Today, Sept. 28, is World Rabies Day, a day observed globally to raise awareness about rabies and how this disease, which is 100% preventable, impacts communities across the world.  According to the CDC, “Rabies is still present in many parts of the United States where it is often found in wildlife…The best way to protect you, your family and your pets is to keep dogs and cats up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.”

In Alexandria, we know that accessibility and cost can sometimes pose a barrier in seeking this level of care for beloved pets, which is why, as part of our role as a resource to the animals and people of our community, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) hosts monthly low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics at our facility, as well as regular Community Wellness Events for Pets & People throughout the city.  Our most recent event took place this past Saturday, Sept. 25, in Four Mile Run Park, in coordination with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and Neighborhood Health.

This event was the first that our two animal welfare organizations had hosted in the Chirilagua neighborhood, serving attendees from both Alexandria and Arlington. Along with providing free vaccinations for cats and dogs against rabies, distemper and parvovirus by licensed veterinarians, the clinic also allowed human clients to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations, administered by the staff at Neighborhood Health. In total, nearly 20 people received vaccinations, and 209 vaccinations were provided to pets.

“Our goal is to be a resource to our community, and by connecting with people near where they live, we were able to better serve attendees, both human and animal,” said Stella Hanly, Executive Director of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“People and the pets they love belong together. By providing resources directly in the community, we are able to provide support that extends beyond our brick-and-mortar facility,” said Amy Schindler, Chief Operating Officer of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.

Along with vaccinations, the Community Care Clinic offered a wide array of resources and information. Pet food, preventatives, dewormer and other animal supplies were available, as well as bags of shelf-stable groceries from ALIVE!  Representatives of the Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center; the Domestic Violence Intervention Program; Four Mile Run Conservancy Foundation; Inova; InspireLit; Liberty’s Promise; Nueva Vida; Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities of Alexandria; Senior Services of Alexandria; and Virginia Cooperative Extension provided information about health and nutrition, support services, local recreational opportunities, free books and more.

“By connecting with people and their pets at the same time, we have the opportunity to make our community a healthier and safer place for all of its residents,” said the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Joanna Fortin, Director of Community Programs. “Today we worked with hundreds of our neighbors to ensure that they all received the care and support they deserve.”

“It is so wonderful to see pet families receive care and resources in this setting,” said Jennifer Davies, Community Care Coordinator at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. “The wags and smiles — even through masks — are an affirmation that we are making a difference.”

Support for this event was provided by PetSmart Charities and the Del Ray North/Mount Vernon Shopping Center.  See photos from the event below.

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Photos courtesy of the Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington.