October 10, 2025: We are devastated to announce that we’ve made the EXTREMELY hard decision to cancel Paws in the Park. While we were prepared to hold the event in the rain, the predicted high winds and flooding in the park on Sunday can’t be ignored. Just our luck that a Nor’easter (first time in 46 years) decides this Sunday …
Wildlife-Proof Your Home for Winter
The days are getting shorter, the air is turning crisp, and you’re probably pulling out your favorite cozy blankets. You’re preparing for a warm, comfortable winter indoors and so is the local wildlife! As temperatures drop and natural food sources become scarce, your warm, dry home can look like a five-star hotel to mice, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats. Before …
Making Room for Animals in Need: Cat Topia Sponsors AWLA’s Cat Transfer Program
We are incredibly fortunate that the Alexandria community has a strong commitment to animal adoption, fostering, and animal welfare. This dedication to ensuring our four-legged friends are lovingly provided for means the AWLA rarely faces challenges related to animal overcrowding. When we have extra space in our Cat Condos and Dog Dorms, as well as the financial resources to welcome …
Waived Dog Adoption Fees in October
We are partnering with Beyer Subaru to provide the love and support every pet deserves! According to the ASPCA, nearly 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year, waiting for the love of a family and a home. And statistically, large dogs wait the longest to find happy homes. That’s why as part of their annual #SubaruLovesPets month, Beyer …
Four AWLA Staff Receive Prestigious Certified Animal Welfare Administrator Credential
Alexandria, Virginia – Four AWLA team members (Chief Executive Officer Stella Hanly, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Animal Services Tony Rankin, Director of Community Support Joanna Fortin and Manager of Community Support Sean Furmage) recently earned their Certified Animal Welfare Administrator credentials through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, an independent agency whose mission is to help develop strong …
6 Things to Consider When Choosing an Animal Trainer
Your animal’s behavior has you considering a trainer – great idea! You want the best for your animal, but how do you know if a trainer’s approach is humane? Trainers typically refer to themselves as either “positive reinforcement” or “balanced.” Positive reinforcement rewards the good and ignores the bad. To effectively change behavior, we need to identify the behavior(s) we …
AWLA Thanks Community for Supporting Alexandria Animals Through Adopt-the-Shelter Program
Alexandria, Virginia – The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) recognizes and thanks the generous local businesses, families, and individuals who have stepped up to sponsor spaces throughout the AWLA as part of our Adopt-the-Shelter program. Through their sponsorships, these community champions are sustaining and enhancing essential programs, like our Community Pet Pantry, which provides pet food and supplies to …
The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence
People who hurt animals often don’t stop with animals. There is a well-researched and established link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans, including child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and other violent behavior. A landmark study in 1997 found that animal abusers are in fact 5 TIMES AS LIKELY to also harm humans. Animal abuse is often thought …
Investigation of Animal Abuse Resulting in Dog’s Death at Your Dog’s Best Friends Facility; Groomer Charged and Arrested
Alexandria, VA (July 22, 2025) – On December 13, 2024, our Animal Services team was contacted by an anonymous former employee of Your Dog’s Best Friends regarding one dog’s death and abuse to several other dogs that occurred while the dogs were being groomed at the Your Dog’s Best Friends facility, located at 2000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22301. The …
AWLA Receives $100,000 PetSmart Charities Incubator Grant
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Receives $100,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities to Address Lack of Accessible Veterinary Care in Historically Excluded Communities July 9, 2025 — ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities® in the amount of $100,000 to address barriers in accessing veterinary care in the neighborhoods near the …