Dogtoberfest

Dogtoberfest Market and Celebration, October 5, 2025 from 11am to 4pm

It’s going to be a pawsome day at Port City Brewing! Join us for their annual Dogtoberfest celebration on Sunday, October 5 from 11 a.m. –4 p.m. — a tail-wagging good time for pups and their people! Port City is transforming their outdoor space into a dog-friendly fall festival, complete with local pet-themed vendors, animal organizations, a dog agility course …

CANCELLED: Join Us at Paws in the Park

AWLA Paws in the Park, October 12, 2025 at Oronoco Bay Park

October 10, 2025: We are devastated to announce that we’ve made the EXTREMELY hard decision to cancel Paws in the Park. While we were prepared to hold the event in the rain, the predicted high winds and flooding in the park on Sunday can’t be ignored. Just our luck that a Nor’easter (first time in 46 years) decides this Sunday …

Pets & Pumpkins Halloween Pet Photos

Pets & Pumpkins Halloween Photos, Sept. 20, 2025 @ 9am to 4pm, presented by AWLA

Thank you for your interest in our Halloween photoshoot! The photoshoot will take place at the AWLA (4101 Eisenhower Ave). You can register for each (limit two per person) 10-minute session using the link below. Each session is a $50 donation. Before registering, please read everything below: The background in the photo on this page is the backdrop we will …

Pets & People Community Wellness Event

Press Release for AWLA: Vaccine and Microchip Clinics

FREE Vaccinations for Pets AND Services & Supplies for Humans Join the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria on Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at John Adams Elementary School, 5651 Rayburn Ave., Alexandria, VA 22311 at for our September Pets & People Community Wellness Event. Attendees can receive free vaccinations for cats and dogs against rabies, FVRCP, distemper …

Pets & People Community Wellness Event

Press Release for AWLA: Vaccine and Microchip Clinics

FREE Vaccinations for Pets AND Services & Supplies for Humans Join the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at for our September Pets & People Community Wellness Event. The event is held at Four Mile Run Park, 3831 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA. Event is held in the park behind MOM’s Organic …

BARK to School Dog Adoption Event

Bark to School at AWLA, August 14-17, adoptions fees waived for dogs 40+ lbs.

Heading back to school is even more fun with a buddy! Starting this Thursday, August 14, we are hosting a FEE-WAIVED adoption event for all dogs 40+ pounds (and those just under) through Sunday, August 17. Who: All dogs 40+ pounds (and those just under) What: Bark to School Adoption Event When: Thursday, August 14 – Sunday, August 17 Where: …

6 Things to Consider When Choosing an Animal Trainer

Six things to consider when choosing an animal trainer

Your animal’s behavior has you considering a trainer – great idea! You want the best for your animal, but how do you know if a trainer’s approach is humane?  Trainers typically refer to themselves as either “positive reinforcement” or “balanced.” Positive reinforcement rewards the good and ignores the bad. To effectively change behavior, we need to identify the behavior(s) we …

AWLA Thanks Community for Supporting Alexandria Animals Through Adopt-the-Shelter Program

Alexandria, Virginia – The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) recognizes and thanks the generous local businesses, families, and individuals who have stepped up to sponsor spaces throughout the AWLA as part of our Adopt-the-Shelter program.  Through their sponsorships, these community champions are sustaining and enhancing essential programs, like our Community Pet Pantry, which provides pet food and supplies to …

Back 2 School Pet Photos

Back 2 School Pet Photos, August 23, 2025 @ AWLA

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 …