Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Our Mission
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is dedicated to inspiring compassion for all, providing shelter to animals in need, and promoting animal welfare and responsible pet guardianship throughout our community.
Helping Animals, Supporting Community
Since 1946, we have served as a vital resource for our community and a safe haven for homeless animals. For over three decades, we have partnered with the City of Alexandria to provide essential animal care, control, and protection services.
Our Care Model
We operate the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission facility where we care for over 2,000 animals annually, ranging from dogs and cats to rabbits, birds, and reptiles. Our dedicated staff and a vibrant corps of 500 volunteers ensure that every animal receives the love, compassion, and professional care they deserve while awaiting their new homes.
The Adopter Connection
At the AWLA, we believe that matchmaking is both a science and an art, and we are committed to helping you find the perfect companion for your lifestyle. Our team works closely with each potential adopter to learn about your specific hopes and needs, ensuring that every relationship gets off to a joyful and sustainable start.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to experience the warmth of our community and meet the incredible animals currently waiting for their forever families. Please visit us at our shelter on Eisenhower Avenue or browse our available animals online to find your new best friend today.
- Staff dedication and support
- Efficient adoption process
- Operational friction regarding paperwork and scheduling
10/14 - Morning Notes for October 14, 2026 | ALXnow
On This Day in Alexandria History — "On, October 14, 1918, a contract was awarded by the United States government for construction of the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station on the Alexandria waterfront. Ironically, work on the building began on November 12, 1918, the day after Armistice Day, which marked the official end of World War
9/12 - Paws in the Park returns Oct. 11 with its largest Rescue Row yet
More than 20 rescues will bring adoptable animals to Oronoco Bay Park for the free festival, which doubles this year as the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's 80th anniversary
8/31 - Alexandria pet adopters step up to ease strain on nearly full AWLA shelter | ALXnow
Pet adopters stepped up to help the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria over the weekend as the animal shelter was near capacity. On Friday (Aug. 28), AWLA reported that the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter (4101 Eisenhower Avenue) was "very full and nearing capacity" and it had more anticipated animal surrenders on the way. "This is
6/13 - Screwworm meds for dogs, cats get emergency authorization. Should you get them for your pet?
The drug, nitenpyram, can be used to treat screwworm infestations in dogs, puppies, cats and kittens that are at least four weeks old and 2 pounds.
6/12 - Animal Welfare League of Alexandria waiving cat adoption fees for National Adopt a Cat Month
In celebration of National Adopt a Cat Month, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is waiving adoption fees for its cats.
6/11 - Alexandria dog groomer sentenced in animal cruelty case
Kevin Sanders gets five years with three suspended in death of dog at Your Dog's Best Friends; ordered to report June 25.
5/29 - Adoptable pet of the week: Former stray Slim seeks home of her own | ALXnow
Meet Slim, whose love for her human companion is anything but slim. Slim came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria animal shelter as a stray and wants to find a home to call her own, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow. The pup has a soft tan coat and golden eyes, and she weighs 36
5/28 - Volunteer musicians to play for Alexandria shelter animals through new program | ALXnow
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's animal shelter will now regularly be filled with the sound of live music. AWLA is partnering with Wild Tunes, a nonprofit started by 10-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, to introduce live music by volunteer musicians at the animal shelter (4101 Eisenhower Avenue). The program kicked off Thursday (May 28). According to
5/27 - AWLA opens its annual pet calendar contest Monday, in its 80th year
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's biggest annual fundraiser invites any pet — Alexandria address optional — to vie for the cover of the 2027 calendar through June 30.
5/21 - Meet Suzie: This Pup Is Looking for Her Forever Home in Alexandria
If you want to be a part of Miss Suzie’s next chapter, contact the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria today!
4/28 - Ink for a Cause: “Tattoos for Rescues” Raises More Than $12,000 for Alexandria Animals
ALEXANDRIA, VA — It was a day where art met heart—and the results were powerful. Madison Street Tattoos’ “Tattoos for Rescues” fundraiser on April 25
4/27 - Spring brings more wildlife calls in Alexandria as wildlife experts encourage hands-off approach | ALXnow
With spring underway, wildlife help lines are receiving increasing calls about baby animals that residents believe need help. But wildlife experts say intervention is often unnecessary. Tony Rankin, chief of Animal Services at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, told ALXnow wildlife calls begin to increase in mid-March and steadily rise through early October. Last
10/8 - Thank you to Erin & Lainey for joining us live this morning to talk about Paws in the Park this Sunday from 11-4 at Oronoco Bay Park 🐾❤️
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10/4 - We’re ONE WEEK AWAY from Paws in the Park! 🐾🍂 We can’t wait to see you (and all your cute pups) next Sunday, October 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria. Learn more, plus register early for the Costume Contest, and participate in the Silent Auction at PawsInTheParkVA.com. 📲 Text “paws” to 833-360-5466 to start receiving event day info, like the event map, stage schedule and more. Thank you to our top sponsors @amazon, @nardi_media, First Georgetown Securities, @realtorbobbymahoney and @corcoranmce, @ttrsir, @happycatalexandriava, @doggywalkerdotcom, @spigglelaw, @madisonstreettattoo, @bellacasascott, @alexandria_toyota, @istrico and @vca_alexandria. See all our amazing sponsors on our website! #pawsintheparkva #alexanimals #alexandriava #dc #dmv
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