Alaqua Animal Refuge

Alaqua Animal Refuge Alaqua is the Southeast’s premier no-kill 501(c)3 animal refuge and sanctuary located in Freeport, FL Alaqua’s new home isn’t just for animals.
(2002)

OUR WORK
A recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy, Alaqua has become the “go-to” organization to help animals of all kinds including from domestic, exotic, farm, and equine. Committed to providing shelter, safety, and care to all types of animals in need, we also offer an adoption center, on-site veterinary services, educational outreach, and community progra

ms that extend far beyond our geographic location. Initially providing shelter to 38 animals, Alaqua has placed tens of thousands of animals into loving homes and environments and helped countless others through partnerships and community outreach. Alaqua’s work has been recognized nationally through National Geographic and their Nat Geo WILD TV series “Animal PD,” highlighting Alaqua and their unique partnership law enforcement agencies in removing animals from situations such as abuse, neglect, hoarding, puppy mills, and dog fighting rings. Additionally, Alaqua has been featured on the Hallmark Channel’s TV series “Tails of Joy” and the CW Channel’s “To the Rescue” series; has been covered by multiple media outlets including VIE Magazine, Thrive Global, Nashville Live Radio, 30A Review, Portfolio Magazine, VIP Destin Magazine; and most recently, Alaqua Founder Laurie Hood launched “Animal Passion” – a podcast series to spotlight different makers across the globe who have dedicated themselves to protecting animals’ rights and their overall safety and well-being. OUR NEW HOME
Alaqua is in the midst of relocating and building a one-of-a-kind shelter and sanctuary—the first in the United States—on 100 acres of donated land. The new facility increases the Refuge’s sheer land space tenfold where we will have the ability to serve more animals, conduct safe educational tours, host larger community educational programs, and provide an educational and training center for animal welfare advocates were people from all over the country and world can come to visit and learn from us. During the practice of healing thousands of abandoned and abused animals, we realized that we could also help people through the powerful effects that interactions with animals have on the human spirit and body. Alaqua is destined to become a place like no other in the country, transforming the shape and social culture of animal refuges and sanctuaries in Northwest Florida, our country, and around the globe. Our new home redefines “sanctuary” for animals and people alike, and will represent a renewal of life, a restored hope, and a second chance for all. We will continue all of the important work that is done now but will also be a destination and a place to inspire, empower, and educate others to make change in our society. FUNDING
As a non-profit organization, Alaqua operates solely on funds that are raised through private donations and fundraising. Currently, our organization does not receive any state or federal funding for any our services, programs, or staffing. We are ever thankful and fortunate to have a community of supporters and volunteers that are constantly going the extra mile and putting in countless hours throughout the year to help us with our efforts.

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Now is the perfect time to find a new furry friend to spend cuddled up with for the holidays! Join us t...
11/29/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Now is the perfect time to find a new furry friend to spend cuddled up with for the holidays!

Join us tomorrow 1-3PM for Sunday Sessions! They will be taking place every Sunday from 1–3 PM, featuring Rescue Me: Tim Jackson, Holly Winter, and John Link.

We are open Tuesday through Sunday 11-4!

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The best alternative to Black Friday shopping chaos is visiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. We offer scenic v...
11/28/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The best alternative to Black Friday shopping chaos is visiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. We offer scenic views, serenity, and true delight when visiting all of the beautiful creatures we have here. Open every day (except Monday) 11:00-4:00.

11/27/2025

Grateful for every wag, purr, and happy tail this Thanksgiving! 🐾

This season, we’re thankful for our amazing supporters who help give animals loving homes and second chances. From all of us at Alaqua, we wish you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with love! 💛

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The staff gathered to bask in gratitude for one another, the magic we create together, and the love sho...
11/26/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The staff gathered to bask in gratitude for one another, the magic we create together, and the love showered upon us by our fabulous community!
We are closed on Thanksgiving. Come see us on Friday at 11:00.

Alaqua Sunday SessionsStarting November 30, enjoy a weekly gathering in the Alaqua Arena filled with live music, delicio...
11/26/2025

Alaqua Sunday Sessions

Starting November 30, enjoy a weekly gathering in the Alaqua Arena filled with live music, delicious food, and the peaceful charm of the Refuge. Sunday Sessions take place every Sunday from 1–3 PM, featuring Rescue Me: Tim Jackson, Holly Winter, and John Link.

