My wife and I have adopted three bunnies from the AWLA, have fostered several more, are volunteers at the shelter, and do wildlife transport to rehabbers! The caring work they do for so many animals, both domestic and wildlife, is truly incredible. Their staff are deeply committed to the welfare of our animal community, and it’s inspiring to spend time with them. We love the AWLA!
My three cats are graduates of AWLA's Kitten College. This innovative program has made an outsized impact on the survivorship and adoptability of neonatal kittens not only in Arlington, but in the greater Washington, D.C. region. AWLA also enables individuals of all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses to adopt pets by offering a pet pantry, numerous vaccine clinics, and a host of other initiatives. AWLA also cares for wildlife in our area, responding to the needs of numerous raccoons, birds, squirrels, etc. on a daily basis. I feel confident when contributing to AWLA that funds will be used responsibly and in accordance with the organization's mission.
Six years ago, after I left the corporate world, I started Bright Eyes Photos to photograph people and their pets. I realized that a great way to give back to my community was to volunteer at AWLA to professionally photograph dogs and cats to make them more adoptable! AWLA welcomed me with open arms and I've been so grateful to be able to help our furry friends in need! AWLA makes that happen!
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I volunteer for AWLA as a pet photographer. AWLA is indeed special because they want every animal in their care to look their absolute best and look for photographers like me who specialize in pet photography. I know first-hand that AWLA staff and volunteers take excellent care of the dogs, cats, and small companion animals under their care. Best place to adopt your Furrever Friend!
After my retirement, I wanted a place to volunteer where I felt my time made a real difference. I have found that at AWLA. I mainly work with the dogs. The kennels there are very well kept and spacious. While no dog wants to be in a shelter, those who are there are extremely well cared for and kept as comfortable as possible. I have occasionally fostered dogs for AWLA and have had tremendous support and help during the times I have had them.
In addition to caring for dogs, cats, and small animals while they wait for a permanent home, AWLA provides numerous other services to the community - including the pet pantry, spay and neuter clinics, and responding to calls about wildlife that is injured and in need of transportation to a rehabber.
The people who work there are all very nice and dedicated to the animals. I am happy to be able to play a small part in this wonderful organization.
I have fostered moms and kittens, and am about to foster a dog (tomorrow!) for AWLA and they are amazing. So helpful whenever I have questions, if the animals are sick, or just trying to find the right fit for our family of pets and people! This is a wonderful organization to be involved with and I am now a proud member of their board!
My husband and I have volunteered with AWLA since 2019, and we can't say enough great things about how they run the shelter, and, most importantly, how they serve the animals and pet owners in the community. From compassionate surrender services, to the incredible pet pantry and supply delivers, to the most amazing foster program I've ever encountered, AWLA is truly all in for animals and makes Arlington a better place to live. We've personally fostered nearly 30 cats, and we are amazed each time by the level of care every single animal receives.
I've been volunteering here for about a year and have had a great experience and I love all the animals and the staff who work here. The staff I've encountered are very dedicated to each animal that arrives. AWLA does a really good job of featuring cute pets on social media so people come in to adopt and makes the process as simple as possible for new owners with lots of support. It's a wonderful place.
AWLA has been a blessing! My family and I were interested in fostering a kitten to see how she would interact with my brother. AWLA has been extremely communicative and supportive. They provided the carrier, food, vaccinations, and instructions and tips. We’ve been added to the list of foster fails. Adopting our newest edition, TinyG, has been life changing and we love her so much! AWLA is truly a blessing.
I first found out about AWLA when I was volunteering for another rescue and doing animal transports to AWLA. I finally left the other rescues and started fostering for AWLA. They are so supportive and allow the fosters to FOSTER and give us so much support. AWLA has a great staff and is so well run. They are a model on how an animal rescue should be run. I love that all their animals are spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated before they are adopted. While fostering, if I have any questions or problems, they are always supportive and ready to help. I still do a lot of animal transports from other animal shelters to AWLA and I am so proud to be part of this organization that does so much to help so many animals. They are amazing!
