Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Inspiring compassion for all and providing shelter to animals in need since 1946. Offenders may be banned or posts may be blocked from the AWLA page.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is an independent, local, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Operating the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission facility and Alexandria’s only animal shelter, the League touches the lives of more than 6000 animals every year, including strays, lost pets, local wildlife, rescue animals, and animals surrendered by their owners. The AWLA is committed t

o addressing animal homelessness, promoting animal welfare, and serving as an educational resource for the community. More information is at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org

DAILY ADOPTION HOURS: We open daily (except Wednesday) at noon for animal adoptions.
-----------------------------------------------
Guidelines for Use of This page

Thank you so much for your interest in and support of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria! We’re so excited to share the stories of Alexandria’s animals, as well as our staff, volunteers and community. Commenting Policy:

AWLA reserves the right to delete all comments that contain

• Offensive language;
• Personal attacks;
• Inappropriate comments or posts about race, nationality, gender, orientation or religion;
• Spam or certain links to other sites, including content of a sales-oriented nature.

We have a feel good post for Friday! 🥰Over the past months, AWLA volunteer Scott Ford with Bella Casa Partners has spear...
07/11/2025

We have a feel good post for Friday! 🥰

Over the past months, AWLA volunteer Scott Ford with Bella Casa Partners has spearheaded donation drives across Alexandria and collected more than 1,200 pounds of pet food, treats, and toys for Alexandria's animals!

We recently received the massive donation of goodies and were blown away by our community's generosity! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the donation campaigns' success!

Plus, Scott always donates a portion of his closed sales to our Adopt-It-Forward program, which resulted in a $1,000 check to sponsor adoption fees for dogs 40+ lbs. during our Red, White & Woof Adoption Event (happening now through Sunday, July 13).

Thank you again to Scott and everyone who donated!

Un-ducking-believable! 🦆🤭 While we're sure the views were great, a 4th floor balcony wasn't a good place for recently ha...
07/10/2025

Un-ducking-believable! 🦆🤭 While we're sure the views were great, a 4th floor balcony wasn't a good place for recently hatched ducklings. Our Animal Services team was able to relocate them to more suitable, ground-level accommodations. (See a video in the comments!)

If you catch a duck eyeing a bad nesting spot (like a potted plant on your 4th floor balcony), there are several things you can do to make it a less attractive spot.

🦆 Make the soil less comfy by sticking toothpicks upright in it. You can cut the pokey ends off. Netting also works, but the downfall is they can block access for pollinators and impact birds.
🦆 Ducks don't like strong odors like peppermint, vinegar, or garlic. This will steer them away.
🦆 Cut back plants, so the area doesn't look like a secluded hiding spot.
🦆 If you act fast at the first sight of nest building, you can disturb the nest, making the duck less comfortable with the area. It is LEGAL to disturb the nest if the duck has NOT yet laid eggs. Once there are eggs, it is ILLEGAL to disturb it.
🦆 Contact our Animal Services team at 703-746-4444 for help relocating the ducks once hatched if you're too late to intervene.

We're excited to announce this BIG news! ⭐️🐾PetSmart Charities has awarded us a $100,000 grant to address barriers to ac...
07/09/2025

We're excited to announce this BIG news! ⭐️🐾

PetSmart Charities has awarded us a $100,000 grant to address barriers to accessing veterinary care in historically excluded communities in Alexandria through its Incubator grant program.

While 70% of American households include pets, access to basic veterinary care services has not kept pace. This grant will give us a one-year runway to building community relationships and creating pathways for community members to access veterinary care.

You can learn more at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/PetSmartGrant.

Do you recognize any of this week's found animals?If you have access to neighborhood groups or websites like NextDoor, p...
07/09/2025

Do you recognize any of this week's found animals?

If you have access to neighborhood groups or websites like NextDoor, please share their photos and info there to help us find their family.

▪️"Troy" - Mixed breed dog (Commonwealth Ave. & King St., 22314)
▪️"Leonidas" - Mixed breed dog (5249 Eisenhower Ave., 22304)
▪️"Frick & Frack" - Mixed breed dogs (King St. Metro, 22301)
▪️"Paperclip" - Domestic short hair cat (5442 Bradford Ct., 22311)
▪️"Clara" - Domestic short hair cat (200 block of S. Payne St., 22314)
▪️"Bradford" - Domestic short hair cat (5462 Bradford Ct., 22311)
▪️"Nala & Ash" - Short-hair rabbits (300 block of S. Pickett St., 22304)

If you have information about these animals or they are your lost pet, please email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774. You will need to provide proof of ownership when claiming a lost pet.

Meet bonded buds Freddie and Nikki! Freddie and Nikki were found -- along with more than 60+ other dogs and cats -- in a...
07/08/2025

Meet bonded buds Freddie and Nikki!

Freddie and Nikki were found -- along with more than 60+ other dogs and cats -- in a home in southwestern Virginia. As you can imagine, their world was pretty chaotic. But, they've started adjusting to a more peaceful life.

Nikki (right) is a 15-year-old, 7-pound pup with a permanent mhlem. 😋 She enthusiastically greets visitors with a wiggly b***y and some cute little hops. She likes to be held and doted over and will give you some stinky, wet kisses if you'll allow. Nikki has some itchy skin that will heal with quality food and some soothing baths.

