Day 3-5
Vet reference check
Landlord verification
Day 5-7
Home visit
Cat match & adoption
Submit Your Adoption Application
Adoption FAQ's
Adoption can be a major life event for some people, especially as a first-time adoptor
Please look over these Frequently Asked Questions before you apply to adopt
How long does the adoption process take?
You will typically hear from a PBJ volunteer within 48 hours of submitting your application; the entire process takes approximately a week to complete.
I would like to adopt a single kitten ... is that possible?
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a young kitten is to make sure they have a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they're actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. That is why our policy is for people to adopt two kittens, or adopting a solo kitten only if you already have another young friendly cat in the home for the kitten to befriend.
How can we meet cats or kittens of interest?
We're delighted to arrange for approved adopters to meet our cats/kittens by appointment, either in their foster homes after they've been approved to adopt from Pets Bring Joy, or at one of our two adoption venues - PetSmart in East Fairfax, VA or PetMAC in DC
Where is PBJ located? Do you adopt out of state?
Pets Bring Joy is based out of Fairfax, Virginia, and serves the Greater Washington D.C. metro area; while we don't generally have the capacity to adopt out of our area, we make exceptions for special needs/harder to place animals.
Must I apply for a specific animal by name?
If you're uncertain as to which of our animals you are interested in, no worries -- simply leave that spot blank on the application, and we'll be delighted to make recommendations of which pets we feel are a best fit for you after reviewing your application and speaking with you.
I'm interested... what do I need to do to get the process started?
The first step will be for you to submit a no-obligation adoption application by clicking the button provided at the top of this page; once submitted, you'll receive a copy of your application via email for your records.
What should I expect after submitting my application?
Our application evaluation process consists of a telephone interview, a veterinary reference check if you've had pets within the past five years, and a landlord check if appropriate.
View Our Available Cats
We are partnered with
We update our Petfinder.com page regularly with new arrivals, so please take a peek!
How to Meet Cats in Person
Adopters can meet cats by appointment in either their foster homes
email (preferred)
(703) 323-3972
phone
Or
At one of our two adoption venues:
Can I adopt a single kitten?
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a young kitten is to make sure they have a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they're actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age.
Our Policy
Adopt two kittens together, or a solo kitten only if you already have a young friendly cat at home for them to befriend.
Why this matters
Kittens who grow up with a companion develop better social skills, fewer behavioral issues, and experience less separation anxiety. They learn bite inhibition, grooming, and play boundaries from each other — things humans can't teach.
→ Pair adoptions are $300 (save $100)
Adoption Fees
All fees cover age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. Updated January 26, 2026.
$200
Single
Cat / Kitten
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
$300
Pair of
Cats / Kittens
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Save $100 — best value
Pay Now
$100
Single
Senior / Special Needs
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
$160
Pair of
Senior / Special Needs
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
Our Service Area
We are based in Fairfax, Virginia, and serve the Greater Washington D.C. metro area. We generally cannot adopt to outside our areas, with exceptions made for special needs or harder-to-place animals.
Adoption
Application Process
At PBJ we take pride in our success rate. This is no accident. Our adoption process is more thorough than most. It is through this process that guides our success.
1
Submit Your Application
It's no-obligation.
If you're unsure about which cat(s) you want to adopt, you can leave the animal field blank.
2
Phone Interview
A PBJ volunteer will call you within 48 hours to discuss your lifestyle, home, and preferences.
3
Vet & Landlord Checks
Veterinary reference if you've had pets in the past 5 years/landlord check if you rent.
4
Home Visit & Match
We recommend the best cat for you. The entire process takes ~1 week.
Apply Now
Timeline
Day 1-2
Submit application
Phone interview
Day 3-5
Vet reference check
Landlord verification
Day 5-7
Home visit
Cat match & adoption
Submit Your Adoption Application
Adoption FAQ's
Adoption can be a major life event for some people, especially as a first-time adoptor
Please look over these Frequently Asked Questions before you apply to adopt
How long does the adoption process take?
You will typically hear from a PBJ volunteer within 48 hours of submitting your application; the entire process takes approximately a week to complete.
I would like to adopt a single kitten ... is that possible?
