Celebrate with Alexandria’s Animals

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Notice: Birthday parties are currently booked through December 2024. First available dates are in January 2025.

Thank you for choosing to celebrate your special occasion with Alexandria’s Animals.  A celebration at the shelter is a unique party experience that also supports the animals in our community.  We’ve found that a party at the AWLA is most enjoyable for children aged 6 and older, who have a greater understanding of animal welfare and the goals of the shelter.

Your celebration package includes:

  • Downloadable party invitation (printable on 8.5” x 11” paper)
  • Accommodations for up to 20 guests, including guest of honor and family members (seating and tables for all plus one or two 6’ tables for food and activities)
  • Community room access for 2 hours, to include setup, celebration and cleanup
  • Shelter tour
  • “Critter Craft” enrichment activity (may be eligible for school volunteer time)
  • Celebration poster to be signed by guests
  • Favor bags for each guest

Celebrate with AWLA - click for package detailsReservation and Fees

  • Celebration reservations can be made for Fridays, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm or Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., subject to availability. Please book at least 21 days in advance.Your time in our community room will start 30 minutes prior to this start time to allow for set up and 15 minutes post party for clean up. There is a $350 fee for use of the facility:
  • $50 non-refundable booking fee due at time of booking
  • $300 fee due at beginning of party (or any date prior)
  • A liability/photo waiver must be completed for each guest prior to the start of the celebration. Host is responsible for all guest supervision; AWLA cannot provide childcare for unsupervised children arriving before or awaiting pickup after the party.

Celebration Schedule

  • 30 minutes prior to celebration: Host arrival to set up decorations and food
  • 30 minutes for a “Critter Craft” enrichment activity, such as creating canine crinkle bottles or catnip knots, chosen based on supplies available at the shelter; Donated supplies for a specific activity are always welcome
  • 30-minute shelter tour (the tour does not involve petting animals at the shelter)
  • 30 minutes for food, cake, gifts; Alexandria’s Animals have prepared a $20-and-under wish list (see below) for anyone who prefers to collect gifts for the shelter
  • 15 minute post-celebration for guest pickup and room cleanup

Please note that Alexandria’s Animals may find the party excitement overstimulating, so visits from shelter animals, chosen for educational presentation, are at the discretion of the shelter staff. Live animals may not be brought to the party or given as gifts/favors. This includes, but is not limited to dogs, cats, hermit crabs, fish and hamsters.

Alexandria Animals’ Wish List

If you choose to collect gifts for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, here’s a list of shelter pet favorite gifts under $20:

  • Kong Dog Toy: Medium, Large or Extra Large
  • Kong Cat Pursuit
  • Kong Jumbler toys for dogs
  • Other durable dog toys
  • Cat toys (such as balls, crunchy noise makers, jinglers, rattlers or wand toys
  • Martingale collars (any size)
  • Mendota Products slip leads
  • Dog or cat treats, any kind in unopened packaging
  • Dog or cat food (wet or dry), any kind in unopened packaging
  • Fleece blankets
  • Small-sized animal beds

Downloadable Forms

Celebration package, including agreement, party invitation and waiver form.

 

For more information or to make a reservation, please email Celebrate@AlexandriaAnimals.org or call us at 703.746.4774.