Arizona Animal Welfare League - Shelter - AAWL
Our Mission
The Arizona Animal Welfare League is dedicated to providing excellent care, protection, and loving compassion for every animal entrusted to us. We take a leadership role in promoting humane values to benefit both animals and the people who love them.
Our Story
Founded in 1971 by a group of concerned animal lovers led by Amanda Blake, we have spent over 50 years growing into Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. What began with volunteers working out of foster homes has evolved into a full-service animal welfare organization serving thousands of pets each year.
How We Care
As a limited-intake facility, we manage our capacity carefully to ensure every pet receives the time, medical care, and attention they deserve. Our Phoenix shelter houses nearly 350 cats and dogs, and we are supported by a dedicated network of foster families who provide essential temporary homes for animals needing extra space or comfort.
Your Partner in Adoption
We believe that finding the right pet is a joyful partnership, not just a transaction. Our compassionate adoption counselors are here to guide you through the process, helping you find a companion that perfectly fits your home, your lifestyle, and your family dynamic.
Join Our Community
Whether you are looking to adopt, volunteer, or support our mission, there are so many ways to get involved with AAWL. We invite you to browse our current gallery of adoptable pets or visit our main shelter and adoption centers to meet your future best friend in person. Together, we can keep the story of saving lives going strong.
- Friendly and caring staff
- Successful adoption outcomes
- Operational friction and wait times
9/23 - Meet Void — Baby Domestic Shorthair at AAWL
Void is a Baby Domestic Shorthair cat looking for their forever home.
7/22 - PHOTOS: 17 pets up for adoption now in the Valley
Want to save the life of a shelter pet and bring a new best friend into your home? There are hundreds of adoptable cats and dogs awaiting a new home. Here are some of the pets waiting for a forever family at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, Arizona Humane Society, Arizona Small Dog Rescue,…
7/15 - PHOTOS: 20 pets up for adoption now in the Valley
Want to save the life of a shelter pet and bring a new best friend into your home? There are hundreds of adoptable cats and dogs awaiting a new home. Here are some of the pets waiting for a forever family at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, Arizona Humane Society, Arizona Small Dog Rescue,…
10/15 - Manko’s spa day included freshly painted nails, bubbles floating through the air, and plenty of time to relax away from his kennel! (Even though he’s the best boy in there too) But he doesn’t need fancy treatments to shine, just a family that loves him.🩵 Arizona let’s get Manko adopted!! 🙌 #adopt #arizona #explorepage #shelterdog
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10/14 - The cutest little ghosts you did ever see. 👻 Kingston and Saturn required lots of treats to get their ghost on, but we think they nailed it 🤭🎃
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10/13 - Ricotta and Cottage are 1 year old sisters who come as a bonded pair! These shy little queens just need a patient home to help them come out of their shells. Who’s ready go adopt this iconic duo? 🥰🤭 Meet them at our main shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ
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10/10 - The 28th Annual Walk to Save Animals is almost here! We can’t wait to see you and your pack at Tempe Beach Park on Saturday, October 31st! Get ready for a morning of fun, community, and saving animals together. Choose your adventure with a 2K or 5K walk, and bring your pups along for a day filled with fun treats, activities, and plenty of tail wags! Want to fundraise for AAWL and get all the Walk perks like our limited edition t-shirt? Register at walktosaveanimals.org or through the link in our bio. A special thank you to our presenting sponsor @petsmartcharities ! Use Code: SPOOKY for $5 off now through October 29. Grab your friends and family, bring your dogs, and come celebrate with us. We’ll see you there!
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10/9 - 100+ days and still waiting. Our long timers have become staff favorites, but they’re still hoping someone will choose them. There’s so much more to them than what you see behind kennel doors! Spend time with them, discover their funny quirks and unique personalities, and see how much love they have to give. Consider adopting a long timer and give them the loving home they deserve! 🐾 #arizona
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10/8 - Ipad kid? No. IPad cat ✅🐈 Meet Maxwell! This 7-year-old boy is ready to be your new couch companion. His idea of a perfect day includes cozy snuggles, relaxing to music, and watching Hawaii Beaches on the iPad. 🥰 If your ideal night is curling up on the couch with a good show and a cat on your lap, Maxwell is your guy!
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10/7 - Looking for a dog who can live with cats? Meet Mac N Cheese! He came to us from a Rural Rescue partner, and we discovered he was actually adopted from AAWL 10 years ago! Unfortunately, his owner had passed away but we’re so happy to have found him again, and now we want to help him find his next family for his golden years! He can live with cats and may also do well with a doggy sibling! And we think he would do well with kids of all ages! Meet Mac N Cheese at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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10/6 - So many cuties waiting for their person! If you’ve been thinking about adding a cat to your family, your purrfect match may be here at AAWL! Which name was your favorite? 🤭🐈⬛🐾 Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, Az
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10/5 - Every pet deserves access to the veterinary care they need to stay healthy and every family deserves the chance to keep their beloved pet by their side. ❤️🐾 Through our Mobile Community Vet Clinic, we bring essential veterinary services, helping families access vaccines, wellness exams, microchips, and education that can make a lasting difference. At our recent clinic in East Maryvale, our team served 77 pets in just four hours! That’s 77 pets whose families were able to get preventative care, ask questions, and get the resources they needed to keep their pets healthy. When veterinary care is affordable and accessible, families have a better chance to stay together. Your support helps make our mobile clinics possible and brings essential care closer to the families who need it most.
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9/29 - Meet Ichabod! This 5-year-old boy recently took a trip to Home Depot, and he was the BEST boy! He walked perfectly on his leash, was comfortable exploring a new place, and handled meeting new people like a pro. Ichabod is ready for a family of his own, and we think he’d make an excellent errand buddy. Whether it’s a trip to Home Depot or just getting out for a daily walk, he’s ready to be by your side! 🐾🪚⚒️ Meet Ichabod at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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9/25 - Your weekend plans just got more exciting! This FREE, family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend your Saturday morning. Come celebrate the launch of the AleWagger x @turnoutbeverage beer cans! Enjoy exclusive merch, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and of course ADORABLE puppies! Plus, 6-packs of the AleWagger cans will be available for purchase! 🐾 📍 The Gilbert House | 397 S Gilbert Rd #170, Gilbert, AZ 85296 🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 26 | 11am - 2pm Bring your friends and family, we’ll see you tomorrow! @the_gilberthouse_restaurant_
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9/24 - They’re waiting for you. 🐾🩵 Bissell’s Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters is still happening through September 30th! Adoption fees are waived for ALL pets 6 months and older, and there are so many sweet faces hoping their person walks through the door. Come meet these cuties and find the one who’s been waiting for you. Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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9/23 - Our senior dogs are some of the cuddliest, friendliest companions you’ll meet! If you’re looking for someone to be a couch potato with, count on a senior pup to keep you company. 🩵 They still have so much love to give and so many cozy days ahead. Show our seniors some love and come meet them at our Main Shelter: 25 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ.
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