AWLA is a fixture in our community, for over 70 years now. The caring staff and volunteers are what inspired me to become a volunteer. I can think of no better way to help animals and people than supporting AWLA.
I fostered for AWLA and adopted my amazing dog Gus from them. My parents also adopted their dog from them. I have never met another organization that cares so deeply for animals. They are some of the most compassionate people I know. Even more importantly, AWLA sees its role in the community and not only serves the animals but also the families that love those animals. The H.E.L.P. program and the Pet Pantry are just two examples of this. As a foster, I always felt supported, and they provided everything from food and training to ensure the dogs could find a safe and loving home for the rest of their lives. If I ever encounter anyone looking to volunteer, donate, foster, or adopt, I send them to AWLA.
I'm in my fourth year of volunteering with AWLA and proud to be a part of this amazing organization. Not only do they provide excellent care for the animals, but they also have an extensive outreach program to support pet owners in our community via vet care clinics, workshops and more. The staff take training volunteers seriously and listen to our feedback. There are many different roles volunteers can get trained and involved in. You will feel the team camaraderie working here.
The staff at AWLA are excellent and the animals are very well cared for, which is more than I can say for other shelters where I've volunteered. The atmosphere is great and being there is always a joy. I highly recommend anyone looking to adopt a new furry friend start their search at AWLA!
I have volunteered at AWLA for 30 years, and there’s a reason I’m still doing it. The organization is always looking to improve how it cares for its animals, which results in an impressive adoption rate, even for old and disabled dogs and cats. My husband and I have ended up with three dogs from AWLA, including our most recent acquisition Otto.
I started volunteering here when I was 16 and it has been such a joy to help out there. I enjoy it so much that I have over 150 volunteer hours there in just the past two years. I mainly interact with the small companion animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, ferrets, snakes, lizards, everything that's not a cat or dog) and, despite having no previous experience with these animals, the shelter has provided so much training and support to make sure volunteers have all the skills they need to provide these animals with excellent care. I especially appreciate how AWLA advocates for the proper care and husbandry of these animals since few people know what they actually need. It says a lot about the shelter that they put so much thought into the wellbeing of even the tiniest pets.
In addition to volunteering, we also adopted an envigo beagle (then Marimba, now Pickles) from AWLA. The adoption process was comprehensive but not too complicated. They provided us with all the information they had about our dog. Following us taking Pickles home, AWLA's animal behaviourists were happy to give us advice on how to help our dog best adjust to our family. They gave great tips and really helped make the transition as asmooth as possible.
Would definetely reccommend visiting, donating, adopting from, fostering for, or volunteering at AWLA!
We have fostered with AWLA for years and it's an amazing experience. They are so organized, supportive, and just overall fantastic to work with.
AWLA is the best!! The staff and volunteers really care, and make a huge impact in our community. I am a frequent foster volunteer and proud foster fail of three fur babies from this fantastic organization and have had nothing but positive experiences with AWLA.
Best animal shelter in the DMV area. They offer variety of programs that help local community like their community care clinics that offer free exams and affordable microchip, and rabies + distemper vaccines. We always recommend our friends and pet sitting clients to come here when looking to add new family member.
The AWLA staff and volunteers are great to work with and always prioritize the welfare of pets that come to them and educate potential adopters so their set for success and happy long life with their new fur babies.
I've been volunteering with AWLA for five years, and none of my volunteer "jobs" give me greater pleasure, nor do I think any of my jobs -- professional or volunteer -- have ever given me a greater sense of purpose and of contributing, making a difference. I love that we not only help animals (which is the most important), but we also really help people, and we help keep them with their animals. The partnerships forged with other community service organizations have led to wonderful opportunities to change people's lives, and the lives of their pets. Every AWLA employee cares deeply about animals and about service. It is a very special place, and it makes me happy to help them achieve the tremendous goals they set.
We have been dog, bunny, and kitten fosters for AWLA (and have two foster-win kitties we can thank them for!!). We cannot praise the foster, adoption, and volunteer coordinators enough for their kindness, attention to the animals to their clients and foster families, and to providing incredible services to the community, including the Pet Pantry! AWLA is a model non-profit, spreading, love, kindness, and is one of the reasons we love our Arlington neighborhood so much.
Such an organized and supportive shelter. Always happy to answer questions before and after adoption. I participated in the foster program and loved it. Great, compassionate staff.
I have volunteered with a number of shelters and I have never seen one as committed to holistic animal care. The dedicated volunteer community allows AWLA to exponentially expand its ability to take in animals so that it can reach as many pets in need as possible. AWLA prioritizes keeping people with their pets, allowing for shame-free surrenders when necessary and making every effort to reconnect pets with owners. Sometimes this includes providing food, collars or even animal care. The staff are unified in their mission, connecting people and pets throughout the community. We’re very fortunate to have this local treasure!
Having fostered small pets for AWLA multiple times this year, I am constantly amazed by the level of care every single employees shows to even the smallest of animals. From large and senior dogs to baby guinea pigs, the AWLA staff is committed to supporting and finding the best home for any animals that comes through their doors! (Pictured: my first foster guinea pigs who found a loving home!)
I've adopted 3 senior cats from this organization, and volunteer for them as well. They are so committed to the animals in their community and making sure each animal and family has the best chance to find each other and stay together. I'm currently fostering a formerly feral mom and it's so rewarding to think she's going to have the best life thanks to AWLA helping with her babies, who all found homes. I also fostered a rescue from a puppy mill -- AWLA steps up whenever an animal is need. It's an amazing group of people and I chose to become a board member as well because of all the good they do.
It is always a pleasure coming in to the Arlington Animal Welfare. They give you all the information that you need, and greet you with respect.
They assist low income families with a good Pet food pantry which it’s such a Blessing to many families in need.
They also offer grooming services that we all benefit from, Ms. Anni takes such a wonderful care of our Canelo.
Our daughter, Nikki Hoffpauir was fostering a French bulldog named Porkchop that was one of 70 dogs rescued by Bissell Pet Foundation from a puppy mill. He was 2 years old and was healthy to be from a puppy mill. He had an ear infection and skin allergies. He was given wonderful medical treatment at AWLA. He was so afraid. He had to be carried outside. He had never seen grass or the fresh air. We fell in love with him. He lives in the country in TN with 3 cats. He has all kinds of wildlife to watch. He loves rolling in the grass and basking in the sun. He is such a smart, sweet, laid back, loving little dog.
AWLA does a wonderful job for our community. Always help out when I have an issue with great friendly people. They’ve helped us with flying squirrels, raccoons, and bats.
I love volunteering with AWLA - they are professional and truly make a difference in our community. I'm also an adopter and the process of adopting my kitten was a joy filled with support. AWLA is full of creative and talented people.
I have been volunteering with the Kitten College for AWLA since 2017 and I am constantly in awe of what they are able to accomplish. I have fostered with several organizations over the pas 15 years and this one is a model of efficiency. Their genuine love for animals and the community shine through everything they do.
I've been a volunteer at AWLA since March 2022, and I couldn't be more proud of supporting such an amazing organization. AWLA not only prioritizes the well-being of pets but also looks to support and assist their owners, particularly those going through a difficult situation (be it financial, health-related, personal, etc.) and conducting outreach to members of the community who are in need of services at no-to-low cost. It's a great organization that provides support to animals in Arlington and beyond.
This is a wonderful organization that helps all animals big and small. It is well run and has been a big help providing food and services to low income families so they can take care of their pets.
My family adopted two kittens from AWLA's Kitten College in 2020. The Kitten College is a national leader in rescuing neonatal kittens like our girls. It was such a wonderful experience that we decided to become fosters with the Kitten College and have raised, socialized and helped find forever homes for 12 neonatal kittens in our first year. Now I also volunteer in the shelter in a variety of capacities, and am continually impressed with each and every staff member and their commitment to serving animals, their people, and the community. The organization is so successful that it often helps less resourced shelters in the region. They truly are "all in for animals."
AWLA has amazing resources for the TNR community and greatly helps the feral cats and the trappers/care takers who want to help them. They also have an amazing set up for their fosters and they care about all of the animals within Arlington CO, including the wildlife. It's a great resource for all animals and people from diverse backgrounds. (Photos include one of the TNR cats that I was lucky enough to know and two foster kittens that I am currently taking care of from AWLA.)
I recently started volunteering there and the staff are so hardworking and kind. They work their tails off for the animals and have a fun time doing it. They are very organized and they utilize their volunteer assistance really well. I was busy and well-directed even on my first shift. They also helped me with a very painful rehoming of my own dog and I look forward to their help when we are ready to adopt again.
AWLA really cares about animals. They have great programs for people in the community who need assistance with their pets, they have great staff and an open and active volunteer program. Their website is helpful and informative. I feel very lucky to have them in my community and to be able to volunteer there and to foster animals and adopt pets from them, all of which I have done.
AWLA is an exceptional organization with a devoted staff dedicated to the welfare of animals large and small. From dog, cat, and small animal adoptions to facilitating wildlife rehabilitation, AWLA is there to care. As a volunteer, I am constantly amazed at what this team can do to make an impact on so many animals in need while working with the community as a whole to support pet ownership, safety, and enrichment.
We have had the good fortune of fostering two litters of kittens as part of their Kitten College and have certainly gained more than we’ve given.
I've been fostering and volunteering with AWLA for the last three years. I have worked with other shelters and rescues in the past, and by far my favorite experiences are all from AWLA. From the support they give fosters, to how they handle adoptions with their open adoption policy which breaks down barriers for people looking to add a new family member, to the support they give the community with all of their support services makes this organization tip-top. I'm so proud to be a member of the AWLA family.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is a well-run organization that is far more than a local animal shelter. AWLA provides educational opportunities for the community, as well as low-cost veterinary services (e.g., clinics). It serves as the home of animal control and ensures the humane treatment of local wildlife, including by pairing sick/injured animals with rehabbers. It also works with other area shelters to improve their foster programs and service to their communities. Simply exceptional.
This place is run by a top notch team of people who love what they do which is infectious when you walk in. The facilities are clean and smell fresh. The animals are loved. They have great resources and programs and because of this they are able to help nearby counties on top of their own.
I’ve never seen a set of volunteers more informed and dedicated to their cause. I’ve gotten my two cats from AWLA and I cannot fully express my gratitude for this organization.
I have fostered with AWLA for a year now and I couldn’t have asked for a better staff to work with! I have fostered a 7 month old, three-legged dog (who went through the amputation surgery at the shelter and recovered in my home) to week old kittens who needed a place to grow strong until they were ready for adoption. The entire staff is extremely responsive to any of my needs or questions I might have. I remember my first foster dog was throwing up at 1 am on a Friday night and I was able to call and get someone to pick up within the first ring. She was able to assess the situation, it turns out she just ate the bone too fast, and it was no big deal! But she was more than willing to stay on the phone with me and explain it at that hour. The entire staff emulates that type of responsiveness and willingness to help the foster caretakers, and any animals in need!
Adopted my kitten in March 1999 with the help of a volunteer who let me know she arrived the night before. It started a special relationship with AWLA that lasted beyond the 18-year life of my very special companion cat, Miti, who got me involved in a life of rescue. Miti pictured as kitten, adult.
Three of our pets have come from AWLA - two cats and a dog. They were very careful with the dog adoption - came to our home and evaluated and made suggestions for setting the house up properly and keeping the dog out of mischief. They were always available if I needed additional help. They conduct a lot of public events to try to bring the animals to the attention of potential adopters. The only problem we encountered was that the last cat was not completely spayed at the shelter. She continued to come into heat and required additional surgery to correct it. I was sorry to have to put her through a 2nd surgery unnecessarily.
