My Nonprofit Reviews

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 have been a volunteer for umpteen years at animal Welfare League of Alexandria. This shelter is the darling of Alexandria, Virginia. We love animals here in our small historic city. It is common for residents to brag about adopting a rescue pet from our shelter. The shelter has very well organized programs for staff and volunteers. Every animal that we rescue is evaluated in detail by trained specialists and veterinarians. We have a large foster program that supports the neediest with at home care. Did you know that this shelter travels to other countries to do emergency rescue of dogs who are thrown into crowded meat trucks headed for a food factory? Did you know that we have volunteers who will rescue wildlife in our area and other towns and take them to wonderful volunteer rehabbers who care for their broken wings or limbs? The partnerships the staff has with other shelters has extended the training and the care of animals. Through donations of time and money this animal shelter has succeeded in its mission to save, by all means possible, an animal who needs a second chance.