The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Becomes the First of Its Kind to Earn Autism Certification to Better Accommodate Visitors’ Needs The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) names the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) marking the first animal welfare organization to earn this accolade. The CAC program provides autism training …
Adopting a Pet: Things to Consider
Adopting a pet can enrich our lives in many ways. They provide companionship, increase opportunities for exercise and socialization, and can even improve our health. Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets is linked to several positive health outcomes, including: Decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. Increased …
Wild Baby Animals: Dos and Don’ts
Though it’s hard to tell with the winter chill still in the air, spring has sprung and the first flowers are in bloom. This means that our wild animal neighbors will be having their young very soon. Mammals like raccoons, foxes, and squirrels typically give birth to their young between the months of February and April, while our local avian …
“Snuggle Time” in Homes Can Ready Senior Pets for Adoption
His name was Mister Miller, and he had lived in a shelter in Barbour County, W.Va., for at least four years when he arrived at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). The large gray senior cat had a chronic cough, labored breathing, diseased teeth and an eyelid malformation causing chronic irritation. After two surgeries, including one on his eyelids, …
Give Shelters A Helping Paw
The joy of giving is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and animal shelters across the country can always use a helping paw. But what do animal shelters need, and what are items they can or cannot put to good use? The best way to get animal shelters the items they need (and take the guesswork out) …
Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season
With the holidays come parties and visitors and potential dangers for pets. Here are a few holiday pet safety tips…
Adopt A Senior Pet Month Wrap Up!
Today is the last day of Adopt A Senior Pet Month, and we’re happy to share that so far, seniors Callie, Juno, Polamalu, Dobby, Lola, Regina, Oscar, Sushi, Lula, Link, Pixie, Eli, Joy, Dexter, and Roxy have found someone to share their years of best friend experience with! Link, who was one of our longest residents, is already enjoying being …
Injured Dog Finds Plenty of Hope with Local Nonprofit Shelter
Labor Day started off quietly at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) — until the first call came in through the police department. An Alexandria citizen named Maria had found a badly injured dog in her front yard and needed help. AWLA Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Animal Services Tony Rankin answered the call and took off immediately …
A Perfect Day for Paws in the Park
On a beautiful fall day in October, the first Paws in the Park festival, hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria…
Animals Come from Far and Wide to Find Homes in Alexandria
“We will be receiving 17 cats from Animal Friends of Barbour County tomorrow,” the email to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) staff read. “There are three litters (under the age of 6 months), one of them without mom, and one single adult. In addition, we will be receiving 2 rabbits.” At least once a week a similar email …