Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Overview

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter to animals in need, promoting adoptions, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership in the community.

History

Established in 1946, the AWLA has been a pivotal resource for the community in Alexandria, Virginia. Initially, it focused on addressing the poor conditions at the city's "dog pound," where animal welfare was a major concern[1][2]. Over the years, the league's mission has evolved to include providing comprehensive animal care services.

Services and Activities

The AWLA operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission facility that accepts animals from within its jurisdiction. The shelter cares for approximately 2,000 animals annually, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, iguanas, and chinchillas[1][3]. In addition to domestic animals, the AWLA also assists injured wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat or transferring them to licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers[3].

The league partners with local authorities to provide animal control and welfare services. This includes investigating cases of animal cruelty and neglect alongside the Alexandria Police Department[2].

Mission and Community Engagement

The AWLA's mission is to inspire compassion for all living beings, provide shelter to animals in need, and promote responsible pet care through adoptions, education, and community outreach[3][4]. The organization has a vibrant volunteer corps supporting its staff, demonstrating that love and compassion are essential components of animal care[1][3].

Financial and Governance Structure

The AWLA is an independent, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It operates under a Board of Directors and maintains high standards of accountability, transparency, and ethics[5]. The organization ensures that over 80 cents of every donated dollar is dedicated to achieving its mission[5].

Partnerships

The AWLA is part of the Best Friends Network, which includes thousands of animal welfare organizations across the U.S. working together to increase lifesaving efforts for cats and dogs[4].

Annual Impact

The organization's impact includes hundreds of animal adoptions each year, alongside significant transfers of animals to other shelters and rehabilitation centers[5]. Through these efforts, the AWLA remains a crucial component of the animal welfare landscape in Northern Virginia.