At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, cats and dogs who are over the age of 8 years old are designated as seniors, meaning they receive special veterinary screenings to monitor their health as they progress through their later years. While an 8-year-old cat or dog is likely just as playful and active as their 4- or 5-year-old counterpart, some …
AWLA Alumni Leading Lives of Adventure and Service
The 2020 Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s photo calendar is now out, and the adorable face of a cattle dog named Abby adorns the cover. She was the top vote-getter in this year’s calendar contest and will be Alexandria’s Animal of the Year for 2020. Abby, Alexandria’s 2020 Animal of the Year (Photograph by Shelley Castle Photography) But Abby might as well …
The Animals Helped Thanks to You
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is proud to operate the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, a shelter named after a former City Manager who was a champion for animals, just like so much of our animal-loving community is today. As part of our contract with the City of Alexandria, we offer this open-access shelter to help any animal that comes …
In A Word: Joy – A Volunteer Perspective
Volunteer Karin is one of our many amazing volunteers. She spends most of her time at the AWLA with our dogs, taking them on walks, playing with them in the yard and giving them cuddles and back scratches at every opportunity in between. But some of her volunteer time is spent outside the AWLA grounds, still with our adoptable pups …
Turtles 101
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 …
“Tails” That End With a Smile
What is happier than a puppy with a stick? Stories from our adopters! We love to hear from all of our adopters, whether with questions about helping their new family member settle in or just to share some of the adorable moments they’ve already had with their new best friend. Here are just a few of the “happy tails” our …
Fall Fun with Your Furry Friend
Whether you enjoy fall amidst the colorful trees or from beneath your cozy blanket, pumpkin spice latte in hand, there are great ways to enjoy the season with your canine companion by your side. In this week’s blog, we share a few ways for you and your furry friend to make the most of your autumn. Hiking For dogs who …
A Cheat Sheet to Clear the Shelters
Clear the Shelters is this Saturday, and we wanted to share some tips for everyone who will be joining us on August 18 to make sure the event is fun and successful for everyone involved. During Clear the Shelters, adoption fees will be waived on all adoptable animals, which makes this one of our busiest days of the year. We will …
Kitties with Seniority
Highlighting Our Longer-Term Residents As an open-access facility, the AWLA takes in all animals from all over the City of Alexandria, and once they come to us, we do everything we can to find them homes. While some of our animals are with us for only days, others stay for longer, and we do not limit how much time they …
