Coronavirus Prompts Virtual Animal Adoptions In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As many families stay at home to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus, perhaps nothing will cheer you up like a new furry friend. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria introduced a virtual adoption process Thursday, April 2 to allow shelter to find homes while promoting social distancing.

The new virtual adoption process is a new option after AWLA temporarily suspended adoptions. The process allows individuals to fill out an online adoption survey and schedule a 30-minute virtual meet-and-greet with two adoptable pets. Virtual meetings will be held through the Zoom app.

If a person wants to proceed with adopting an animal, the adopter will have a phone adoption consultation with AWLA staff. The adopter can pay the adoption fee and has the choice to buy leashes, harnesses, carriers or food as well.

The last step is scheduling a time to pick up the pet. AWLA staff will take final paperwork to the adopter's car to sign before bringing the pet out.

Start the process by checking out pets available for adoption from AWLA. Find more information on virtual adoptions here.

Community services, including found animals, Pet Pantry requests or emergency pet surrenders, are available by appointment. Residents should make appointments by emailing info@alexandriaanimals.org. Animal emergencies should be directed to the police line at 703-746-4444.