Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Do you know these found animals? 🚨

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

▪️ "Brindle" - Mixed breed dog (717 Queen St., 22314)
▪️ "Duke" - Mixed breed dog (Duke Street Dog Park, 22312)
▪️ "Rallo" - Mixed breed dog (4525 Duke St., 22304)
▪️ "Kylo" - Guinea pig (25 W. Glebe Rd., 22305)
▪️ "Jonesy" - Domestic short hair cat (N. Gordon St. & Taney Ave., 22304)
▪️ "Starfire" - Domestic short hair cat (N. Armistead St. & Beauregard St., 22312)

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 picking up a lost pet.

We’ve faced a number of unexpected challenges this past year, including a canine Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) outbreak that swept through the shelter. Through the power of our donors, excellent staff and volunteers, we kept our animals safe and healthy!

This challenge and other unexpected medical emergencies have reminded us of the critical importance of having reliable, monthly resources. You can create a lasting impact for animals in need AND help us be ready for the unexpected by becoming a monthly donor today. Your consistent support will ensure that we’ll continue to:

🐶 Rescue and rehabilitate abused and abandoned animals
🐱 Provide life-saving medical treatments and vaccinations
🐰 Supply nutritious food and comfortable shelter
🐾 Facilitate adoptions to loving families
🐢 Promote humane education and animal welfare awareness

Click the link below to learn more about our new monthly donor benefits ⬇
https://bit.ly/3XnvV1i

We will be closed today, Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3. For animal-related emergencies, contact Animal Services at 703-746-4444.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

WOW! What a way to end August! We finished the month with a HUGE number of adoptions -- 162! 💙 It was a fantastic month for our animals.

Thank you to everyone who adopted! Whether you adopted from us in August or before that, we always love to hear how our are doing.

We also want to thank The Nellis Group for sponsoring big dog adoption fees in August! We had nearly 30 dogs 40+ lbs. find homes thanks to their donation. 😍

We will be closed Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday, September 3. For animal-related emergencies, contact Animal Services at 703-746-4444.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

There are only a few days left to find your BIG DOG ENERGY! 💛 Through this Saturday, all dogs 40+ pounds have waived adoption fees, plus their new family will go home with a big-dog-sized brand new dog bed (while supplies last).

So far this month, 26 big dogs have found homes! 🤩 Thank you to The Nellis Group for sponsoring big dog adoption fees in August!

See all our big dogs here: https://bit.ly/AWLABigDogs

📸: Pictured are adoptable Lewis, Oklahoma, Royal, Cookie, Gorda, and Ava.

Do you know these found animals? 🚨

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

▪️ "Margarita" - Mixed breed dog (3809 Executive Ave., 22305)
▪️ "Tommy" - Mixed breed dog (Eisenhower Ave., near Old Town, 22314)
▪️ "Sticks" -Mixed breed dog (2400 block of Russell Rd., 22301)
▪️ "Rocky" - Mixed breed dog (Edsall Rd. & S. Van Dorn St., 22304)
▪️ "Chambie" - Rabbit (1500 block of N. Chambliss St., 22311)

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 picking up a lost pet.

Calling all artists! 🎨 We're searching for a mural artist, as part of a larger beautification project funded by a Lowe's Home Improvement Hometowns grant. The objective of this mural project is to create artwork that celebrates the unique bond between humans and animals and encourages adoption. The mural should reflect the diversity of our AWLA community and the animals in our care.

Learn more, including proposal requirements, deadline, and budget, here: https://alexandriaanimals.org/awlamural/.

Questions about the project? Email us at [email protected].

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶🐾 It's a day celebrate ALL dogs and the amazing impact they have on our lives.

So, take a little extra time today to appreciate the love, comfort, and joy our canine companions wholeheartedly share with us!

P.S. You can meet adoptable Oklahoma today from noon until 7 p.m.

Small in stature, but big in heart! 💙 We have 11 rabbits and guinea pigs searching for loving homes.

If you've never considered a small mammal for a companion animal, now may be the perfect time. They offer love, affection, entertainment -- and can be a perfect way to enjoy the company of a fur friend while living in a smaller space.

So hop to it! Come visit all these cute critters at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

See all our small adoptable animals here: https://bit.ly/3uTFKc0

Update: Adopted!

Special itty bitty kitty alert! 🚨 Potomac is a 6-month-old female kitten in search of an equally special family ready to give her a little extra TLC.

Potomac is just like any normal playful, fun, and feisty kitten. She enjoys all manor of toys and treats. So, what makes her extra special?

