Shelter Staff Jumping Through Hoops to Keep Animals Entertained

Shelter Staff Jumping Through Hoops to Keep Animals Entertained

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) volunteer Sandy Garlick sat on the floor of a cat enclosure holding a metal stick with a little red ball at the end. A long-haired, gray and white cat named Nicky, normally a bit skittish around people, reached a paw up to touch the ball, prompting Garlick to press on a clicking device and …

Become a Pet Parent Adoption Event

We’re celebrating all pet parents this Father’s Day weekend with our Become a Pet Parent Adoption Event! Join us Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. when we’ll be waiving adoption fees on all adult animals*. Big or small, brown or striped, our animals all have one thing in common – they can’t wait to meet you! View all …

Click – Treat – Adopt

Clicker training at AWLA - positive reinforcement for shelter animals

Stop by the shelter on any given day, and you might hear a distinct clicking noise, followed by the sounds of happy pups, kitties and even rabbits and rats enjoying a quick treat before their next click.  Clicker training is part of the AWLA’s positive reinforcement training for shelter animals, but it’s more than just rewarding Buddy for his excellent …