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a young kitten is to make sure they have a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they're actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. That is why our policy is for people to adopt two kittens, or adopting a solo kitten only if you already have another young friendly cat in the home for the kitten to befriend.
How can we meet cats or kittens of interest?
We're delighted to arrange for approved adopters to meet our cats/kittens by appointment, either in their foster homes after they've been approved to adopt from Pets Bring Joy, or at one of our two adoption venues - PetSmart in East Fairfax, VA or PetMAC in DC
Where is PBJ located? Do you adopt out of state?
Pets Bring Joy is based out of Fairfax, Virginia, and serves the Greater Washington D.C. metro area; while we don't generally have the capacity to adopt out of our area, we make exceptions for special needs/harder to place animals.
Must I apply for a specific animal by name?
If you're uncertain as to which of our animals you are interested in, no worries -- simply leave that spot blank on the application, and we'll be delighted to make recommendations of which pets we feel are a best fit for you after reviewing your application and speaking with you.
I'm interested... what do I need to do to get the process started?
The first step will be for you to submit a no-obligation adoption application by clicking the button provided at the top of this page; once submitted, you'll receive a copy of your application via email for your records.
What should I expect after submitting my application?
Our application evaluation process consists of a telephone interview, a veterinary reference check if you've had pets within the past five years, and a landlord check if appropriate.
Apply Now
View Our Available Cats
We are partnered with
Our Petfinder.com page is updated regularly with new arrivals, so please take a peek!
How to Meet Cats in Person
Adopters can meet cats by appointment
Either in their foster homes
Or
At one of our two adoption venues:
Can I adopt a single kitten?
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a young kitten is to make sure they have a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they're actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age.
Our Policy
Adopt two kittens together, or a solo kitten only if you already have a young friendly cat at home for them to befriend.
Why this matters
Kittens who grow up with a companion develop better social skills, fewer behavioral issues, and experience less separation anxiety. They learn bite inhibition, grooming, and play boundaries from each other — things humans can't teach.
→ Pair adoptions are $300 (save $100)
Adoption Fees
All fees cover age-appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. Updated January 26, 2026.
$200
Single
Cat / Kitten
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
$300
Pair of
Cats / Kittens
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Save $100 — best value
Pay Now
$100
Single
Senior / Special Needs
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
$160
Pair of
Senior / Special Needs
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Spay/Neuter
✓ Microchipping
Most popular for existing pets
Pay Now
Our Service Area
We are based in Fairfax, Virginia, and serve the Greater Washington D.C. metro area. We generally cannot adopt to outside our areas, with exceptions made for special needs or harder-to-place animals.
Fostering
Open Your Home, Save a Life
Pets Bring Joy is fueled by volunteer power, for which we are extremely grateful! Our devoted team of 100+ volunteers collectively donate over 7,500 hours of their time annually to PBJ.
Fostering is the heart of what we do. We provide all supplies, cover all medical costs, and support you every step of the way. The average commitment is just 2–4 weeks.
1. Apply Online
1. Apply Online
Fill out the foster application. We'll follow up within 48 hours.
Fill out the foster application. We'll follow up within 48 hours.
2. Set Up Your Space
We provide a starter kit: food, litter, bed, toys, crate — everything you need.
3. Welcome Your Foster
15 minutes of daily care. We handle vet visits, adoption events, and finding their forever home.
Apply to Foster →
Fostering FAQ's
Before applying to foster, please look over the Frequently Asked Questions
This is a preview of adoptable cats. Tapping inside the preview window will take you to Petfinder.com
What is involved in fostering cat(s)/kitten(s) for PBJ?
When fostering for PBJ, you'll care for the cat(s)/kitten(s) in your home, providing routine supplies (food, litter) and love! Pets Bring Joy will be responsible for all veterinary expenses, provided that you work with us to make an appointment at one of PBJ's cooperating veterinary clinics.
How much does it cost to foster a cat?
There is no cost to foster, other than the cost involved in purchasing food and supplies. Many supplies can be provided to you, please ask your foster coordinator.
Will my foster pet attend adoption events?
Adoption events are a fantastic way for our cats to find their forever homes. Your foster coordinator will reach out to you occasionally to invite you to bring your foster(s) to an event.
