Animal Welfare League Of Alexandria Celebrates 75 Years

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which runs the city's animal shelter and other resources, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

In light of the anniversary on June 28, Mayor Justin Wilson and City Council issued a proclamation recognizing AWLA's 75 years of supporting animals and pet owners. The proclamation recognizes that AWLA has helped tens of thousands of pets find homes or reunite with families, worked with the city and community to make Alexandria a welcoming place for animals, provided key services to residents, and helped the community by providing pet supplies, veterinary assistance, emergency boarding and more.

"For 75 years, the AWLA has grown in and alongside our community, changing with the times and expanding with your support," wrote AWLA executive director Stella Hanley in a blog post. "When you’ve asked, we’ve been there, and you’ve done the same for us in return, funding emergency surgeries, buying kitty litter by the pound and helping a pet when his or her owner needed it most. We’ve been a community resource for 75 years, and we’re looking forward to the next 75…and we couldn’t have done it without you!"

AWLA, a nonprofit, was incorporated on June 28, 1946. It originated as a community resource and shelter for homeless pets. The first humane officer was hired in 1969, which has grown into the Animal Services team that investigates animal cruelty and neglect cases alongside the Alexandria Police Department. Animal Services also helps wildlife in need of assistance as well.

One of the major changes at AWLA involved creating programs to assist the community. In recent years, AWLA's programs provide supplies, advice and financial assistance to pet owners in need. AWLA has also reached pet owners through drive-up vaccination and microchip clinics, spay and neuter assistance, grooming and veterinary services, and more. As the COVID-19 pandemic increased pet owners' need for assistance, AWLA gave over 40,000 pounds of pet supplies away in 2020.

Throughout the pandemic, AWLA has continued to offer key animal services as well as a virtual adoption appointment option. As conditions improved, in-person appointments returned, but virtual appointments still remain an option. In 2020, AWLA facilitated 1,291 adoptions.

AWLA's first summer camp was launched in 1996, providing humane education to the city's younger residents. That program has endured to the present day, even when it meant adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Services at AWLA are possible with the support of the community. AWLA takes donations and is often the recipient of donations from Del Ray's First Thursday, annual Spring2Action fundraiser, and other community initiatives.

The pandemic has limited a public celebration of the 75th anniversary, but the organization has celebrated through recent accomplishments. In 2021, AWLA performed the first on-site surgeries in a new mobile surgical unit and hosted Alexandria's first OneHealth-inspired Community Wellness Event.

For more information about AWLA, visit alexandriaanimals.org.