As an open-access shelter, the AWLA sees a lot of different animals besides dogs and cats, and we want to make sure every pet owner has the information they need to care for their new furry, feather or scaled friend. Turtles can make great pets who will be your fast friend for a lifetime, which for them is up to …
Pirate: Puppy Bowl Champion in the Making
Pirate’s story began in rural Virginia, in one of the shelters AWLA works with to transfer animals who might not be adopted locally. At two months old, he made the journey to Alexandria where his big smile, playful spirit and outgoing nature set him apart from the pack. Even then we knew he had the right stuff to become a …
Resolved: To Help Alexandria’s Animals in 2019
If you haven’t committed to a New Year’s resolution yet, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s furry, feathered and finned residents have some suggestions for you. To care for more than 2,000 animals a year, including wildlife in need, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) depends on the support of Alexandria’s citizens every day. They contribute half of the …
Mew Year’s Resolutions from Alexandria’s Animals
Every new year is a time to look forward to new beginnings and fresh goals, and Alexandria’s Animals do that as well! Our adoptable animals at the shelter are starting of 2019 with some big goals: Meet a New Person Every Day Hello, my name is Betsy. I lived my whole life with my best friend, so once I came …
Finding Homes for the Pawlidays
So many of Alexandria’s Animals have already found Homes for the Pawlidays this month. Former strays are spending their first holiday season with a family of their own and animals who have struggles in their pasts are looking towards a merry and bright future. This year we are finding even more Homes for the Pawlidays thanks to Priority Automotive, who …
Kitten Season 2018 in Review
“Kitten Season” is a busy time for animal welfare providers that starts when the first newborn kittens come to the AWLA and ends when the final kitten heads home with his or her new family. In 2018, the “Season” started early, with our first neonatal kitten Casper arriving in late January! Throughout Kitten Season, our foster caregivers provide these tiny …
Cold Weather Safety for Your Pet
As temperatures start to drop and humans begin to layer on sweaters, scarves and winter boots, don’t forget your pets in mind when preparing for winter weather. All animals react differently to cold weather, even those considered “cold-climate” animals, but with the proper preparation and care, everyone can enjoy the winter season! Walks In especially cold temperatures, consider shortening your …
Getting Fit with Fido
What if you could get your exercise, meet with friends and improve your daily outlook all at one time? At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, our shelter dogs do that every weekend! With our Fit with Fido program, adoptable dogs get out of their kennels and onto nearby trails for group walks and runs with our volunteers. In …
Sabra Shares About FeLV
From time to time, you’ll see special notations on the enclosures of cats at the AWLA. Special diet Please approach slowly — I’m shy FeLV+ Some of these notes are pretty self-explanatory, but the last one seems like it could be a secret code. FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) is an infection that only affects cats, but as veterinarians continue …
Why We’re Thankful for Senior Pets
It may be National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, but there’s never a bad time to bring a greater awareness to animals enjoying their golden years. Anyone who has adopted a senior animal can tell you that those extra years under a pet’s belt can really bring out their most vibrant personalities. Whether it’s a cat with 12 years of …