More animals go missing around July 4th than any other time of the year, so it’s important to take precautions to keep them safe. Here are a few things to remember when celebrating: Before the festivities, tire them out! Schedule a pup playdate or long walk (but be careful of the heat). Keep animals indoors away from loud noises and …
AWLA Renews Autism Certification
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Continues Enhancing Accessibility, Renews Autism Training and Certification The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly renews the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA) designation as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) after staff completed up-to-date training. This autism-specific training ensures staff understand best practices, skills, and resources to best welcome and …
Alexandria’s Leash Laws
Love them? Leash them. Like virtually all other communities, Alexandria has leash laws, which require dogs be kept on a leash at all times while on public property. The intent of the law is to protect the health and safety of you, your dog, and the community. Find Alexandria’s ordinances related to leash laws here: 5-7-33.1 Running at large in …
2026 Calendar Pet Photo Contest
Open for Entries and Voting Starting June 1 It’s time to start picking out the PURR-FECT photo! Our annual calendar pet photo contest is one of our biggest and most popular fundraisers of the year and it starts soon. Entry submission and voting will open June 1! Throughout the month of June, you can submit your pets’ photos and ask …
Pet-Inclusive Housing Needed in Alexandria
Lack of Pet-Inclusive Housing in Alexandria Leads to More Animal Surrenders at AWLA People across the country are facing housing-related challenges. When you add an animal companion to the mix, the challenges become even greater. Restrictive and unfair pet policies are forcing animal guardians to face incredibly tough choices, often requiring them to decide between giving up their pet or …
Support the AWLA for Spring2ACTion!
Alexandria’s city-wide day of giving – Spring2ACTion – is Wednesday, April 9. Please support your city’s animal shelter and premier nonprofit that cares for thousands of Alexandria’s animals every year! In 2024, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria impacted thousands of pets and pet parents through a wide variety of community programs. Beyond sheltering homeless pets and finding them …
2024 By the Numbers
In 2024, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria cared for thousands of animals in our community and in our shelter. See what we accomplished thanks to your compassion and generosity. 2024 Impact 1,492 animals adopted and placed in homes 369 animals with medical or behavioral needs fostered by 216 individuals 504 animals transferred from under-resourced areas 43,070 meals provided …
Enrolling Now for 2025 Alexandria Animal Academy Sessions
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community: Enrolling Now for All 2025 Sessions! We are now enrolling for all 2025 cohorts of our Alexandria Animal Academy – a cost-efficient option for dog behavior and training courses for our community! However, the course is open to anyone in need – you do NOT have to be an Alexandria resident. The …
Action Needed: Ask Your House Delegate to Vote “Yes” on SB 1051
A bill increasing the ability to conduct inspections of animal boarding and grooming facilities going to Virginia House vote as early as Friday, February 14. Last summer, our team investigated dog deaths related to stays at the PetSmart PetsHotel at Potomac Yard. In the end, the PetsHotel was cleared of criminal wrongdoing due to insufficient evidence as determined by the …
New Year, New Best Friend: Adopt a Big Dog in January
Do you have resolutions to be more active? Go on more outdoor adventures? Take more walks? Well, let a big dog join you in 2025 (and beyond)! Big dogs are great companions and can help keep you motivated to move. For the month of January, adoption fees for all big dogs (40+ pounds) are waived! We want to send a …