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 …
Help Us Fill Bowls and Bellies This Holiday
Help us fill bowls and bellies of shelter animals this holiday season! For $25 you can sponsor a personalized ornament that will decorate an outdoor tree in Del Ray (outside Del Ray Hardware) starting Saturday, December 7 and running through the holidays. The ornament can be in honor or memory of a friend, family member or beloved animal companion. A …
Now Enrolling for Alexandria Animal Academy
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community: Enrolling Now! We are now enrolling for the May cohort 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 canine courses have been …
Kitten Season is Here!
What is Kitten Season? Kitten Season is the time of year when, as weather gets warmer, animal welfare providers see a flood of kittens, with and without mom, in need of care. This is part of the larger springtime season of babies that takes place with our wild neighbors as well. Each year the AWLA has nearly 100 kittens and …
Urgent Need for Dog Adopters & Fosters
We’re reaching out to our animal-loving community for a little help. We currently have a higher-than-normal number of in-shelter dogs with upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms, which is common in high-volume shelter environments. All dogs are being treated, and are thankfully responding well to treatment. We are taking necessary precautions to reduce the spread of germs in the shelter, …
It’s Hip to Snip! Spay and Neuter Promotes Animal and Community Wellbeing
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …