Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Virginia Incorporated

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is the essential part of the Alexandria community’s efforts to help animals in need. Whether it is finding 1500+ animals a loving home each year, collecting over 26 tons of donated pet food and supplies, seeing animals receive needed vaccines and microchips, supporting thousands of animals through the Community pet pantry, or engaging hundreds of volunteers to provide thousands of hours of their time, AWLA works tirelessly to help animals in our Community. Alexandria is fortunate to have AWLA and its dedicated staff and volunteers to help make us Humans worthy of the dogs, cats, and “Smams” in their care.

Great organization with a community outreach events and foster program. Lots of opportunities for volunteers and also lots of help offered to the community.

We adopted our dog from AWLA 2 years ago. She was an older stray who came in with heart worms. We had never dealt with heart worms before. The staff guided us through the treatment, and Noodle is thriving! When my mother in law was ready to adopt a cat a few months later, we headed right back to AWLA!

The AWLA does such a wonderful job of taking care of their animals and the community. From providing food for local animal owners, to investing in their volunteers by providing many accessible training opportunities through zoom and in-person. They also keep the shelter clean and welcoming. As a volunteer myself, my only regret is that I didn't start volunteering earlier!

I have adopted 3 dogs over my lifetime (so far!) from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. The reason I keep coming back to them is because they have always been consistent throughout the years. They pour so much love into the animals in their care and do everything they can to make sure they thrive and find their forever homes. The staff and volunteers are always knowledgeable and so kind. You can feel the passion they have for the animals at AWLA. I appreciate this organization so much!

In a world where countless animals are in need, these unsung heroes step up selflessly to make a difference. They provide love, care, and shelter to those who have nowhere else to turn. Their dedication knows no bounds as they work tirelessly to reunite lost pets with their families or find loving forever homes for those in need. They are the true pillars of our community, embodying compassion and kindness in every action they take!

Within our community you can find one of the friendliest animal shelters, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. During one of the most difficult and unexpected times (start of the pandemic) they were able to connect me with my fur best friend! The staff are always warm and welcoming, educated, they value training, they provide community engagement, and overall a beacon of hope for animals looking for their forever home!

They are so great! We adopted a dog from here and are currently fostering with them. They make everything easy and are super patient and caring for all of the animals!

I have donated items and money to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to support them because they do such great work with animals in the community. I trust them and appreciate all they do to help many animals in need from medical care to training and adoption.

AWLA is always going above and beyond to accommodate any animal and find them a safe and loving foster or permanent home. They do an incredible job with outreach events and social media to “get the word out” about adoption/foster.

The continued work by staff to secure a high number of volunteers and community partners is well above any organization I have been a part. They work hard to increase visibility, awareness and education throughout the community by partaking in various community events. Many local businesses have been supporters and thus continue to raise awareness about the importance of “adopt don’t shop”, pet pantries (resources for seniors and those with financial challenges) to be sure their pet is fed, and spay/neuter clinics. There are frequent opportunities for owners to come for vaccines, exams and microchipping—all at no charge.

I continue to donate to this organization because I see the difference they are making.

ALWA Alexandria is a super fun and super organized place to volunteer at! Everyone is so kind and helpful, and I can tell they love what they do. It's been wonderful starting as a new volunteer where I could easily get plugged in on how to help out through all of their web-based and in-person training.

I can't say enough about these people. They care fiercely for the critters and those that love them. Each animal gets attention appropriate to its comfort level and the attention to detail and animal EMPATHY is off the charts. I remember in volunteer training how it was important to consider the order in which you interacted with the animals so those lower on the food chain didn't smell what might be a predator on your clothing. Cats get classical music. Shy animals get privacy "curtains". They all are little rock-stars with biographys, cute nicknames, and often personalized artwork to represent them. When there is spare capacity the shelter will take in transfers from neighboring facilities that might be overloaded. Outreach, community involvement, animal control with heart. Not just an animal shelter, but a great business model and example of the successful mixing of compassion and resource management.

I have been a volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for over 30 years. I have socialized dogs, participated as a volunteer in adoption events, community events to donate services and goods (vaccines, food, toys, pet care supplies, grooming services, beds, crates, carriers, everything), animal transport, writing animal bios and taking photos, dishes, laundry, donation sorting, landscaping, painting, summer camp for kids, and training other volunteers. I have adopted three dogs from the shelter and been a long-time donor.

I also have been a volunteer for other animal rescue organizations as well as organizations serving disadvantaged individuals. Hands down, AWLA is the best non-profit I have ever worked with or know of. From their small roots in a dilapidated building in a tough location, they have grown to be truly extraordinary.