Review from Guidestar
DO NOT BRING YOUR ANIMAL HERE IF YOU WANT THEM TO GET ADOPTED, YOU'RE BETTER OFF JUST PUTTING THEM TO SLEEP! THE ANIMAL LEAGUE OF ARLINGTON WILL KILL YOUR PET, AS SOON AS THEY LEGALLY CAN!
Please try to find another shelter or just spend the money and have them put to sleep your self, that way the animal doesn't have to also suffer before they die. I brought in a stray puppy, because of all the good things I heard about AWLA. They said they wouldn’t know if she was adoptable for at least a week and when I called to check on her a little over a week later, they had already put her to sleep. They claimed she was aggressive, but she was the sweetest, most affectionate dog I have ever met, she was just a bit skiddish. The dog was clearly abused by her first owner and she was living in the woods when I found her, Animal Control said they had been trying to catch her for over the month. I assumed this shelter would at least give her a chance. Now I know why they have so few dogs up for adoption. I beg you to find another shelter to donate to and volunteer for, a shelter that's not so eager to kill. I don’t know where the money they receive from donations is going, but I do know it’s not being used to help dogs in the community. Taking a dog to this shelter was one of the worst decisions I've ever made; please don’t make the same mistake!
Review from Guidestar
I love AWLA! I walk dogs as a volunteer for AWLA on a regular basis, and they are a fantastic animal shelter. Every person who works or volunteers there truly love animals, and you always see tons of smiling faces and happy clients whenever you visit the shelter. I donate to AWLA every year, and I look forward to my weekend walks with all of the dogs sheltered there. Keep up the great work, Animal Welfare League of Arlington!
lkirschner 05/09/2013
Mr. Fox, Every animal that is brought to The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) goes through a thorough examination and behavioral assessment. This is to not only ensure the safety of our shelter staff and volunteers, but also to ensure the most humane and viable outcome for the animal. It is a state mandated policy to hold a stray animal without identification for five days, at AWLA if the animal is not claimed it is the League’s prerogative to put the animal on view for adoption if it meets satisfactory medical and behavior assessments. Since the blue female pit bull mix was found in Alexandria, we consulted with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, who informed us that they had spent over a month trying to catch her. During the month they noted no signs of friendliness or positive temperament. They stated that the dog would not be placed for adoption at their facility. We kept the blue female pit bull mix you brought to the League beyond the stray hold period. Our trained staff worked with her for 11 days, but unfortunately did not see improvement in her behavior. She would fence fight with other shelter dogs and she had an intense fear of people. Her behavior continued to put those who interacted with her at risk. As defined by BADRAP, a well known non-profit pit bull organization dedicated to the rescue, support & education about the breed- a "temperament correct" pit bull is "gregarious and affectionate w/ people including strangers, confident...happy to be touched…good-natured, & well balanced" They also describe "signs of an ill bred, improperly raised or damaged pit bull" would include a dog that is "Aloof, disinterested in people or distrustful...not happy to be touched." We are careful when placing pit bulls and the pit bull your brought in demonstrated several concerning behaviors including aggression to people. To responsibly place this breed up for adoption, we look for dogs whose behavior is consistent w/that of a “temperament correct” pit bull - social with people, no history of aggression, confident, outgoing, etc. For these reasons, the dog was not placed up for adoption and was humanely euthanized. We use donations to help animals every day including blood tests and dental cleanings for older animals to make them more attractive to adopters. We recently received a female pit bull with a severely injured leg. We performed surgery to remove her leg, sent her to a foster home for recovery, and found a loving adopter for her. The League has recently received industry, state and local accolades for exceeding national animal sheltering standards, including a 2013 Compassion Award from the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies for demonstrating strong leadership qualities and accomplishments for reducing the euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats in the community; as well as a resolution from the Virginia General Assembly in honor of the League’s efforts to reduce the number of animals that need to be euthanized due to lack of homes and shelter space. Please understand at AWLA, we always keep in mind, the best humane outcome for animal while adhering to our responsibility to protect the public. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this situation further you can contact Adoptions at 703/931-9241.