Freddie (left) is a 7-year-old, 10-pound pup who believes his job is Nikki. His day revolves around keeping close tabs on her and ensuring she's safe. Where Nikki goes, Freddie follows. Given their age gap, it would be good for Freddie's world to begin to expand beyond Nikki's existence.

Their new family would be very patient and work on slowly introducing them to new people, places, and situations. They will need help with housetraining and gaining confidence.

This tiny twosome will be a little labor of love for someone very special. 💕 Their new family will have complete support from our behavior and training team, too. You can meet them today from noon until 7 p.m.

❓Questions? Email us at [email protected]. ❓

✨These pups were born to sparkle.✨ Join us starting this Saturday, July 5 for our ❤️Red, White & Woof💙 adoption event. W...
07/04/2025

✨These pups were born to sparkle.✨

Join us starting this Saturday, July 5 for our ❤️Red, White & Woof💙 adoption event. We're waiving adoption fees for all dogs 40+ pounds (and those just under)!

Come meet them from noon until 5 p.m. You can find all of our available animals at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/adopt.

We are closed today in observance of July 4th! ❤️🤍💙 We will reopen for normal business and adoption hours tomorrow with ...
07/04/2025

We are closed today in observance of July 4th! ❤️🤍💙 We will reopen for normal business and adoption hours tomorrow with the kick-off of our Red, White & Woof Adoption Event. All dogs 40+ lbs. (and those just under) have waived adoption fees through July 13!

Please celebrate safely and protect your pets!

For animal-related emergencies, contact Animal Services at 703-746-4444.

Does your dog bark or lunge on a leash? 🐕 Are they scared of new things, people, or situations? 😱 Do they not know how t...
07/03/2025

Does your dog bark or lunge on a leash? 🐕 Are they scared of new things, people, or situations? 😱 Do they not know how to chill the fluff out? 🫨 We can help!

Time's running out to enroll in our Alexandria Animal Academy summer session, which starts this Sunday, July 6.

We have 3 virtual training tracks for shy/fearful, high-energy, and leash reactive dogs. The low-cost canine behavior classes are open to anyone (you don't have to be an Alexandria resident).

The virtual 7-week course includes group and individual instruction with personalized training plans. We use a positive reinforcement approach only.

*Scholarships available for Alexandria residents and former AWLA adopters.*

Learn more and register at www.alexandriaanimals.org/alexandriaanimalacademy.

Look, we get it. July 4th really sucks for animals -- domestic and wild. 👎 But some people just really enjoy blowing stu...
07/03/2025

Look, we get it. July 4th really sucks for animals -- domestic and wild. 👎 But some people just really enjoy blowing stuff up.

And even though fireworks are ILLEGAL in the city of Alexandria, we suspect you and your animals will hear a few.

Our Animal Services team is here to help! But, there are certain things we can and can't handle. Please use our graphic as a guide. Unsure where your quandary may lie? Give us a call. 📱 You can always report animal emergencies in the city of Alexandria by calling 703-746-4444.

Have a safe and happy July 4th holiday!

We're spreading the good mews! 🐱 Thank you to Birdie & Louie for donating 4 pallets of cat food -- 31,104 cans in total ...
07/02/2025

We're spreading the good mews! 🐱 Thank you to Birdie & Louie for donating 4 pallets of cat food -- 31,104 cans in total -- to Alexandria's animals!

The food will go a very long way in feeding cats in our community and shelter. 🩵 This donation was part of a record-breaking 400,000 lb. donation Birdie & Louie gifted to animal shelters across the U.S.!

Do you know these found animals? 🚨 If you have access to neighborhood groups or websites like NextDoor, please share ...
07/02/2025

Do you know these found animals? 🚨

If you have access to neighborhood groups or websites like NextDoor, please share their photos and info there to help us find their family.

▪️"Dulce" - Mixed breed dog (Jones Point playground, 22314)
▪️"Gigi" - Mixed breed dog (3121 Colvin St., 22314)
▪️"Cheryl" - Mixed breed dog (Founders Park, 22314)

If you have information about these animals or they are your lost pet, please email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774. You will need to provide proof of ownership when claiming a lost pet.

More animals go missing around July 4th than any other time of the year, so it’s important to take precautions to keep t...
07/01/2025

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 flashing lights. Don't bring them to a fireworks show -- to them, it's like an apocalypse, but with great snacks.
🩵 Make them a safe space with blankets, toys, and comfort items. Turn on a TV or radio to drown out the noise. Distract them with food puzzles, lick mats, an early 2000s boy band dance routine, whatever!
🤍 Try calming aids, like chewy treats or bully sticks, or meds if needed. Check with your veterinarian about prescriptions.
❤️ Make sure doors and windows are secure and scared animals can’t bolt out an open door or window.
🩵 Keep party food and alcohol out of animals' reach. It’s tempting to share food, but certain foods can be toxic and/or cause illness.
🤍 Ensure microchips are up to date and ID tags are readable and securely fastened to a properly-fitted collar.
❤️ Clean up firework debris and make sure gates are secure before letting animals into the yard.

Lost or found a pet? Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org/finding-a-lost-pet for help.

Address

Alexandria, VA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+17037464774

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Animal Welfare League of Alexandria posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Animal Welfare League of Alexandria:

Shortcuts

Share