Grant To AWLA To Help Alexandria Pet Owners In Need

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has received a $10,000 "Better Cities for Pets" grant to help improve the quality of life for animals in the community. The funds will be used to help pet owners with urgent or chronic veterinary concerns in situations where funding is limited.

"The AWLA already goes above and beyond to help animals in our facility, and we want to be able to extend that same level of care to animals throughout the community," said director of community programs Joanna Fortin. "This generous grant from Mars Petcare will mean we can help cherished pets receive much-needed care, regardless of owners’ income level."

Aside from running the city's animal shelter, AWLA runs a community programs department to provide assistance to pet owners in need. As the pandemic led to financial concerns for some residents, AWLA's Pet Pantry has provided a donation of over 7,000 pounds of goods since April. The other community programs aiming to improve pet wellness include accessible spay or neuter vouchers for low-income families, pet care fairs and drive-up clinics to provide no- and low-cost vaccinations, and AniMeals for pets of senior citizens on fixed incomes.

Due to the pandemic, AWLA is open by appointment only for adoptions, animal surrenders, Pet Pantry and other community requests. For more information about financial support for critical veterinary care, email CommunityPrograms@AlexandriaAnimals.org. To see AWLA's other community programs as well as adoptable pets, visit alexandriaanimals.org.