The volunteer program itself is so comprehensive and well-organized, and staff are consistently positive, patient, appreciative, flexible and encouraging. They provide extensive ongoing training to all the volunteers.

AWLA takes extraordinary care of the animals, providing enrichment activities, training, toys, clean bedding, clean water, high quality food, regular walks for dogs a number of times each day, and endless affection and attention to each and every animal.

The whole place is remarkably clean and disinfected on a daily basis, including the animal housing/kennels, food and water receptacles, towels, bedding, toys, leashes and surfaces. An on staff vet and local community vets provide excellent health care, and behaviorists and trainers work regularly with struggling dogs to address behavior issues to promote their adopt ability.

Outreach to the community has become such a robust part of who they are, helping people to take care of their animals to try interventions to address behavior issues in the home. They provide free food and supplies and vaccines to community members and care for family pets in the shelter if the family is addressing issues or challenges of its own.

This place is like family, an integral part of the community and an oasis of kindness and benevolence in a world that is exhausted and traumatized and too often harsh.

I started volunteering with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at the end of 2021. Previously, I had attended events like Kongs-giving, stocking stuffing at Christmas, and paint your pet. I was very impressed and knew I wanted to volunteer there. Volunteers are provided with so much valuable training - I have trained to work with cats and small animals. There are many different ways you can volunteer- you can do what works with your interests and schedule. I love being around the animals - so cute and sweet. The staff at the shelter are truly awesome - it's obvious that they do what they do because they genuinely love animals. It is a great place to volunteer and I love it!

What an amazing organization with such incredible staff and volunteers. The compassion they show for each and every animal that comes through their doors is amazing. All are shown such love and compassion in such great times of need.

I have been volunteering with the AWLA since September, 2019. It all started when I signed up for a Thanksgiving Kong-a-thon Stuffing event. We were given a tour, I saw my (soon to be) cat, Troggy and the next day I went back and adopted him. After that, I knew I needed to volunteer with this amazing organization.
I always said that I prefer animals to people - and that held true until I started there. The people at the AWLA are the heartbeat of that place. The animals that come and go are just on a brief stop in their life's journey but they sure did luck out when they landed at AWLA.
From the vet staff (amazing!) to the animal care tech team (fabulous!) to the Animal Service Officers (top-notch!) and then the adoptions team - well, I have run out of adjectives!
All I can say is that I love volunteering there - the people, the animals, the community - they make it special.
Keep up the amazing good works!
**oh - and did I mention the darn good community based programs that they offer to the residents of Alexandria? BAR NONE!
Since then, I have adopted 2 more pets and fostered a few - I cant imagine my life without being at the AWLA.

I have been volunteering with AWLA since Aug 2021 and I can say it is a truly wonderful organization. Every single person there has the best interests of the animals at heart, and they are so appreciative of the volunteer staff. Their volunteer training and overall organization at the shelter is excellent and I am proud to be a part of this caring and professional group of people. They also assist the community with many varied outreach programs which are utilized by many folks who benefit from their services. When people hear I volunteer at the shelter they say, oh isn’t that too sad? I tell them no, it is a privilege to be part of such a positive group of people whose entire focus is to improve the animals’ daily lives and assist them with finding their forever homes.

A great organization! The staff is wonderful and the organization serves and helps so many animals find homes. You can tell they really care for the animals and all people they encounter.

As a volunteer with the AWLA, I see firsthand how much this organization does. Besides finding forever homes for many animals of all species, the AWLA runs a pet food pantry for people who are in need of resources for their pets. They run summer camps and other youth programs to share information about animal care. They cooperate with shelters in other parts of the country to improve the chances of animals being adopted while sharing resources donated to this shelter with shelters in need. Such an awesome example of how people can help others and animals in need.

I’m so proud to be a volunteer at the AWLA. This organization does so many things for animals, and animal lovers, in our community. They do everything they can to remove barriers to pet ownership and to keep families their beloved pets together. As a volunteer, the staff at the shelter will always meet you where you are - they provide training, mentorship, and offer so many different ways for people of all ages and abilities to be able to contribute to their mission.

I have been a volunteer at the AWLA for a little more than 3 years and I have had found the organization to be committed to the welfare of the animals, the education and support of the community and the training and support of the volunteers. The training program for volunteers is well organized and varied, communication is outstanding with weekly emails and special communication when needed, opportunities for participation in special events and community outreach is available and recognition for volunteer hours and effort is often and very well done. The AWLA is an outstanding organization that actually lives their mission statement, and I'm very happy to be a part of their team.