What if I have other pets of my own? How will I know whether they will get along with a foster and vice versa?
We learn animal personalities through our foster program. While we cannot guarantee a certain personality, we will work with you to find the best foster match for your human family members, current pets if any, and living situation. We always stand ready to switch out your foster(s) if they aren't a best match.
How long will my foster pet be with me before being adopted?
We need all kinds of fosters for all kinds of situations: short term (several weeks), longer term, and even fosters comfortable with caring for pets needing medical treatment (aka medical fosters). We'll discuss your specific situation with you before placing a foster animal in your home.
What if I fall in love with my foster and don't want to give him/her up?
As an approved foster for PBJ, you are also approved to adopt should you decide to do so! Please discuss your interest in potentially adopting with your foster coordinator, as many of our fosters do adopt their foster pets. You will be required to pay an adoption fee and sign a PBJ adoption contract.
I'm interested in fostering ... what's the next step?
Please submit a no-obligation foster application online and a foster coordinator will contact you. As a small rescue organization, we thank you in advance for your patience.
What is involved in fostering cat(s)/kitten(s) for PBJ?
When fostering for PBJ, you'll care for the cat(s)/kitten(s) in your home, providing routine supplies (food, litter) and love! Pets Bring Joy will be responsible for all veterinary expenses, provided that you work with us to make an appointment at one of PBJ's cooperating veterinary clinics.
How much does it cost to foster a cat?
There is no cost to foster, other than the cost involved in purchasing food and supplies. Many supplies can be provided to you, please ask your foster coordinator.
Will my foster pet attend adoption events?
Adoption events are a fantastic way for our cats to find their forever homes. Your foster coordinator will reach out to you occasionally to invite you to bring your foster(s) to an event.
What if I have other pets of my own? How will I know whether they will get along with a foster and vice versa?
We learn animal personalities through our foster program. While we cannot guarantee a certain personality, we will work with you to find the best foster match for your human family members, current pets if any, and living situation. We always stand ready to switch out your foster(s) if they aren't a best match.
How long will my foster pet be with me before being adopted?
We need all kinds of fosters for all kinds of situations: short term (several weeks), longer term, and even fosters comfortable with caring for pets needing medical treatment (aka medical fosters). We'll discuss your specific situation with you before placing a foster animal in your home.
What if I fall in love with my foster and don't want to give him/her up?
As an approved foster for PBJ, you are also approved to adopt should you decide to do so! Please discuss your interest in potentially adopting with your foster coordinator, as many of our fosters do adopt their foster pets. You will be required to pay an adoption fee and sign a PBJ adoption contract.
I'm interested in fostering ... what's the next step?
Please submit a no-obligation foster application online and a foster coordinator will contact you. As a small rescue organization, we thank you in advance for your patience.
How long does the adoption process take?
You will typically hear from a PBJ volunteer within 48 hours of submitting your application; the entire process takes approximately a week to complete.
I would like to adopt a single kitten ... is that possible?
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a young kitten is to make sure they have a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they're actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. That is why our policy is for people to adopt two kittens, or adopting a solo kitten only if you already have another young friendly cat in the home for the kitten to befriend.
How can we meet cats or kittens of interest?
We're delighted to arrange for approved adopters to meet our cats/kittens by appointment, either in their foster homes after they've been approved to adopt from Pets Bring Joy, or at one of our two adoption venues - PetSmart in East Fairfax, VA or PetMAC in DC
Where is PBJ located? Do you adopt out of state?
Pets Bring Joy is based out of Fairfax, Virginia, and serves the Greater Washington D.C. metro area; while we don't generally have the capacity to adopt out of our area, we make exceptions for special needs/harder to place animals.
Must I apply for a specific animal by name?
If you're uncertain as to which of our animals you are interested in, no worries -- simply leave that spot blank on the application, and we'll be delighted to make recommendations of which pets we feel are a best fit for you after reviewing your application and speaking with you.
I'm interested... what do I need to do to get the process started?
The first step will be for you to submit a no-obligation adoption application by clicking the button provided at the top of this page; once submitted, you'll receive a copy of your application via email for your records.
What should I expect after submitting my application?
Our application evaluation process consists of a telephone interview, a veterinary reference check if you've had pets within the past five years, and a landlord check if appropriate.
