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.
(2014)

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 ROUND-UP} There are eight less wonderful animals at the Refuge today - adopted! Our 1/2 off adoption fee special...
04/08/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} There are eight less wonderful animals at the Refuge today - adopted! Our 1/2 off adoption fee special continues this week and we look forward to many more happy adoptions. 11-4pm, Tuesday through Sunday!

Become a champion for animals! 🏌️‍♀️Support Alaqua's mission by sponsoring our 4th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf...
04/08/2025

Become a champion for animals! 🏌️‍♀️

Support Alaqua's mission by sponsoring our 4th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament presented by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Various sponsorship levels are available, each offering unique benefits and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

📅 Event Date: May 3, 2025
📍 Location: The Links Golf Club at Sandestin
🤝 Contact Stacey Salatich at 850-880-6399 or [email protected] for details.

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} We would love to see you at the Refuge this week to take advantage of our 1/2 off adoption fees. So ma...
04/07/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} We would love to see you at the Refuge this week to take advantage of our 1/2 off adoption fees. So many wonderful dogs and cats ready for loving families! 11-4pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

{Adoption Updates}When giving shelter animals a second chance, they fill your life with endless cuddles, laughter, and a...
04/07/2025

{Adoption Updates}

When giving shelter animals a second chance, they fill your life with endless cuddles, laughter, and an unbreakable bond that reminds you: you rescued them, but somehow, they rescue you right back.

Here is another heartwarming round of adopter updates. Come for a visit and fall in love with your new best friend!

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Don't forget to take advantage of our adoption special this week. We are closed on Monday but will be ...
04/06/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Don't forget to take advantage of our adoption special this week. We are closed on Monday but will be open on Tuesday at 11.

Big Hearts, Half the Fee! 🐶🐱From April 6–12, we're celebrating love, second chances, and furry companionships. All adult...
04/06/2025

Big Hearts, Half the Fee! 🐶🐱

From April 6–12, we're celebrating love, second chances, and furry companionships. All adult cats and dogs (6 months and older) are half off their adoption fees during this special event!

Come visit us at Alaqua and let love find you. 💚

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} We are deeply appreciative of our community's support. Don't miss out on our adoption event starting S...
04/05/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} We are deeply appreciative of our community's support. Don't miss out on our adoption event starting Sunday. See details below.

We are Hiring! Open Positions include Animal Care Techs in both Horse and Bird Zones and Certified Vet Techs in our Vete...
04/05/2025

We are Hiring! Open Positions include Animal Care Techs in both Horse and Bird Zones and Certified Vet Techs in our Veterinary Clinic.

Are you an animal lover with a passion for making a real difference? We're looking for dedicated people to join our compassionate team at Alaqua, where we are committed to giving every animal a second chance.

What You’ll Do:
💚 Provide daily care, enrichment, and medical support for rescued animals
🐕 Work hands-on with a variety of species in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment
📋 Collaborate with a team that values compassion, teamwork, and lifelong learning

What We’re Looking For:
✔️ Previous experience in animal care or veterinary support
✔️ Strong work ethic and a heart for rescue
✔️ Ability to handle physically demanding tasks with care and empathy

If you're ready to turn your skills into lifesaving action, we want to hear from you! Email our Director of Operations, Laura McManus, at [email protected] or check us out on Indeed where several job postings are listed.

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Weekend vibes are in full swing at our shelter! Come say hello to our available animals and feel the l...
04/04/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Weekend vibes are in full swing at our shelter! Come say hello to our available animals and feel the love. We are open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday) from 11-4.

See you soon!

{Foster Friday} Today, we want to shine a spotlight on our incredible neonate foster team—the unsung heroes who open the...
04/04/2025

{Foster Friday}

Today, we want to shine a spotlight on our incredible neonate foster team—the unsung heroes who open their hearts and homes to pregnant dogs and newborn puppies in desperate need.

Local shelters often reach out to us when expectant or nursing mamas are surrendered, and these calls are urgent—sometimes birth is imminent, and these vulnerable dogs have nowhere safe to go. Right now, our foster homes are completely full, yet the need keeps growing.

Recently, we took in so many pregnant dogs that we ran out of foster homes. And just when we thought we had made room, we discovered that a small dog rescued from a shelter was also pregnant! These mamas need a safe, warm space to bring their babies into the world—can you help?

Alaqua provides all supplies and veterinary care, and the mamas do most of the work for the first few weeks. What we need are compassionate fosters willing to give these families a loving place to start their journey. Fostering saves lives—and it just might change yours too.