For the nearly two years of my volunteering at AWLA, I have been inspired many times by the dedication of the staff and volunteers to animals as well as Alexandria and its neighboring communities. All animals are treated humanely and with compassion. The staff works hard to help animals get adopted to homes where they will thrive. The staff gives full disclosure on an animal's background. Volunteers are well- trained before being allow to work with animals at the shelter.
The staff reaches out to young people by educating and assisting scout troops, leading birthday parties, sponsoring adult evenings, and more.
The vibe of the shelter is welcoming and inclusive. Some people come in on weekends just to look at the pets, others call with questions... All are greeted warmly and respecfully.
The shelter is perpetually in a state of organized movement.
Food is given to those who cannot afford to feed their pets. The shelter gave away pet food to anyone who needed it during last year's government shutdown, but I often witness people from the community coming in to get food for their pets.
There is so much more to say, but not enough space or time to say it all. Animal Welfare League of Alexanria, VA is truly a nonprofit that runs on a very tight budget, but still the staff tirelessly does everything possible to help animals and the community.

I have volunteered at the AWLA for over a year and I love the staff and other volunteers. From the moment I started, everyone has been supportive, helpful and friendly, making sure that my experience has been great. The animals are always everyone's main focus, we all love them and truly want was is best for them and that shows in every aspect of the work at the shelter. I have always been an animal lover but volunteering at the AWLA I have learned so much more about animals and gained and enormous amount of confidence in handling various animals. I have had the opportunity to work with the public and that too has also been really rewarding, teaching people more about what the AWLA does. My only regrets are that I didn't start volunteering sooner and that I cannot be there more often.

Everyone here is great, passionate about what they do and their love for animals! I have fostered several dogs from there and always have the pleasure of interacting with great people and learn about programs and events they have. They are very appreciative of everyone who helps as well. I am actively involved as a boars member. I believe in what AWLA works for and I want ro help!

Absolutely love AWLA -- I've been volunteering with AWLA since August of 2019. It's always nice to find a place where the people are genuinely kind and caring. They actively work with other shelters to try to take in more animals, and to help deliver supplies to other shelters and members of the community that need it the most. The initial training and opportunities for continued training help set AWLA apart from other shelters. Scheduling for volunteering and training are all done online, and there is always availability, and options to get involved with special events. Proud to be able to help a tiny bit with the amazing work they do!

I have been volunteering at AWLA since October 2019 and I have been incredibly impressed with the staff, fosters, and fellow volunteers who care for all of the animals that come to the shelter. Until I volunteered I didn't realize quite how much AWLA does for our community. There are so many activities and events available to people! Thank you for everything you do, AWLA!

I love this place. The staff and other volunteers are outstanding. It's clear how much everyone cares.

I volunteer with the AWLA of Alexandria as both a dog and cat volunteer. I am constantly impressed with how every animal is given individual attention and care. I often hope that every homeless animal finds its way to a shelter like this one.

As a foster parent volunteer for the past year, AWLA volunteers and staff are wonderful to work with and really, really care about all our furry friends and want your adoption experience to be a wonderful one . Please consider adopting your furever new addition to your family from AWLA!

I started volunteering at the shelter a couple years ago and it has been such a great experience. I've gotten to work in so many different roles and learned so much about dogs and animal welfare. They really care about the animals and focus on their wellbeing and getting them into forever homes!

I’ve been a volunteer at AWLA since 2012 and my time spent at the shelter is truly a highlight of my week because the work is so rewarding. The volunteer camaraderie is strong and the staff have done wonders in bringing in new volunteers and developing a strong training program.

I recently moved out of Alexandria and the thing I miss most is AWLA. I was a volunteer there for a year and appreciated the way I was welcomed into the fold.

AWLA requires volunteers to go through training for each role they want to fill. Because the training is so good staff can then trust volunteers to work autonomously while giving us the assurances that staff will always be there to help with questions and support. I felt really valued there as a volunteer. Later I also fostered cats and I received the same level of staff support when I needed behavioral advice on my fosters.

Everyone at AWLA understands they are there to serve both animals and people. Everyone’s goal is to facilitate great matches, and there are smiles all around whenever a longtime resident finds his or her perfect family.

I foster at the AWLA (Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.) I have done it for over 20 + years. Every year we save animals in shelters all over the country and bring home poor, left to die, animals from all over the world who have never been loved. We care for homeless animals and protect them from domestic or street abuse.

