For many creatures, spring signals the breeding season. While this is certainly true for wildlife, it can also be true for unsterilized dogs and cats. If you’ve ever heard of “kitten season,” which typically begins in the spring and runs through the summer, you probably know what we mean. During this time, animal shelters across the U.S. can be overwhelmed …
Holiday Community Heroes
We want to thank the many community businesses and organizations who have chosen to support Alexandria’s animals this holiday season. Find a list below of ways you can participate: District Dogs is hosting “Home for the Howl-i-days” and matching donations to the AWLA up to $10,000. Click here to donate and have your donation matched by District Dogs. Priority …
Plan to Adopt this Holiday Season? Be Prepared as a New Adopter
Pet adoption during the holidays can be a heartwarming experience that not only transforms the life of an animal in need, but also enriches your own life in ways you may never have imagined. Here at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA), the holidays are a peak time for pet adoption and it’s important for new pet parents …
Thanksgiving Pet Safety Reminders
Things to Remember for the Holiday Thanksgiving is a fun holiday, bringing together family and friends you may not see very often. However, with the fun often comes a little chaos, which can mean hazards for your furry family members. In an effort to make sure you and your pets have a happy and safe holiday, we wanted to …
Introducing Alexandria Animal Academy
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community We are thrilled to announce the creation of 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 canine courses have been crafted to teach pets …
Paws in the Park, Alexandria’s Biggest Pet Festival, Set for October 15
Alexandria’s Biggest Festival for Animal Lovers Returns to Oronoco Bay Park Paws in the Park, benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, set for October 15 Alexandria, Virginia – Paws in the Park, presented by Amazon, returns to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria on Sunday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises to be an …
AWLA Awarded Grey Muzzle Grant to Serve Senior Animals
We’re excited to announce that we were recently awarded a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization to support senior-aged dogs, like Bunny! The Grey Muzzle Organization is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescues, sanctuaries, and other nonprofits. Northern Virginia has consistently been one of the more expensive areas to live …
Love is No Small Thing: Consider Adopting a Big Dog
Adopting a Large-Breed Dog From huskies to shepherds, to hounds to marvelous mystery mixes, animal shelters and rescue groups all over the country are struggling to find homes for larger-breed dogs. Big dogs can be a ton of fun. And you might be surprised to learn that many need less space and exercise than you think. Sadly, due to misconceptions …
Fawns: To Intervene or Not to Intervene
The young fawn pictured was recently found on a concerned citizen’s front porch. The resident was worried the fawn had been abandoned and called the AWLA’s Animal Services team for help. Our Animal Services Officers quickly determined that the fawn was not abandoned. The mother felt the resident’s front porch was a safe place to leave her young while she …
Celebrate National Pet Month with Our Happy, Healthy Pet Checklist
May is National Pet Month! The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria celebrates pets every day, but this month is extra special. Over the past 35 years, the percentage of pet owners in the U.S. has increased. As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (nearly 8.9 million homes) own a pet.* Dogs are the most popular pet (65.1 million U.S. homes …