Thank you for your interest in our Back 2 School pet photoshoot! The photoshoot will take place at the AWLA (4101 Eisenhower Ave). You can register below for each (limit two per person) 10-minute session. Each session is a $50 donation. Before registering, please read everything below: The classic yearbook photo background in the examples on this page is the …
AWLA Receives $100,000 PetSmart Charities Incubator Grant
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Receives $100,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities to Address Lack of Accessible Veterinary Care in Historically Excluded Communities July 9, 2025 — ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities® in the amount of $100,000 to address barriers in accessing veterinary care in the neighborhoods near the …
Keep Pets Safe During July 4th Festivities
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 …
Alexandria’s Leash Laws
Love them? Leash them. Like virtually all other communities, Alexandria has leash laws, which require dogs be kept on a leash at all times while on public property. The intent of the law is to protect the health and safety of you, your dog, and the community. Find Alexandria’s ordinances related to leash laws here: 5-7-33.1 Running at large in …
2026 Calendar Pet Photo Contest
Open for Entries and Voting Starting June 1 It’s time to start picking out the PURR-FECT photo! Our annual calendar pet photo contest is one of our biggest and most popular fundraisers of the year and it starts soon. Entry submission and voting will open June 1! Throughout the month of June, you can submit your pets’ photos and ask …
First Thursday: Dog Days in Del Ray
Del Ray, one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in the region, highlights Dog Days in Del Ray during its May First Thursday. The monthly street festival takes place on Thursday, May 1 from 6 p.m. to dusk along Mount Vernon Avenue. Bring your best four-legged friend out to the Avenue for a variety of canine-themed activities for dogs (and their humans!). …
Support the AWLA for Spring2ACTion!
Alexandria’s city-wide day of giving – Spring2ACTion – is Wednesday, April 9. Please support your city’s animal shelter and premier nonprofit that cares for thousands of Alexandria’s animals every year! In 2024, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria impacted thousands of pets and pet parents through a wide variety of community programs. Beyond sheltering homeless pets and finding them …
2024 By the Numbers
In 2024, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria cared for thousands of animals in our community and in our shelter. See what we accomplished thanks to your compassion and generosity. 2024 Impact 1,492 animals adopted and placed in homes 369 animals with medical or behavioral needs fostered by 216 individuals 504 animals transferred from under-resourced areas 43,070 meals provided …
Enrolling Now for 2025 Alexandria Animal Academy Sessions
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community: Enrolling Now for All 2025 Sessions! We are now enrolling for all 2025 cohorts 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 …
New Year, New Best Friend: Adopt a Big Dog in January
Do you have resolutions to be more active? Go on more outdoor adventures? Take more walks? Well, let a big dog join you in 2025 (and beyond)! Big dogs are great companions and can help keep you motivated to move. For the month of January, adoption fees for all big dogs (40+ pounds) are waived! We want to send a …