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.
(1998)

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} What a fantastic day for fresh starts! Seven furry friends have landed in their forever homes and are c...
12/27/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} What a fantastic day for fresh starts! Seven furry friends have landed in their forever homes and are cozying up in their new beds.

We are open Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

Make your child’s birthday unforgettable with a party at Alaqua! 🎉 They’ll meet rescue animals, enjoy fun activities, an...
12/27/2025

Make your child’s birthday unforgettable with a party at Alaqua! 🎉 They’ll meet rescue animals, enjoy fun activities, and learn about compassion in a magical setting.

Book your party today by contacting Tess Johnson at 850-880-6247 or [email protected]!

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season! With 2026 just around the corner, what better way ...
12/26/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} We hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season! With 2026 just around the corner, what better way to celebrate the new year than by welcoming a new furry friend into your family? They're sure to sprinkle your life with joy and exciting adventures!

We're open Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} A big shoutout to our magical elves: thanks to you, every critter will have a jingle-jolly Christmas mo...
12/24/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} A big shoutout to our magical elves: thanks to you, every critter will have a jingle-jolly Christmas morning! We are closed to the public tomorrow. A special thank you to our incredible staff and volunteers who are dedicating their Christmas Day to showering love and care on all our furry friends! We are open Friday from 11 to 4.

Looking for a rewarding way to give back? Become a volunteer at Alaqua! 💚 🐾 Volunteers are the backbone of Alaqua. Wheth...
12/24/2025

Looking for a rewarding way to give back? Become a volunteer at Alaqua! 💚 🐾

Volunteers are the backbone of Alaqua. Whether you can help with animal care, events, or administrative tasks, there's a place for you here. Sign up today and make a difference at https://alaqua.org/how-to-help/volunteer/

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Christmas cheer is in the air and you can feel it all around! The joy and love that is walking though A...
12/23/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Christmas cheer is in the air and you can feel it all around! The joy and love that is walking though Alaqua has been so amazing! Thank you so much to everyone that has come out to visit, adopt, volunteer, and support from a distance! Come experience the joy for yourself!

We will be open for Christmas Eve 11-4pm, but closed for Christmas Day! Don't worry though, we will be back to regular hours Tuesday though Sunday 11-4pm following the holidays!

Close out the year in the best way—join us Sunday, December 28, for our final Sunday Session of the month! Enjoy live mu...
12/23/2025

Close out the year in the best way—join us Sunday, December 28, for our final Sunday Session of the month! Enjoy live music, tasty local eats, and the serene charm of the Refuge from 1–3 PM, featuring Rescue Me: Tim Jackson, Holly Winter, and John Link.

🍴 Food Trucks
This week’s food truck is Rican Vegan!

🎟 Free Entry
Take a peaceful stroll, connect with the animals, enjoy lunch, and settle in for great live music.

🐾 Important Note
We kindly ask that no community pets be brought to the Refuge during Sunday Sessions.

💛 Special Thanks
Sunday Sessions are proudly sponsored by Mr. Rooter of Northwest Florida.

Wrap up December with an afternoon that feels restorative, inspiring, and full of heart at Alaqua.

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Many shelter animals have previously experienced the warmth of a home during the Christmas season and a...
12/22/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Many shelter animals have previously experienced the warmth of a home during the Christmas season and are familiar with the feeling of belonging. We encourage you to consider adopting, fostering, or volunteering to support animals in need. We are open tomorrow from 11-4.

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Your greatest gift isn't under the tree; it's waiting for a home. From Alaqua to your heart, let's make...
12/21/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} Your greatest gift isn't under the tree; it's waiting for a home. From Alaqua to your heart, let's make this the best Christmas ever!

We are open Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The love from a new furry friend could be the Christmas miracle you have been looking for! It truly is ...
12/20/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The love from a new furry friend could be the Christmas miracle you have been looking for! It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. We would love to add to your holiday joy by helping you find a new animal to add to your family or just by having you come spend a day visiting the Refuge!

We are open Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

The holiday season is about love, gratitude, and togetherness, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by opening yo...
12/20/2025

The holiday season is about love, gratitude, and togetherness, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by opening your heart to a rescue animal.

Adopting doesn’t just change their life—it adds a special kind of joy to yours. The kind that greets you at the door, curls up beside you on chilly nights, and reminds you what the true spirit of the holidays is all about all year long.

For more information about our adoptable animals visit our website or better yet, come for a visit and meet them! We are open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday through Sunday.

www.alaqua.org

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The jingle bells are jingling with just 6 days to go before Santa makes his grand entrance! If you've g...
12/19/2025

{REFUGE ROUNDUP} The jingle bells are jingling with just 6 days to go before Santa makes his grand entrance! If you've got room for a new furry buddy or want to play holiday host to a foster friend, swing by—we're open all weekend from 11 to 4!

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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