🍴 Food Trucks:
A rotating selection of local favorites. Check back each week for updates.
🎟 Free Entry:
Come enjoy the trails, visit the animals, grab a bite, and soak up good music and good company.
🐾 Important Note:
We ask that no community pets be brought to the Refuge during this event.
💛 Special Thanks:
Our first month of Sunday Sessions is proudly sponsored by Mr. Rooter of Northwest Florida.

Come stroll the trails, visit the animals, grab something delicious from the food trucks, and settle in for an afternoon that feels creative, relaxing, and full of heart.

Bring your friends, your family, and your love for animals. It’s your new Sunday tradition at Alaqua!

We will be closed on Wednesday, November 26th for staff training and Thursday, November 27th for Thanksgiving. We will r...
11/26/2025

We will be closed on Wednesday, November 26th for staff training and Thursday, November 27th for Thanksgiving. We will reopen to the public on Friday and look forward to seeing you from 11am to 4pm.

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Adding a pet to your home is adding more love and joy to your home! Stop by and find the perfect additi...
11/25/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Adding a pet to your home is adding more love and joy to your home! Stop by and find the perfect addition to your home and family!

We will be closed tomorrow and Thursday! Have an amazing Thanksgiving! We will return Friday 11-4pm!

11/25/2025

Alaqua is proud to announce our partnership with the award-winning conservation film The Paper Bear. This beautiful story has captured hearts across the country and shines a light on the wild places and wildlife we are all working to protect.

Check out the upcoming screenings at Chautauqua Theater in Defuniak Springs here: https://fl-chautauqua.square.site/s/shop

Join us as we bring The Paper Bear to our community and begin a new chapter at Alaqua, one that will bring the heart of the film to life in a way we are excited to reveal soon.

Stay tuned. Big things are coming.

Gentle Giants Get a Fresh StartAlaqua was asked to help with a group of gentle giants involved in a neglect case—and of ...
11/25/2025

Gentle Giants Get a Fresh Start

Alaqua was asked to help with a group of gentle giants involved in a neglect case—and of course, we opened our arms (extra wide!) to welcome them. Five Great Danes, confiscated from a backyard breeder, are now safe with us after spending almost a year at a county shelter.

Animals rescued from cruelty and neglect often end up in a painful kind of limbo. They are finally safe, but they can’t move forward because their cases crawl through a system that takes months, sometimes years, to prosecute. While the accused wait for their day in court, the animals wait too. They live in shelters that do everything they can to help, but the emotional and financial toll is enormous.

Alaqua knows this better than most. The twenty-one horses we took in a year ago are still tied to an open case, and caring for them has been the most expensive rescue in our history. And we are not alone. The Great Danes in Tallahassee spent more than a year in a shelter before anything moved. These delays hurt everyone involved, but the animals pay the highest price. They deserve better than to spend their second chance waiting on a broken process.

The 5 Danes—each named after a Marmaduke character—are now settling in at the Refuge. Watching them wag their tails, bounce around the play yards, and show off their big, goofy personalities is a joyful reminder of why we do what we do. They may be gentle giants, but their hearts are enormous, and they are ready to embrace the love they’ve been waiting for.

While we celebrate their second chance, we also hope their story shines a light on the urgent need for a faster, more compassionate process for animals caught in neglect cases. Every day counts for these innocent souls, and with community awareness and advocacy, we can help ensure no animal has to wait longer than necessary for the life they deserve.

To donate to the ongoing care of the Marmaduke 5 click here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2025greatdanes

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Thanksgiving Break is Here!With the kids out of school, it's the perfect time to visit us! Come explore...
11/24/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Thanksgiving Break is Here!
With the kids out of school, it's the perfect time to visit us! Come explore all that we have to offer and consider taking home a new furry friend. We’ll be open tomorrow from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Make your mark at Alaqua! 🧱💚Honoring a loved one, a cherished pet, or a special milestone with a personalized brick is a...
11/24/2025

Make your mark at Alaqua! 🧱💚

Honoring a loved one, a cherished pet, or a special milestone with a personalized brick is a lasting tribute that supports our mission. Leave your legacy today by visiting http://bricksrus.com/donorsite/Alaqua

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Change Their World and Yours, Adopt an Animal Today.  Contact us to set up a birthday party, kids and g...
11/23/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Change Their World and Yours, Adopt an Animal Today.
Contact us to set up a birthday party, kids and grown ups alike!
Super Sunday with adoptions, birthdays, puppies, kitties and more.
It's a great way to spend an hour or two; come on out and visit.
We are open Tuesdays through Sundays 11:00-4:00, BUT CLOSED this Wednesday (Nov 26)and Thursday (Nov 27) for the holiday.

Address

155 Dugas Way
Freeport, FL
32439

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+18508806399

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