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.
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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.

SAVE THE DATE ❄️ Registration for our popular Holiday Pet Photos opens Sunday, October 5 at noon!Join us and a fantastic...
09/28/2025

SAVE THE DATE ❄️ Registration for our popular Holiday Pet Photos opens Sunday, October 5 at noon!

Join us and a fantastic photography team for our annual Holiday Pet Photos fundraiser! We will have two backdrops this year -- one each day of the fundraiser.

All species are welcome to come. Adults and children are welcome to sit in the photo. Multiple animals can be in the photo, but we don't recommend more than 3-5 animals or people.

Each 10-minute session is $50. Registration is required to attend! Limit two timeslots per family.

You are guaranteed to receive one complimentary digital image, but may have the option to purchase additional digital images. You will also have the option to purchase prints and other items, like ornaments, blankets, mugs and more through SmugMug. Photos will be available for download and purchase no later than Sunday, November 16.

Sessions will be held Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday's backdrop will be "Camping in the Snow" and Sunday's backdrop will be "Old Town Snow Day".

Thank you to Happy Paws Photography for generously donating their time and talents to our Holiday Pet Photos!

Registration opens Sunday, October 5 at noon and spots will fill fast. Text "AWLA" to 833-360-5466 to get a reminder the day before.

Learn more and see backdrops here: https://alexandriaanimals.org/event/holidaypetphotos25/

🐶 Whiskey is living his own version of the high life!This sweet boy, came to us as a found animal — very malnourished an...
09/27/2025

🐶 Whiskey is living his own version of the high life!

This sweet boy, came to us as a found animal — very malnourished and in desperate need of a bath. We fed him, bathed him and took care of his veterinary needs until he was ready to be adopted.

And wouldn’t you know it? The kind people who found him came back to take him home. Now that’s what we call a happy “tail”!

🍻 Cheers to our compassionate donors and our wonderful adopters for giving Whiskey the life he deserves!

You can help more animals just like Whiskey by making a gift today: https://bit.ly/awla-fall25

The Paws in the Park Pet Costume Contest (October 12 at Oronoco Bay Park) returns for a third year, and registration is ...
09/26/2025

The Paws in the Park Pet Costume Contest (October 12 at Oronoco Bay Park) returns for a third year, and registration is open!

The costume contest, sponsored by Realtor Bobby Mahoney and Corcoran McEnearney, is open to everyone, and pre-registration is recommended. We will be awarding prizes for:

👻 Spookiest Costume
🤣 Funniest Costume
🎨Most Creative Costume
🏆Best in Show (chosen from winners of other three categories)

Registration is a $25 donation to the AWLA. Space is limited. Registration will be accepted the day-of the event if space allows. Humans are welcome to dress up with their animals, but it's not required.

No costume? No problem. If you'd like to participate but don't have a costume for your animal, we will have costumes available on site for you to choose from. Each winner will receive a pet-themed basket filled with loads of goodies!

Learn more and register here: https://pawsintheparkva.com/costumecontest

Our first Day Off School Camp for Alexandria City Public Schools students is Thursday, October 2! 🐾Our Day Off School Ca...
09/25/2025

Our first Day Off School Camp for Alexandria City Public Schools students is Thursday, October 2! 🐾

Our Day Off School Camps provide animal-related education and experiences, each day with a different theme to explore. Through arts and crafts, guest speakers, hands-on animal care, and more, your student will learn about different aspects of animal sheltering and welfare.

These age-specific camps are offered on select days ACPS is not in session from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each Day Off School Camp session will feature different themes and activities, so students can have a unique experience each time.

Each camp day is $100. Scholarships are available.

Find more information about registration sign up dates, camp themes and age groups here: https://alexandriaanimals.org/day-off-school-camp/

We've added more items to our Paws in the Park silent auction. If you haven't checked it out yet, go take a peek! 😻The P...
09/24/2025

We've added more items to our Paws in the Park silent auction. If you haven't checked it out yet, go take a peek! 😻

The Paws in the Park online silent auction is open and runs through Paws in the Park (Sunday, October 12 at 3:30 p.m.)!