Pups and cats are the largest population of guests in our care. Some need more training before they can be adopted and that is where our Dream Team of Staff, Volunteers and Fosters come in. They are taught to work with the shy ones and anxious loves before they are adoptable. We also diagnose and treat new arrivals for medical problems and our donors support them with gracious contributions. We, after all, serve the Alexandria area known for its love of owning many dogs and kitties along with the little special categories of pets.

Yes, we have wee little pets too from the exotic to the bunnies and turtles and birds and volunteers and staff who will train new owners. I learn so much from them. It is always fascinating.

This animal shelter volunteer program is extraordinary. New volunteers start by participating in levels of training with mentors as they gain confidence and knowledge. Classes are in continual rotation. I spent 10 years as a shelter volunteer before becoming a Foster. Those years served me well as I worked in many areas and increased my awareness of new training approaches.

With a well-organized staff and a growing mission to accommodate Alexandria residents and all over the DC metro area, the Foster Program I am a part of serve many roles to support our animal care from birthing to working with homeless animals who need extra hours of care, training and love. Many of us, when we can, become “Foster Fails.” The bond is very strong.

The ultimate goal is to send an adoptable spayed or neutered homeless animal to the right forever home. From two months old pets to super senior status we extend our services to make them ready. AWLA is a favorite non-profit in in our beautiful city and behond, Want to adopt a pet? Go to to Alexandriaanimals.org to see our latest adoptable pets.

I am a big fan of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria! As the owner of a local pet-care business, I have interacted with the AWLA leadership and volunteers in numerous ways over the years and have always been impressed by their professionalism, dedication, and compassion. My husband and I gladly volunteer our time there whether it be presenting at summer camp, evaluating dogs, participating in the annual Clear the Shelters day, or hosting donation drives. We also partner with them on organizing the annual Alexandria Love Your Pet Day which is a fun community celebration with over 600 people attending that raised $8000 dog the shelter last year.

I just started volunteering with the AWLA recently and am very impressed. They ensure everyone who deals with the animals are properly trained on how to work with them to ensure everyone's safety. The animals are treated so well, and work with them to help them become more adoptable. This is a great place!

I've volunteered here for about a year and everyone there goes above and beyond every day to make the animals feel special and to get them homes. I also adopted my dog from them and I'm so grateful. Such a nice place full of nice people who all share the same goal, and have the same high standards for animal care.

I have been a cat companion volunteer at AWLA for almost 20 years. Some may wonder why I keep volunteering at AWLA. Many people who visit the shelter comment on how clean the shelter is and how well the shelter keeps the animals comfortable with lots of beds and toys. A genuine camaraderie between shelter staff and volunteers. AWLA now has many senior cats waiting for their forever homes. Please keep them in mind when thinking about adoption. Many of the senior cats could also be fostered and that is another option. "What greater gift than the love of a cat"--Charles Dickens.

I’ve been a volunteer at the Alexandria animal shelter for over three years and have seen many improvements, particularly in the areas of volunteering and fostering. Every volunteer and staff member I’ve met care deeply and are dedicated to the welfare of the animals in their care and to educating adopters in the proper care of their new family member. I love this place and the people who make it special!

I am a volunteer and occasional dog foster. I am continuously impressed with the professionalism, love and care shown by the entire employee and volunteer community to every animal who comes in the shelter doors. I couldn’t be more proud to be associated with such a great organization that goes way and above in its care for all!

I first became acquainted with AWLA in 2004 when my husband and I were looking for a cat. We went back many times until the cutest kitty chose us by wrapping its paws around my arm. We were so impressed with the Alexandria shelter. It was so clean, it didn’t smell, the staff and volunteers were so knowledgeable and kind.
Fast forward...our wonderful cat “Miss Ella” is now fourteen years old and I have been a cat volunteer almost as long. We love AWLA!!! Joan W.

I fostered for the AWLA for about 3 years and handled about 6-8 animals. The process in which they take to get animals to the right homes is remarkable. They truly put their animals and fosters in a place to succeed and thrive. I loved working with them and wish them continued success as they save lives!

...10 stars out of 5!
I have volunteered with shelters and rescues for the past 18 years. This shelter is by far the best place I have ever volunteered. The volunteers and staff are like a big family that has nothing but unconditional love for the animals there. I really have never experienced anything like this facility. I suprisingly never even found myself sad for the animals there because I knew that they were in the best place they could be for their given situation.
I was also extreamly surprised by the healthcare that the animals receive. All the animals are treated as if they are in loving home with a responsible loving owners. Anything they need they get. This will always be my absolute favorite shelter.