Please contact our Foster Coordinator, Jenn, at [email protected] or 850-880-6146 if you can help!

Get ready to rev up for a day of sleek rides and second chances at the SSV Corvette Club! 🚗 Join us on Saturday, April 1...
04/04/2025

Get ready to rev up for a day of sleek rides and second chances at the SSV Corvette Club! 🚗 Join us on Saturday, April 12th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an exciting showcase of Corvettes—all while supporting rescue animals in need.

🌭 Enjoy delicious eats from City Streets Food Truck
🐶 Support Alaqua’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy
🏎️ Admire a stunning lineup of classic and modern Corvettes

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} If you can't adopt yet - remember donating, Doggy Day Outs, volunteering, fostering and attending Alaq...
04/03/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} If you can't adopt yet - remember donating, Doggy Day Outs, volunteering, fostering and attending Alaqua events all help the animals in our community! Visit the Refuge 11-4pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

Swing into action for animals in need! 🏌️‍♂️🐾Join us for the 4th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament presen...
04/03/2025

Swing into action for animals in need! 🏌️‍♂️🐾

Join us for the 4th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament presented by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on May 3rd at The Links Golf Club at Sandestin. Enjoy a day of golf, camaraderie, and making a difference. Register your team today!

📅 Date: May 3, 2025
📍 Location: The Links Golf Club at Sandestin
⛳ https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/fore-the-love-of-animals-2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Spring is here and there are signs all around. It's the perfect weather to visit the Refuge. We are op...
04/02/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Spring is here and there are signs all around. It's the perfect weather to visit the Refuge. We are open 11-4.

04/02/2025

🌟 March Miracles in Motion 🌟

March was a month of hope and new beginnings at Alaqua. From heartwarming adoptions to inspiring rescue stories, our community came together to create miracles. Thank you for being part of these incredible journeys! 💚🐾

{Valora Update}A few weeks ago, we shared the heartbreaking story of Valora—a brave soul who has already survived more t...
04/02/2025

{Valora Update}

A few weeks ago, we shared the heartbreaking story of Valora—a brave soul who has already survived more than most ever will. She was found trapped in a fence on a rural property. Her face bore the unimaginable: a gunshot wound.

Valora was rushed to us for emergency care. Her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. Today, her wounds are healing, but the scars—both seen and unseen—will always remain. What’s even more powerful, though, is what hasn’t changed: her gentle heart, her glowing spirit, her unshakable resilience.

Despite all she’s endured, Valora greets every day with wagging tails and soulful eyes. She loves. She forgives. She shines.

Valora is now looking for a special kind of home—a quiet, loving space where she can continue healing. She’ll remain under the car of our Vet team for heartworm treatment over the next several months (all costs covered by us), but what we can’t give her here is what she needs most: a family.

She’s never known what it’s like to be spoiled. But she’s more than ready for that chapter. If you have room in your heart and home for a dog who will inspire you every single day, Valora is waiting.

Alaqua is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday) from 11am to 4pm.

What does it mean when a dog shows their teeth? Our Founder, Laurie Hood, shares her insight in this Kinship article abo...
04/02/2025

What does it mean when a dog shows their teeth? Our Founder, Laurie Hood, shares her insight in this Kinship article about the different reasons dogs bare their teeth—whether it’s a friendly smile or a sign of distress. Understanding canine body language is key to building trust and strong bonds with our furry friends!

📖 Read the full article here: https://www.kinship.com/dog-behavior/dog-showing-teeth

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Five adoptions marked the beginning of April, and did you know we have several supermodels available? ...
04/01/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Five adoptions marked the beginning of April, and did you know we have several supermodels available? Visit us today.

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

Website

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Videos

Month of Miracles: March 2025
Month of Miracles: March 2025

🌟 March Miracles in Motion 🌟 March was a month of hope and new beginnings at Alaqua. From heartwarming adoptions to inspiring rescue stories, our community came together to create miracles. Thank you for being part of these incredible journeys! 💚🐾

🌟 February’s Month of Miracles 🌟 Love was in the air this February as more animals found their forever homes, our dedicated team gave endless care, and incredible supporters like you made a difference every day. 💚🐾 Every rescue, adoption, and act of kindness helps create miracles—thank you for being part of the magic! Here’s to another month of hope, love, and second chances!