Interested In Volunteering?
100+ volunteers donate over 7,500 hours annually to PBJ. Become part of our life-saving community.
Supporting TNR & Community Cats
Pets Bring Joy has the utmost respect for the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) community. We assist them by:
🏠 Helping find homes for friendly strays
💊 Subsidizing medical expenses
🍗 Providing food and outdoor shelters
🙋 Recruiting volunteers for feeding community cat colonies
TRAP
TRAP
Humanely trap cat
Humanely trap cat
→
NEUTER
NEUTER
Spay/neuter + vaccines
Spay/neuter + vaccines
→
RETURN
RETURN
Return to original location
Return to original location
Community Cat Feeders
Several cat colonies throughout Northern Virginia need weekly feeding volunteers. Training provided!
Colony Locations:
Sterling
South Riding
McLean — Old Dominion
Alexandria — N. Beauregard
Annandale
Falls Church — 7 Corners
Springfield
Lorton
Also need help with: Trapping • Transporting • Temporary housing
Also need help with:
Trapping • Transporting • Temporary housing
📧 Email Lisa at gzpeat@aol.com with your preferred location
“We can’t help cats without YOU!” — Thank you for volunteering ❤️
Frequently Asked Questions
We maintain a FAQ page on a variety of topics — from introducing a new pet into your home, to pet nutrition and behavior, to caring for special needs pets.
OUR MISSION
❤ To reduce the at-risk homeless animal population by taking in animals as fosters from overcrowded shelters, animals who are found as strays within our community, or animals who must be surrendered by owners when hardship overcomes them.
❤ To make the healing therapy of animal companionship available to everyone in our community, whether through adoption, fostering, or volunteering to care for our animals at PBJ's adoption venues.
❤ To reduce the at-risk homeless animal population by taking in animals as fosters from overcrowded shelters, animals who are found as strays within our community, or animals who must be surrendered by owners when hardship overcomes them.
❤ To make the healing therapy of animal companionship available to everyone in our community, whether through adoption, fostering, or volunteering to care for our animals at PBJ's adoption venues.
❤ To reduce the at-risk homeless animal population by taking in animals as fosters from overcrowded shelters, animals who are found as strays within our community, or animals who must be surrendered by owners when hardship overcomes them.
❤ To make the healing therapy of animal companionship available to everyone in our community, whether through adoption, fostering, or volunteering to care for our animals at PBJ's adoption venues.
Donate
Your donation goes directly to cat care — food, vetting, medication, and supplies for every animal in our foster network.
Give Monthly
Give Once
$25
🍲 Food for a litter
$46
🐱 Covers one cat's monthly expenses
$100
💉 Spay/neuter + vaccines
Custom
Any amount helps
Your monthly gift
Custom
✕
Complete Your Donation
Amount
Custom/mo
you@email.com
Card Number
4242 4242 4242 4242 (Stripe test)
Expiry
12/28
CVC
123
Complete Donation
Donate Custom
🔒 Secure payment via Stripe
Donate
Your donation goes directly to cat care — food, vetting, medication, and supplies for every animal in our foster network.
Give Monthly
Give Once
$25
🍲 Food for a litter
$46
🐱 Covers one cat's monthly expenses
$100
💉 Spay/neuter + vaccines
Custom
Any amount helps
Your monthly gift
Custom
✕
Complete Your Donation
Amount
Custom/mo
you@email.com
Card Number
4242 4242 4242 4242 (Stripe test)
Expiry
12/28
CVC
123
Complete Donation
Donate Custom
🔒 Secure payment via Stripe
Donate
Your donation goes directly to cat care — food, vetting, medication, and supplies for every animal in our foster network.
Give Monthly
Give Once
$25
🍲 Food for a litter
$46
🐱 Covers one cat's monthly expenses
$100
💉 Spay/neuter + vaccines
Custom
Any amount helps
Your monthly gift
*Custom Amount
✕
Complete Your Donation
Amount
Custom/mo
you@email.com
Card Number
4242 4242 4242 4242 (Stripe test)
Expiry
12/28
CVC
123
Complete Donation
Donate Custom
🔒 Secure payment via Stripe