Since she's been with us, Potomac has had intermittent seizures. Thanks to our veterinary team, her seizures are well controlled with medication.

She's looking for a home that will keep her on medication, work closely with a veterinarian to ensure her seizures are under control, and also understand that she may still have seizures.

We know that's a tall order, but we're hoping Potomac's special person is out there! You can meet her and all of our adoptable today until 7 p.m.

Hey ho, let's go Nino! Adoptable Nino is everything good (and bad - let’s be honest) you’ve heard about chihuahuas.

He’s gallons of cute packed in a pint-sized package. He can be cuddly, sweet, and affectionate, but he can also be a curmudgeon if the mood strikes him. His mother absolutely never taught him that sharing is caring. And if he’s honest, he frankly doesn’t give a d*mn.

He’d make a lovely little companion for anyone who also likes to keep people guessing — NEVER LET THEM KNOW YOUR NEXT MOVE.

It goes without saying (but we will say it anyways), Nino would do best in a home without children. He has gotten along with other dogs who will allow him to be a little persnickety now and then.

Nino is available at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA. We’re open today from noon until 7 p.m. for meet and greets.

Do you know these found animals? 🚨

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

▪️ "Topaz" - Domestic short hair cat (1400 block of S. Highview Lane, 22311)
▪️ "Gretchen" - Domestic short hair cat (Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School, 22311)
▪️ "Holmes" - Rabbit (Holmes Run Trail, 22304)

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 picking up a lost pet.

ADOPT DASH 🍦Dash has been searching for a family for more than 300 days. He's our longest-stay dog. 😢

Dash is 5 years old, 45 pounds, and has superb house manners. He is house trained, crate trained, and clicker trained. He loves to play with toys and will gently boop you when he's ready for tug-of-war. He's affectionate, sweet, sleepy, and derpy.

Dash would love a home with his own yard, but that's not a deal breaker. He can be barky toward other dogs while on a leash, so space to walk him away from heavy traffic would be ideal. We also think he would do best in a home with no kids or older kids and no other animals.

He will make a fan-freakin-tastic and loyal companion for someone who is willing to be a little patient with Dash's social limitations (he's an introvert, OK?). He is incredibly receptive to training, too!

Thanks to many generous donors, Dash's adoption fee has been sponsored, he will receive one year's worth of free food, a $200 shopping spree at Pampered Pet Boutique Barkery, continued training through our Alexandria Animal Academy, and $250 credit to apply at a veterinarian of choice or in Sniffspot (private dog parks) credit.

To learn about meeting Dash, email us at [email protected] or call (703) 746-4774, option 2.

Photos courtesy of Dirty Paw Photography.

We appreciate the community’s patience while our Animal Services team investigated the complaints against the PetSmart PetsHotel at Potomac Yard that originated on July 1 with the death of the dog named Clark.

Of course animals can’t provide firsthand accounts, so we are reliant on forensic testing, information from the parties involved, veterinary records, care logs, video, and other evidence to form as clear of a picture as possible.

In regards to Clark, the necropsy report showed there was a serious medical issue (bacterial pneumonia related to an E. Coli infection with possible sepsis) present in Clark’s body, which - due to the severity of infection - was likely present prior to his stay at the boarding facility.

According to the veterinarian who performed the necropsy, Clark’s illness was advanced with bacteria in his lungs, thymus, liver, spleen, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, kidneys, heart, bladder, and brain, and the prognosis for survival would have been poor regardless of where or how he was being cared for. The level of bacteria present in Clark’s body was highly unlikely to have occurred in the time frame in which Clark was in the custody of the PetSmart PetsHotel. Furthermore, according to the veterinarian, the onset of physical symptoms related to the illness would have been sudden and worsened rapidly.

Without being able to perform a necropsy on Blu, we are unable to determine what may have led to his death. We were also unable to perform a necropsy on Lily; however, her cause of death could be attributed to her advanced age.

While we do not believe the care provided at the PetsHotel during the time Clark, Blu, and Lily boarded was of an exceptional caliber due to the high number of animals in relation to care staff (100-160 animals to 4-5 care staff), on review of this case with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, it was determined that since Clark had a pre-existing medical condition and that medical care was sought by PetSmart staff for Clark, there is insufficient evidence to charge PetSmart or any of its staff with a violation of the Virginia animal care codes and no criminal proceedings will be filed in this matter.

