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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Injured Bird or Angel Wing?
“There’s a goose at Oronoco Bay Park with sticks stuck in its wing.” “There’s a goose that’s been shot with arrows at Oronoco Bay Park.” Our Animal Services team has been fielding these and similar concerns for nearly two years. While the appearance of the goose can be jarring and raise concerns, what people are actually seeing is a goose …
Now Enrolling for Alexandria Animal Academy
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community: Enrolling Now! We are now enrolling for the May cohort 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 canine courses have been …
Kitten Season is Here!
What is Kitten Season? Kitten Season is the time of year when, as weather gets warmer, animal welfare providers see a flood of kittens, with and without mom, in need of care. This is part of the larger springtime season of babies that takes place with our wild neighbors as well. Each year the AWLA has nearly 100 kittens and …
It’s Hip to Snip! Spay and Neuter Promotes Animal and Community Wellbeing
For many creatures, spring signals the breeding season. While this is certainly true for wildlife, it can also be true for unsterilized dogs and cats. If you’ve ever heard of “kitten season,” which typically begins in the spring and runs through the summer, you probably know what we mean. During this time, animal shelters across the U.S. can be overwhelmed …
Plan to Adopt this Holiday Season? Be Prepared as a New Adopter
Pet adoption during the holidays can be a heartwarming experience that not only transforms the life of an animal in need, but also enriches your own life in ways you may never have imagined. Here at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA), the holidays are a peak time for pet adoption and it’s important for new pet parents …