🌟Miracles in Motion: An Unforgettable January🌟 So many pets found their forever families, our amazing volunteers cared tirelessly for our animals, and a rare snowstorm brought laughter, smiles, and beauty to the Refuge. Thank you for being a part of our journey ❤️🐾

Have you explored @ecoflixofficial yet? This streaming platform showcases inspiring stories of people and organizations making a difference for animals and the planet—just like Alaqua! Stream for a cause and support the work we do at the link in our bio. 🐾 Special thanks to actress & wildlife advocate Téa Leoni for supporting Ecoflix and its mission to help save wildlife and the environment. #AlaquaAnimalRefuge #Alaqua #AnimalRefuge #AnimalShelter #FreeportFlorida #RescueAnimals #AdoptDontShop #SupportAnimalShelters #WaltonCounty #EmeraldCoast #SoWal #EcoFlix

Have you explored Ecoflix yet? This streaming platform showcases inspiring stories of people and organizations making a difference for animals and the planet—just like Alaqua! Stream for a cause and support the work we do at https://www.ecoflix.com/ngo/alaqua-animal-refuge/ 🐾 Special thanks to actress & wildlife advocate Téa Leoni for supporting Ecoflix and its mission to help save wildlife and the environment.

Say hello to Ezra! 💙 This smart and sweet boy came to Alaqua ahead of hurricane Milton, and he’s ready to bring his charm to a forever home. Ezra already knows some commands and loves to show off his skills—plus, he’s got a heart as big as his smile! If you’re looking for a loyal, clever, and loving companion, Ezra might be your perfect match. Come meet him at Alaqua and see if he’s the one for you!

Meet Max, a gentle soul who’s been through a lot but hasn’t lost his loving spirit. 🐾 Max came to Alaqua just ahead of hurricane Milton, and now he’s looking for a forever home that can give him the warmth and security he deserves. If you’re ready to welcome an incredibly gentle and loyal companion into your life, Max might just be your perfect match. 💙 Come meet him and see if he’s the one for you! Learn more about him at https://alaqua.org/adopt/find-a-pet/dogs-puppies/#sl_embed&page=shelterluv_wrap_1602782408758%252Fembed%252Fanimal%252FALAQ-A-13394

Alaqua is in urgent need of YOUR help! After taking in Hurricane Milton evacuees, the refuge needs immediate support to care for displaced animals. Donations, volunteers, and fosters are needed to step in during this critical time! ❤️ How you can help: - Donate to support emergency shelter & supplies -Volunteer to care for animals in need -Foster a pet temporarily while families rebuild Every bit helps! https://tr.ee/OdmhKg7fyz

Fosters Needed for Hurricane Milton Evacuees! Email [email protected] for more information.

Help Hurricane Milton Evacuees! Fosters are desperately needed to help us care for the large group of dogs that evacuated to Alaqua prior to and after Hurricane Milton. These dogs have had a long journey just getting to the Refuge, not to mention what they went through before arrival. We would like to place animals in temporary foster homes where they can decompress and heal from their ordeal. Fill out our Foster Application here, come for a visit and find a dog that will suite your lifestyle. Alaqua covers all costs including supplies and medical treatment. Help us today, we need you! https://alaqua.org/how-to-help/foster-an-animal/

Alaqua Partners to Rescue Animals Ahead of Hurricane Milton
Alaqua Partners to Rescue Animals Ahead of Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm, Alaqua Animal Refuge is again answering the urgent call to save lives. In collaboration with Wings of Rescue, The Humane Society of the United States, and UF Shelter Medicine program, Alaqua will receive animals evacuated from shelters in the storm's path. Thanks to the incredible efforts of all partners, an emergency rescue flight took place yesterday, bringing animals from Labelle, Okeechobee, Highland County, and Clewiston to Alaqua. These animals are being moved to safety to free up shelter space for those displaced by Hurricane Milton's imminent landfall late Wednesday. This mission is critical, and Alaqua has constructed a temporary shelter to accommodate these vulnerable animals. How You Can Help Alaqua is still purchasing walk-in kennels to provide more safe spaces for these animals, and donations are greatly appreciated so that they can allocate funds where they are most needed. Donations can be made here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sfcpsj/ . Alaqua welcomes volunteers. If you are available to assist, please sign up on our website: https://alaqua.org/how-to-help/volunteer/. When registering, in the section for special training, write "EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE" to be added to emergency response correspondence. We urgently need foster homes to create more space at our refuge. By fostering, you directly help us take in more animals displaced by the storm. Please visit our website to sign up: Foster Here: https://alaqua.org/how-to-help/foster-an-animal/ The response to a plea for linens and pet supplies has been tremendous and none of those items are needed. A special Thank You to Michael Booini with Boo Media for creating this video!

Available for Adoption at Alaqua!

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