There are lots of neat items and experiences to bid on, including an Outer Banks vacation rental, date night dining, sporting events, and much more. More items will be added up to event day, so check back often!

A special thanks to all the sponsors, vendors, and community partners who donated items. 💙 All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the AWLA and our mission to support and help Alexandria’s pets and people.

Start bidding here: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/111705/auctions/185806

Do you recognize any of this week's found animals? 👀 Take a look and let us know!If you have access to neighborhood grou...
09/24/2025

Do you recognize any of this week's found animals? 👀 Take a look and let us know!

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

▪️"Lyric, Maestro, Melody, Sonata & Rhythm" - Domestic short hair cats (abandoned at the AWLA)
▪️"Lulu" - Domestic short hair cat (3923 Charles Ave., 22305)

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.

You and your adopted AWLA pet's love story could help us win $100K! 🩷Petco Love wants to hear how your AWLA adopted pet ...
09/23/2025

You and your adopted AWLA pet's love story could help us win $100K! 🩷

Petco Love wants to hear how your AWLA adopted pet has transformed your life in big and small ways. They want to show the world that adopted pets are more than "shelter pets" -- they change our world for the better.

Submissions are open until Monday, September 29. Submit your love story here: https://petcolove.org/adopt/love-stories/.

Yes, he's the real Shady! 😎 But, he's going to sit down. (Because he's oh so smart and knows that cue!)Shady arrived at ...
09/22/2025

Yes, he's the real Shady! 😎 But, he's going to sit down.

(Because he's oh so smart and knows that cue!)

Shady arrived at the AWLA in July as a found animal with another young pup we named Slim. The Slim to his Shady has since been adopted, but Shady is still searching for a family.

Shady is just 1 year old and 60 pounds. He's on the cusp of puppyhood, so he would thrive in a home where he can routinely go on walks, runs, hikes or other outdoor adventures. He loves to play with toys too! When playtime is over, Shady's ready to relax and cuddle up. Shady is confident and social and will make an excellent companion for a variety of families.

Come meet Shady at the AWLA! 🩶

We had a great turnout for our first fall Pets & People Community Wellness event today! 💙 Lots of dogs and cats received...
09/20/2025

We had a great turnout for our first fall Pets & People Community Wellness event today! 💙 Lots of dogs and cats received free vaccines, microchips, dewormer, preventions, nail trims, pet supplies and more.

Of course, we want to thank our volunteers, including the veterinarians who donated their time and expertise. They help make our free community events possible! We also appreciate Petco Love for donating the vaccines.

Our next Pets & People event is Saturday, October 18. Find more information on our events calendar!

We're hiring, and we'd love for you to join our team! Apply today for one of our open job opportunities. The AWLA offers...
09/18/2025

We're hiring, and we'd love for you to join our team! Apply today for one of our open job opportunities.

The AWLA offers an excellent benefits package and competitive compensation. Health care, dental and vision coverage, a retirement plan and additional employee benefits are available.

Find more details on each position on our website: https://alexandriaanimals.org/about-us/job-opportunities/

P.S. You get to work with amazing animals, like adoptable Shyla (pictured). 😍

We're excited to introduce our new Day Off School Camps for Alexandria City Public Schools students!Our Day Off School C...
09/17/2025

We're excited to introduce our new Day Off School Camps for Alexandria City Public Schools students!

Our Day Off School Camps provide animal-related education and experiences, each day with a different theme to explore. Through arts and crafts, guest speakers, hands-on animal care, and more, your student will learn about different aspects of animal sheltering and welfare.

These age-specific camps are offered on select days ACPS is not in session from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each Day Off School Camp session will feature different themes and activities, so students can have a unique experience each time.

Each camp day is $100. Scholarships are available.

Find more information about registration sign up dates, camp themes and age groups here: https://alexandriaanimals.org/day-off-school-camp/

Do you recognize this found animal? 👀 Take a look and let us know!If you have access to neighborhood groups or websites ...
09/17/2025

Do you recognize this found animal? 👀 Take a look and let us know!

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

▪️"S'Mores" - Mixed breed dog (Braddock Road Metro, 22314)

If you have information about this animal or he is 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.

Address

4101 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA
22304

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+17037464774

Website

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