Adoption Information
Daily Adoption Hours
We open every day (except Wednesday) at NOON for adoptions.
Thank you for considering adopting your next companion from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)!
At the AWLA, matchmaking is our specialty. We know that pairing the right animal with the right adopter can be part science and part “art.” Our staff spends time getting to know each potential adopter, from his or her lifestyle to their hopes for a new companion. Whether an adopter is looking for a energetic kitten or settled senior dog, social house rabbit or sunny parakeet, our staff wants to start every relationship off on the right foot.
Adoption Process
- 1. Come to the shelter during visiting hours to view our adoptable animals. All available animals, including those in foster care, can be viewed here.
- Please note that we do not allow people to walk through the dog kennels, as it causes unnecessary stress for the dogs. Instead, we ask you to choose dogs you would like to visit with. Our staff will facilitate a meet-and-greet with each dog in a play yard or our visiting room.
- Visitors are allowed to walk through our cat and small mammal areas.
- Plan ahead and bring a standard flat leash for your dog (a collar is provided), a carrier or other appropriate transport for your cat, bird, guinea pig, etc.
- 2. Spend some time interacting with an animal you’re interested in adopting.
- 3. Complete an adoption survey.
- 4. Consult with a team member about the animal’s history and specific needs.
- 5. Take your new pet home!
- If you aren’t ready to take your new companion home right away, you may place a 24-hour hold on the animal after meeting them.
Adopters will also receive a voucher for a complimentary “first check-up” exam with one of many local veterinarians and access to our behavior hotline.
Before Going Home, Animals Will Be:
- Tested for heartworms (dogs)
- Tested for FeLV/FIV (cats 6 months and older)
- Current on all basic vaccinations (dogs and cats)
- Microchipped (a permanent form of identification in dogs, cats and rabbits)
- Spayed or neutered (dogs, cats and rabbits)
Adoption Expense
Dogs:
| Age / Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Youngsters (under the age of 6 months) | $350 |
| Adults | $250 |
| Bonded pair (adults) | $300 |
| Seniors (8 years and over) | $150 |
| Bonded pair (seniors) | $225 |
Cats:
| Age / Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Youngsters (under the age of 6 months) | $200 |
| Adults | $150 |
| Bonded pair (adults) | $225 |
| Seniors (8 years and over) | $100 |
| Bonded pair (seniors) | $150 |
Birds:
Starting at $20
Determined by AWLA based on size, age and animal’s health
And more!:
| Age / Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Ferret, chinchilla or rabbit | $50 |
| Bonded pair (ferret, chinchilla or rabbit) | $75 |
| Guinea pig | $25 |
| Bonded pair of guinea pigs | $40 |
| Reptile (snake, lizard) | $25 |
| Rat, mouse or hamster | $5 |
Seniors for Seniors
Adopters who are 65 years of age or older may adopt any animal that is 8 years of age or older for FREE! Senior animals are often some of the best pets you’ll ever spend your life with, and the AWLA wants to provide companionship for all people and animals who need it. Call 703.746.4774 or visit the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter to find your special senior today. The Seniors for Seniors program runs throughout the year.
Pets for Patriots
We are a proud adoption partner of Pets for Patriots, a nationally operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit pairing our nation’s military veterans with shelter pets. Military service members can get $50 off adoption fees through our partnership.