I have been a volunteer, foster, adopter, and donor to this magnificent organization! It is an extremely professional run organization that makes a great difference in the lives of thousands of animals each year and helps to educate the public in many ways related to their own pets. I am thrilled to be a small part of and support their fine work.

They cheer. They inspire, They answer questions while they are wolfing their lunches, working with animals, answering phones, cleaning up unmentionable messes, hauling animals, food, donations, supplies, paperwork, equipment, whatever needs attention, around the shelter, and are never short or make me feel my questions are stupid or unwelcome. They always thank volunteers for coming in. The Vola Lawson shelter is run with compassion and dedication to the cause-helping as many animals live the safest, happiest , most loved lives possible. By sharing the animals and their animal knowledge with Alexandria's public, they spread the wisdom and caring that make this community a place to be proud of. A place where living things, people as well as animals, have the chance to be loved and feel safe!

I have been volunteering with and fostering dogs for over a year. I am continually impressed with the care the dogs receive while at the shelter.

Great shelter! They go above and beyond for the animals and put their care first. Staff are compassionate and work very hard to help the animals fine homes. Highly recommend.

I began volunteering at AWLA in August 2015. My dog had passed away a few months before, and we were not yet ready to adopt another one, so this was my way of spending time with animals. I am small in stature and occasionally found some animals difficult to work with. Whenever I gave feedback to that effect, staff members were incredibly supportive and responsive, working to make sure that I and other volunteers could work safely with appropriate animals. I have found my niche as a photo assistant and working special events, and have been working not just with dogs, but with ALL SORTS OF ANIMALS, including a variety of non-domestic animals (chickens, pigs), small mammals (rats, ferrets, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc), birds and cats. I have always had a bit of a cat phobia, so this has been an amazing opportunity to experience cats in a positive way. AWLA has always extended training to me when I expressed an interest in it (e.g., to improve my comfort level with cats and small mammals). I have grown tremendously in this work and cannot speak highly enough about the dedicated staff. Volunteering here is an incredible source of satisfaction -- and fun too!

AWLA is amazing! From the staff to the volunteers that work at the facility. I've not adopted from them but have been a big supporter of them for many years. I've donated items and funds to help them continually meet the needs of all the animals whether medically or rescuing from an abusive or horrific situation. They are top notch when it comes to community involvement. They are constantly striving to improve their methods and ways to provide more support and to help more animals in need. They deserve to be recognized because all that they do tend to go unnoticed. Don't underestimate the fact that they are a non-profit, they still manage to help hundreds of animals and bring joy and happiness to the lives of people and pets. The community thrives in love because they exist. Love you AWLA and staff!!!

The Animal welfare league of Alexandria is top notch. Super polite and friendly/helpful staff. The visiting pet areas are extremely clean as well. With no bad oders like other places im sure we have all been to. They also keep people up to date with their animals etc through social media and actually replies to comments!

I adopted my kitty Rollins (aka Bella Amiga), a calico kitten, back in June of 2017. I had to "reserve" her 1 day and pick her up the next. The staff on the day I reserved her was friendly, helpful, and informative - to the point of warning me that the next day (Saturday) was usually a crazy day at the shelter and it would be best to get there early. I wasn't able to and by the time I got there the place was noisy and jammed with people (all of whom loved pets so it was a wonderful atmosphere). I was concerned about the number of people and a little worried about getting lost in the crowd. However, the staff and volunteers were (again) very polite and helpful and the system they had in place worked well. My turn came and the staff member went over Amiga's health history with me and was very attentive and helpful. Then I got to take Amiga home with me! Well worth the wait ...

I was very impressed with the shelter and the staff and how they managed to keep order in the middle of a busy chaotic day. They do a wonderful job! Following them on facebook it's obvious how much they love "their" animals and care for them.

I have volunteered with the AWLA for 5 years and cannot say enough good things about this sanctuary for animals. All three of our resident cats were adopted from AWLA; we also participate in the fosters program. Volunteering and fostering there I get to see close up how much this shelter truly cares for the animals in its care. They go the extra mile to help each animal find its forever home and work at making each animal as comfortable as possible until that time. I am proud to have this awesome facility in my community!

I have been volunteering for the Alexandria Animal Shelter for about 20 years. We have adopted four animals from the shelter. This shelter continues to amaze me with their level of care and professionalism. They are led by an experienced and well regarded Executive Director. In recent years they have significantly increased the number of animals they have found homes for, including reaching out to other shelters to assist them with animals they cannot handle. It is obvious that the staff really cares about each and every animal that comes through their doors.