We will be making strong recommendations to the PetSmart PetsHotel to consider increasing staff or limiting the number of animals in the facility based on current staffing levels. Pet boarding industry standards recommend having an animal-to-staff ratio of one person to every 15 animals in order to provide the highest level of care. We also strongly recommend that PetSmart have a licensed veterinary technician on staff to monitor animal health and/or require boarding facility staff receive regular and recurring training on how to quickly recognize and respond to medical concerns in the animals kept at the facility.

It is important to remind our community that animal boarding facilities, unlike animal shelters, are not subject to annual inspections by a state agency, and instead are only subject to inspection if a complaint is filed.

We encourage animal guardians to do extensive research when choosing any animal-related boarding or sitting services or facilities. Unfortunately, with the lack of government oversight, it is 100% up to the consumer to ensure the facility is providing the standard of care promised and expected. Find a list of things to consider and ask when choosing an animal boarding facility here: https://alexandriaanimals.org/choosingaboardingfacility/

We also encourage our community to reach out to elected state representatives to enact regulations and inspections for animal boarding facilities, setting minimum standards of care and animal-to-care-staff ratios.

If you would like a copy of the AWLA’s Animal Services’ final report, please complete a request through https://www.alexandriava.gov/FOIA referencing report number A24-017718.

After 324 days in our care, OSCAR IS GOING HOME! 🥳

Oscar arrived at the AWLA on September 29, 2023. He's been consistently overlooked due to his XL-size (he's 100+ lbs) and the need to be the only animal in the home. Thankfully, he's had a few wonderful fosters during his stay, including his new mom!

After fostering him for over a month, she realized he was meant to be a permanent addition to her family.

Happy tails, Oscar! Sometimes it just takes some time to find the right fit ...

It's National "Check the Chip" Day! Microchips are safe and effective at quickly reuniting lost pets with their family.

Adoptable Ava thinks today's a great day to make sure your pet’s microchip is registered AND that your contact information is up to date.

Here are a few microchip tips ...

▪️ If you know what registry your pet's microchip is registered with, you can log into your account and make sure the information is up-to-date.
▪️ If you're unsure if your pet's microchip is registered or unsure of the number, any veterinary office or animal shelter should be able to scan your pet and give you the number.
▪️ With that number, you can look and see if it's registered using universal microchip lookup website pages or register the chip with your information using free registries, like 24 Petwatch.
▪️ It's important to note that many registries do offer paid subscriptions, but basic registry is free.
▪️ Microchips do not act like GPS. However, you can get GPS collars and tags for your pets, which can also help you in locating a lost furry family member.
▪️ Microchips are not limited to dogs and cats. Horses, rabbits, even snakes can be microchipped.

Do you know these found animals? 🚨

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

▪️ "Frosted" - Mixed breed dog (Beauregard St. & Fillmore Ave., 22311)
▪️ "Flakes" - Mixed breed dog (Beauregard St. & Fillmore Ave., 22311)
▪️ "Fox" - Mixed breed dog (Fillmore Ave., 22311)
▪️ "Cinnabunny" - Rabbit (W. Glendale Ave. & Russell Rd., 22301)
▪️ "Betty" - Rabbit (238 S. Jenkins St., 22304)
▪️ "Snowy" - Parakeet (4854 Eisenhower Ave., 22304)

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 picking up a lost pet.

We’re just TWO MONTHS AWAY from Paws in the Park 2024 - the biggest fall festival for animal lovers in Alexandria! 🐶🐱

Make plans to join us Sunday, October 13 at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria.

The event is free to attend with shopping, food and drink, activities for dogs and kids, silent auction, costume contest, and so much more. Event benefits the AWLA.

There is still a little bit of time left to sign up to vend or sponsor. Find more information at https://pawsintheparkva.com/

We can’t wait to see you there!

Find your BIG DOG energy! 💙 For the entire month of August, all big dog (40+ pounds) have waived adoption fees.

Despite fantastic personalities and qualities, big dogs statistically have MUCH longer stays in shelters across the U.S. This is also the case at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Along with waived adoption fees, big dog adopters will also receive a free, big-dog-sized, brand new plush dog bed (while supplies last).

Thank you to The Nellis Group for sponsoring big dog adoption fees this month!

See all our big dogs here: https://bit.ly/AWLABigDogs

And Henry makes 9 big dog adoptions so far this month!

