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.
(2020)

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} Thank you to all the adopters and visitors today - it was a whirlwind of a Saturday! We are open 11-4p...
01/04/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Thank you to all the adopters and visitors today - it was a whirlwind of a Saturday! We are open 11-4pm tomorrow - come visit!

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} When you choose to adopt an animal, you're opening yourself up to a lifetime of love, companionship, a...
01/03/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} When you choose to adopt an animal, you're opening yourself up to a lifetime of love, companionship, and endless joy. Come visit us and take the chance of a lifetime!
We are open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday) from 11-4

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Get ready to make a difference in 2025! Join us in finding forever homes for our furry friends. Come v...
01/02/2025

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Get ready to make a difference in 2025! Join us in finding forever homes for our furry friends. Come visit us and see the love and joy that comes with pet adoption. We are open Tuesday - Sunday (closed Monday) from 11-4. See you soon!

Cheers to a new year filled with compassion and hope! Thank you for supporting our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and ...
01/01/2025

Cheers to a new year filled with compassion and hope! Thank you for supporting our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Together, we can make 2025 a year of love and second chances. Happy New Year from all of us at Alaqua! 🐾

2024, It's a wrap! Some days are longer than others, somedays are more emotional than others but at the end of the day w...
12/31/2024

2024, It's a wrap! Some days are longer than others, somedays are more emotional than others but at the end of the day we stay true to our mission.

This is it—the last day to make a difference in 2024! Your support saves lives and gives second chances to animals who n...
12/31/2024

This is it—the last day to make a difference in 2024! Your support saves lives and gives second chances to animals who need us most.

End the year with compassion: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sfcpsj/

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} You never know what the day will bring. Thank you for all your support - we can't do it without your h...
12/30/2024

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} You never know what the day will bring. Thank you for all your support - we can't do it without your help!
We are open tomorrow 11-4pm, and closed on New Year's Day.

{Ears Up, Hearts Open: Meet Our Pointy-Eared Pals!}We’ve got a crew of dogs who are always listening—whether it’s to you...
12/30/2024

{Ears Up, Hearts Open: Meet Our Pointy-Eared Pals!}

We’ve got a crew of dogs who are always listening—whether it’s to your secrets, your Netflix marathons, or the rustling sound of a snack bag from three rooms away.

Yes, we’re talking about our fabulous, erect-eared pups!

While their ears may scream, “I’m alert, I’m serious, I’m ready for action!” their hearts are pure marshmallow.

Imagine this:
• You need someone to stay up with you during a horror movie? Those ears are already on guard.
• You’re debating life’s big questions? They’ll tilt their heads, ears pointed to the heavens, like, “I get it, human. Life is ruff.”
• And if you’re wondering if they’ve been good today? Spoiler: They’ve been very good (even if they stole a sock or two).

So if you’re ready for a lifetime of love, laughter, and a companion whose ears will hear every word you say (and every treat you unwrap), come meet these magnificent mutts. Their ears may stand up, but they’re down for anything—especially snuggles!

**$25 adoption fee on all dogs over 40 pounds through December 31, 2024!**

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Another weekend at the REFUGE has come and gone, but don't worry because we have something to brighten...
12/29/2024

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Another weekend at the REFUGE has come and gone, but don't worry because we have something to brighten your week - cute puppies! Come visit us and let these adorable furballs put a smile on your face.
We are open 11- 4 Tues-Sunday (closed Monday and New Years Day)

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Life at animal shelters is a constant hustle. Furry friends come and go, but our love for them never s...
12/28/2024

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Life at animal shelters is a constant hustle. Furry friends come and go, but our love for them never stops. Come out this Sunday and meet the cutest animals waiting for their forever homes. We are open 11-4.

{Max's Doggy Day Out}Hurricane Milton evacuee Max recently went on a Doggy Day Out, a much needed break for a dog that h...
12/28/2024

{Max's Doggy Day Out}

Hurricane Milton evacuee Max recently went on a Doggy Day Out, a much needed break for a dog that has been through so much. Read all about his adventure to see if Max is the new friend you’ve been searching for!

We took Max out for lunch, walked around Grand Boulevard, played and ran in the backyard, got brushed and loved, played inside and snoozed sitting up on the car ride back to Alaqua.

Things we learned about Max:
- Never met a stranger. Loves male and female people. Went right up to us and son as soon as seen.
- Good for brushing, wipes bath, and towel rubbing.
- Undercoat brushed and lots of fur came out.
- Ears seem a bit sensitive. Not happy with ears being touched too much.
- Knows Sit and Lay Down. Also maybe paw but not sure what command he knows it as.
- Very food and treat motivated.
- Loved running free in backyard.
- Didn’t react to small kids on bikes that rode by when on a walk.
- Good in car. Jumped in and out with ease. Very interested in everything going on.
- Wanted to be inside the house.
- Inside and out would explore gates and doors to go out.
- Very soft mouth. Gentle taking treats.
- Didn’t try to clear gate inside even though he could have.
- Didn’t mark inside even though he did outside.
- Likes toys and balls especially a snuffle ball.
- Didn’t get up on couch. Maybe trained not to. But he did get up in a chair when encouraged to.
- Doesn’t resource guard his toys with people.
- Responds well to corrections on walk. Walks well on leash.

If you are interested in meeting Max come for a visit, we are open 11am to 4pm daily except closed on Mondays and New Years Day!

{REFUGE ROUND-UP}Join us this weekend before the New Year and make a difference! Whether you're looking to adopt a new f...
12/27/2024

{REFUGE ROUND-UP}
Join us this weekend before the New Year and make a difference! Whether you're looking to adopt a new furry friend, volunteer your time, or make a donation, there are countless ways to support our mission. Come out and see what we have to offer!
We are open from 11- 4 Tuesday - Sunday (closed Monday and New Years Day)

I Like Big Mutts and I Cannot Lie! 🐾Big hearts, big dogs, big savings! Adopt a dog over 40 pounds for only $25 through t...
12/27/2024

I Like Big Mutts and I Cannot Lie! 🐾

Big hearts, big dogs, big savings! Adopt a dog over 40 pounds for only $25 through the end of the year at Alaqua! Your adoption includes spay/neuter, microchip, vaccines, and more. You'll also receive a dog bed, leash, food starter kit, and a toy, plus access to certified trainers. What are you waiting for? Visit us today and find your new loyal companion!

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Did you know you can join our Foster program and take a dog for the day on a Doggy Day Out to help us ...
12/26/2024

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Did you know you can join our Foster program and take a dog for the day on a Doggy Day Out to help us learn more? Something to think about for your holiday break time!

Thank you to our generous supporters who gifted toys and enrichment to our animals in honor of the holiday season. Here ...
12/26/2024

Thank you to our generous supporters who gifted toys and enrichment to our animals in honor of the holiday season. Here are just a few of the Alaqua animals enjoying their Christmas Day at the Refuge!

Several animals pictured are sanctuary, to view all of our adoptable animals visit our website https://alaqua.org/adopt/find-a-pet/

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and the warmth of family—furry ones included! 🎄🐾
12/25/2024

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and the warmth of family—furry ones included! 🎄🐾

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Home for the Holiday. No need to worry, we notified Santa of their new address. 🎅
12/24/2024

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Home for the Holiday. No need to worry, we notified Santa of their new address. 🎅

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

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