PRESS RELEASE: AWLA Clears the Shelters Aug. 18
Media Contact: Regina Hardter
(703) 746-5662
communications@alexandriaanimals.org
ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF ALEXANDRIA TEAMS UP WITH NBC4 AND TELEMUNDO44 FOR CLEAR THE SHELTERS PET ADOPTION DRIVE ON SATURDAY, AUG. 18
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — (August 2, 2018) — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is excited to partner with NBC4 and Telemundo44 to present live coverage of the fourth annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption event at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter on Saturday, Aug. 18. On this day, the AWLA will waive adoption fees for dogs, cats, rabbits, mice and all other adoptable animals in the organization’s care, which is why Clear the Shelters has become one of the AWLA’s biggest and most-attended events over the past several years, adding to the total of more than 150,000 animals adopted nationwide.
“Clear the Shelters is a wonderful way for us to connect with more families across our community,” said AWLA Executive Director Megan Webb. “We’re excited to work with NBC4 and Telemundo44 to find families for all of our adoptable animals.”
The AWLA, located at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue, will open early for adoptions, beginning the event at 11 a.m. to accommodate the extra visitors, but the live coverage will start even earlier, capturing the excitement of the early arrivals as they prepare to meet their newest family members. NBC4 and Telemundo44 will host an on-site tent at the AWLA featuring more information about the event. The AWLA will offer child-friendly activities to entertain the youngest guests, as well as a bake sale and a yard sale, with donated pet supplies available at a discount for new pet owners. All proceeds will benefit the AWLA.
In 2017, nearly 70 animals were adopted as part of the AWLA’s Clear the Shelters event, including cats, dogs, ferrets and even a bearded dragon, and in 2018, the AWLA hopes to once again find homes for dozens of animals in need. Please note that all standard adoptions policies and procedures still apply during this event.
Even if local animal lovers are not able to adopt on Aug. 18, they can still be part of shelter-clearing action by making a pledge to “Clear It Forward.” While adoption fees are waived as part of this nationwide event, the AWLA’s care and treatment of each animal has associated costs, and by “Clearing It Forward,” participants can help defray the waived adoption fees for these animals so we are able to help even more animals after the event. Donors can pledge an amount based on the number of animals adopted or contribute a fixed amount to help the AWLA continue to support animals across the region. More information can be found at AlexandriaAnimals.org/ClearItForward, and a live record of all animals adopted as part of Clear the Shelters can be found at AlexandriaAnimals.org on Aug. 18.
For more information about Clear the Shelters, visit AlexandriaAnimals.org, NBC4.com and Telemundo44. You can also follow the national efforts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtags #ClearTheShelters, #LoveMyPet or in Spanish, #DesocuparLosAlbergues and #AmoAMiMascota.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, is an independent, local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The AWLA is committed to inspiring compassion for all living things, providing shelter to animals in need and promoting adoptions, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in the Alexandria community. More information is at AlexandriaAnimals.org.
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