Living harmoniously with your beloved companion animals is one of life’s greatest joys! Almost always though, you have to do a little work to get there. Do you have questions about your dog or cat’s behavior? We’ve got answers (and solutions)! Get free animal behavior and training help from the AWLA’s Behavior and Training Manager Joe Miench, CPDT-KA, ABCDT at …
Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade
AWLA is thrilled to join this Alexandria holiday tradition and kick-off celebrations for our 80th anniversary in 2026! We will feature how AWLA has grown and evolved since 1946 to offer programs that support families, keep animals in loving homes, and provide holistic care that recognizes the deep bond between humans and their furry companions. Stay tuned for more information …
Good Pet, Great Life! Behavior 101 for Cats, Dogs, and Their Humans
AWLA’s Senior Manager of Behavior and Training Joe Miench will provide tips for living harmoniously with your dog or cat at home, answer specific questions about your pet, and chat about AWLA’s Alexandria Animal Academy. Learn about how positive reinforcement is the key to living harmoniously with your dog or cat! Joe, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, will provide some general guidance and …
ALX Dog Walk
The beloved ALX Dog Walk event returns on April 18, 2026 with an exciting new collaboration and an expanded mission. The ALX Dog Walk is partnering with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to unite two powerful causes – sustainable living and animal welfare – for one joyful celebration of pets and the planet. HERE’S THE SCOOP! When: Saturday, April …
Howl-o-Ween Party & Pet Costume Contest
Join us Thursday, October 30 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Alexandrian Hotel (480 King St., Alexandria) for a Howl-o-Ween Party & Pet Costume Contest! Registration to participate in the contest is just $25 and we’ll be awarding prizes for Most Creative Costume, Funniest Costume and Spookiest Costume! Contest begins promptly at 6 p.m. in the Alexandrian’s courtyard. If …
Doggy Trick or Treat
Join us, The Dog Park, the Old Town Business Association, and lots of Old Town shops for Doggy Trick or Treat on Sunday, October 26 from noon until 4 p.m. Bring your costume-clad four-legged friends to historic Old Town Alexandria for tricks and treats from your favorite boutiques. It’s FREE to join in the fun. Simply pick up your goodie …
Waived Dog Adoption Fees in October
We are partnering with Beyer Subaru to provide the love and support every pet deserves! According to the ASPCA, nearly 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year, waiting for the love of a family and a home. And statistically, large dogs wait the longest to find happy homes. That’s why as part of their annual #SubaruLovesPets month, Beyer …
SOLD OUT Holiday Pet Photos: Registration Opens Oct. 5
Thank you for joining us and our fantastic volunteer photographer for our annual Holiday Pet Photos fundraiser! The photos are scheduled for Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Registration for photos will open Sunday, October 5 at noon! Text “AWLA” to 833-360-5466 to get a reminder the day before! You can …
Dogtoberfest
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
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 …