Henry is going home with someone already very important to him — his rescuer who found him wandering alone! When Henry wasn’t reclaimed by anyone, it was fate. They were meant to be. 💙

Our Big Dog Energy adoption event lasts all month long. All dogs 40+ lbs. have waived adoption fees, and adopters get a new big-dog-sized bed. Thanks to The Nellis Group for sponsoring big dog fees this month!

Do you know these found animals? 🚨

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

▪️ "Jake" - Mixed breed dog (150 Century Pl., 22304)
▪️ "Sweetie Pie" - Domestic short hair cat (S. Ingram & Vermont Ave., 22304)
▪️ "Linus" - Domestic short hair cat (5001 Seminary Rd., 22311)

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 picking up a lost pet.

Calling all artists! 🎨 We're searching for a mural artist, as part of a larger beautification project funded by a Lowe's Home Improvement Hometowns grant. The objective of this mural project is to create artwork that celebrates the unique bond between humans and animals and encourages adoption. The mural should reflect the diversity of our AWLA community and the animals in our care.

Learn more, including proposal requirements, deadline, and budget, here: https://alexandriaanimals.org/awlamural/

We've had a stellar start to our month-long BIG DOG adoption event -- 6 big dogs have found families since August 1! But there are still many others who are waiting ...

Throughout the month of August, all big dogs (40+ pounds) have waived adoption fees. Plus, big dog adopters will also receive a free, big-dog-sized dog bed (while supplies last).

Thank you to The Nellis Group for sponsoring big dog adoption fees this month!

See all our big dogs here: https://bit.ly/AWLABigDogs

Welcome Dr. Elizabeth Snellgrove! 🥳 Her wealth of veterinary knowledge and experience is already making a huge impact on Alexandria's animals!

❓Q&A with Dr. Snellgrove❓

Q: Why did you want to be a veterinarian and how long have you been practicing?
A: I’ve always been drawn to animals, so I knew I wanted to work in the field. I took a break after undergraduate school and realized it was definitely the path I wanted to pursue. Specifically, my heart has always been in community outreach veterinary work, which is why I’m excited to now be working at the AWLA. I started working with TNR (trap, neuter, and return) cat groups and even worked on spay/neuter efforts overseas. I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine for 13 years.

Q: What do you think you'd do for a living if you weren't a veterinarian?
A: No clue! I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.

Q: What animals do you have at home?
A: I have two Brittanys: Olive and Paddington.

Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: Funny enough, I like "spay-cations," which involve trips across the U.S. to spay and neuter community animals. For example, I recently took a spay-cation to a reservation and our team altered hundreds of animals in a few days. My husband and I also enjoy trying local breweries.

Q: Where are you from?
A: My father was in the State Department, so I've lived a little of everywhere, but I've always found my way back to Virginia.

Q: What was your first pet?
A: My first animal was Henry the hamster.

Say hello 👋 when you see her around the shelter!

We finished July with a huge number of adoptions -- 140! 💙 It was a truly terrific month. Thank you to everyone who adopted! Whether you adopted from us in July or before that, we always love to hear how our are doing.

We also want to thank The Nellis Group for sponsoring our new adoptions board. It's so fancy! They are also sponsoring all big dog adoption fees in August.

Celebrating your pet’s special day soon? 🥳 If your animal has a Gotcha Day or birthday coming up, it’s time to start curating the pawsitively perfect Amazon gift list to share with friends and family.

Amazon’s gift lists aren’t just for people. They’ve gone to the dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. Find everything your animal could possibly need (or want) and add it to their gift list. Then, share it with friends and family so they know exactly what will make Fido’s tail wag! There are free returns and even a thank you list and note option to send your grrrr–atitude.

Amazon supports the AWLA! Use our unique link to start your animal’s gift list. https://bit.ly/AWLAGiftList

Pictured are recent AWLA alums who are sure to be putting their gift lists together soon!

Meet Cesar! ❤️ This sweet guy has had a bit of a ruff go recently. Originally part of our Crisis Care/Safekeep program, Cesar hoped he would be able to return to his former guardian, but unfortunately it just didn't work out. 😢

Cesar is now looking for a new family to love. We know from his previous guardian that Cesar is housetrained. He's also a lovely, well-mannered leash walker. He takes treats gently, enjoys relaxing nap times, and is always game for a car ride. If you're up for a game of fetch with a tennis ball, Cesar will never say no!

Above all else, Cesar loves to be around people! Hanging out with humans is his number 1 favorite activity. If you're looking for a gentle, affectionate, and steadfast companion, drop by the AWLA to meet Cesar. We're open until 7 p.m.