Adopt the Shelter Program
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Adopt the Shelter program offers you or your business the perfect opportunity to show all who visit the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter your dedication to the AWLA’s vital mission.
When you adopt one of the dozens of available spaces, your name will proudly be displayed and your gift will directly impact the animals in our care and those in our community. Learn more about the spaces available for adoption below and click through to start the process or contact us to learn more at Development@AlexandriaAnimals.org.
- Kitten Condominiums offer a comfortable spot for our kittens under 6 months old. Composed of 5 units located in our cat adoption room, kittens can enjoy the soothing sounds of a cat radio and play with their brothers and sisters in their cozy space. Each condo has information on the kittens housed within the unit and any fun facts about the residents from staff and volunteers!
- Nestled beside our inviting lobby, feline luxury awaits in our meticulously crafted Cat Condos. These spaces redefine comfort for our cherished adult cats, providing an environment tailored to their well-being. Each spacious Cat Condo accommodates either a single feline or a bonded pair, offering them a private haven to call their own.
- Designed with happiness in mind, these dorms are where our dogs eagerly wait for their new families. Picture cozy layouts that offer ample room for play, relaxation, and everything in between. Our Dog Dorms aren’t just spaces; they’re a supportive transition for our beloved residents. Each dorm is thoughtfully furnished with all the essentials: a cozy cot, premium food, refreshing water, toys and delightful treats that make tails wag with excitement.
- Our Small Mammals Lobby (ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) is an alcove where potential adopters visit our small animals available for adoption.
- Our Book Buddies shelves in our Cat Adoption Room invite kids and young adults to read to our small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) and cats.
- Our Cat Adoption Room, visible from our lobby, is a purrfect feline retreat while adoptable cats wait to find families. The room features kitten condos and full suites for adult cats. With soothing music playing all day, it’s a spa-like experience that facilitates relaxation and play.
- As you step into the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, you’re greeted by our pride and joy: The AWLA Adoptions Board. Each month, our front-desk team dedicates itself to recording every single adoption, embracing each animal’s journey toward a loving home. Our monthly goal is simple: to fill this board with the names of animals who have found their new families. Positioned to the left of the Front Desk, The Adoptions Board is a statement piece noticed and commented on by those who adopt, our devoted staff, and every visitor who stops by the AWLA.
- The visiting courtyards serve as a dynamic learning playground for our dedicated volunteers and skilled behavior team to work (and play!) with dogs in our care, but also allows ample space to facilitate meet and greets for potential adopters to engage more actively with our adoptable dogs. They also provide extra outdoor space for staff to take breaks and a great setting to capture social media content to help market our adorable adoptable residents.
- The Dog Yard is an open-space outdoor space located to the left of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. Surrounded by luscious trees and ample greenery, the yard serves as a mini-park for our dogs to stretch their legs, interact with other dogs, and get additional behavior training. In the summer, it also provides a great space for our summer campers to explore and play games.
- No cost, No judgment – since 2019, the community pet pantry has been a valuable resource for our Alexandria residents. Each year this amazing program provides tens of thousands of pounds of pet food and supplies to our community residents in need. By adopting our pet pantry, you can help us ensure the pantry is always well-stocked with all the animal essentials.
- Just off the lobby, lives the heart of the AWLA, our Community Room. This room is bustling with activity all year as it hosts events, summer camp, volunteer projects, birthday parties, vaccine clinics, adoptable photo sessions, dog meet and greets, staff meetings and much more. Adopting the Community Room will let the thousands of people who use it each day know that you are a beloved member of the AWLA family.
- Welcome to our Dog Visiting Room, this room is where the personalities of our dogs truly shine. Our experienced staff helps facilitate introductions, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed environment for both our animals and potential adopters. When you lend your support to the Dog Visiting Room, you become an integral part of creating these life-changing relationships. Your contribution guarantees that this space remains a sanctuary of comfort and warmth, where the magic of companionship continues to unfold.