I have been a volunteer here since 2009 and have loved every moment I have spent either at the shelter or helping with special events. I was hesitant at first to volunteer at an animal shelter since I figured it would be horribly depressing. And while spending time with homeless animals (dogs in particular) tugs on the heart strings, I am never sad to visit or upset when I leave because it is such an amazing organization supported and run by wonderful people who are so committed to the mission of helping our community's most helpless citizens. The shelter is clean, well maintained, never smells (amazing considering how many animals call it home) and is incredibly welcoming. Thank you to the Alexandria Animal Welfare League for everything you do every day!

I adopted my amazing dog from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria several years ago, and it was a fantastic experience. From our foster through our post-adoption period, the Shelter was amazing, answering questions, providing "charm school" classes, and giving great advice. It was such a great experience, that I have chosen to become a volunteer for the shelter, to help others (peoples and pets) have an equally positive time of it. Thanks so much to the AWLA for bringing beloved companions to pet owners like me.

I have volunteered here for over a year. It's clear they care about their animals and will do everything they can to find them the right home no matter how long it takes. Fantastic staff.

I volunteer here and the staff, facilities, and animal care are all top notch—highly recommend!!

I volunteer with then and got 4 pets through them. The staff goes above and beyond, the animals are all well cared for and it is a wonderful place to visit.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is the absolute best facility in DMV (metro area)
The staff is attentive, compassionate and committed to getting animals to good homes. In memory of Sophie, an AWLA alum, thank you.

I have worked with many shelters and AWLA has the most caring staff, makes more favorable adoptions and has cleanest facilities of any i have been associated with.

I have volunteered with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for almost a year. I find shelter staff to be incredibly conscientious and dedicated to doing what is best for the animals who they see (in whatever capacity) and also the people who use their services (either to adopt, to surrender their animals, or to bring in a "stray" they have found). The staff is comprised of true animal lovers who also care deeply about people. A winning combination!

This is my local animal welfare league as I am a City of Alexandria resident. I am proud to "wear the shirt" and volunteer there. It is wonderful to be truly appreciated. Their volunteer program is very well organized and I can't say enough positive things about the entire staff, especially management and the volunteer coordinator. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your organization.

I've been volunteering at the shelter for about a year and have been so impressed with the staff and management of the shelter. They are a remarkable group!

I have been volunteering as a dog walker for almost a year, and every experience I've had with AWLA has been positive. I've seen the care they take in improving the health & well-being of newly arrived dogs, the effort they take in training volunteers so everyone is consistent with treatment of dogs, the scrutiny of adopters so the dogs have a "forever home," and the professionalism of all the staff. I look forward to my volunteer shifts to brighten my day! It's a valuable resource for Arlington County and Northern Virginia!

In early January of this year I made the heartbreaking decision to have my beloved Jade euthanized at VCA Alexandria Hospital. I was told that it may take longer than usual, but that I would be notified when I could pick up her ashes at VCA . As you can imagine, this was an extremely difficult time for me and my family. However, I took some comfort in knowing that Jade would be coming back home. After not hearing from the VCA for 6 weeks, I called them. I was then referred to Ms. Wilson at Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Ultimately, I was not able to receive Jade’s ashes. However, what is even more distressing is the way I was treated by Ms. Wilson. During our conversation, I was not just told that her ashes had been disposed of but that to test for rabies they had to “cut off her head” to test her brain. Now in addition to losing my sweet girl, I have the mental image of her being decapitated and thrown away like trash. There were other inappropriate comments made during this conversation – however that was by far the most devastating. The image that she provided has haunted me since Thursday and has caused a tremendous amount of pain. I often donate to animal rescue organizations, however, I believe that the leadership of these organizations sets the tone for their activities. The leadership of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has acted in a way that is contrary to their mission! I often donate to animal rescue organizations; however, I believe that senior leadership sets the tone for their activities. Given that, I am greatly concerned about the direction of this organization.

This is my local resuce, and I am proud to volunteer there. Their volunteer program is incredibly well run, and has a vast array of projects and areas to volunteer in.

This is a fabulous shelter. They did an excellent job of providing us support when we adopted our lab mix in the summer of 2002. The visit at the shelter was engaging and positive. The follow up home visit was great. They provided follow up support to answer questions about crate training about a month after adoption. We continue to donate to the shelter and receive their newsletter.