News
18th Annual Walk for the Animals Results and Video
Thank you to everyone for helping to make the 18th Annual Walk for the Animals our most successful yet! This year’s Walk surpassed our goal and raised over $106,000! Nearly 700 people and hundreds of dogs joined us in Bluemont Park on Saturday May 11 despite the soggy weather. Check out this video to see the highlights from the event. We look forward to seeing you on May 14, 2014 for our 19thAnnual Walk for the Animals.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington Leashes Up for 18th Annual Walk for the Animals
Dignitaries, Citizens and Canines will take one-step at a time to help homeless animals
ARLINGTON, Va.—Paws, politicians and hundreds of animal enthusiasts will pound the pavement to support homeless animals at Arlington’s largest pet-centered event—18th Annual Walk for the Animals on Saturday, May 11, 2013 (rain or shine) at Bluemont Park from 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Congressman Jim Moran, Senator Barbara Favola, Delegate Robert Brink and Delegate Robert Krupicka will commence the event designed to unify the Arlington community in a human-animal bond celebration, while raising awareness and funds to directly benefit the hundreds of adoptable animals and community programs supported by The Animal Welfare League of Arlington—the County’s only humane society.
“Our mission is to improve the lives of animals. The Walk for the Animals demonstrates the way pets enrich our lives and generates funds to help us sustain community programs and services offered through the League, such as our low-cost spay & neuter clinics,” said Neil Trent, President & CEO of AWLA.
Participants will leash-up Fido, strap on their walking shoes for a three-mile walk or one-mile stroll through the park followed by a festival of entertainment, including music by Washington Talent, featuring an agility demonstration by WOOFS! Dog Training Center, as well as a working-dog demonstration by The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. Many of AWLA’s adoptable dogs will also be onsite to meet potential new families. Event attendees will receive valuable pet information, have an opportunity to engage with pet-friendly businesses and learn about animal resources in the Arlington community.
“The Walk not only supports the thousands of animals the League cares for each year, but it is also a way for people to be a part of the solution for improving the lives of animals in our community,” said Trent. “We encourage people to walk with or without a dog, in memory of a beloved pet or in honor of their cat or other companion animal.”
Pre-register now for $25 or register event day for $40. All pre-registered walkers will receive a free 2013 Walk t-shirt and participating dogs will receive a free bandana. For Walk information and details visit, www.awla.org.
Sponsors include: Caring Hands Animal Hospital, NOVA Cat Clinic, Pro Feed Pet Nutrition Centers, Segue Technologies and Time for a Walk.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) provides animal adoption and community programs to the northern Virginia and D.C. metropolitan area, as well as animal rescue and control services within Arlington County. For more than 65 years AWLA has remained committed to its mission to improve the lives of animals through sheltering, community services and humane education.
Please follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/animal-Welfare-League-of-Arlingtonand on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AWLAArlington.
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Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Presents AWLA with Compassion Award
At its annual conference the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (VFHS) presented the Animal Welfare League of Arlington with its Compassion Award. This annual award is presented to an Active Member organization that has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and whose accomplishments reflect the VFHS strategic plan’s goal of reducing the euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats in the community. Neil Trent, AWLA President and CEO, accepted the award on behalf of AWLA.
It’s National Animal Control Appreciation Week
IT IS NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL APPRECIATION WEEK!
Watch this video today and learn what our ACOs really do to protect the community and animals. We are also profiling each of our ACOs on our Facebook Fan Page so you can get to know them a little better. Thank you to Alice, Jennifer, Kim, Bonnie and Anna for your selfless devotion to protecting our community and improving the lives of animals!
A special thank you to Marzi Sharifi, Butterfly Productions ( and AWLA volunteer) for producing this video.
AWLA Keeps Pets Safe for Those in Crisis
Safekeeping program provides refuge for animals in danger
Hundreds of animals have been temporary guests at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington through its Safekeeping program. Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) provides a safe, temporary environment for animals of families in crisis in Arlington County and Falls Church City.
Hardship can strike at any time and force less than desirable circumstances on a pet. In recent years, a strong connection has been documented linking animal abuse and domestic violence.Women often delay their decision to leave an abusive partner out of concern for the safety of their pets. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence conducted its own study in which 85.4 percent of women and 63.0 percent of children reported incidents of pet abuse after arriving at domestic violence shelters.
“April may be Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Awareness month, but at AWLA our steadfast mission throughout the year is to improve the lives of animals and one way in which we accomplish this objective is through our Safekeeping program,” said Neil Trent, President & CEO of AWLA. “During a crisis, pet owners just need a little short-term help to get back on their feet, but often they have no one willing to take care of their animals and they can’t afford boarding fees.”
Unfortunate circumstances can deplete savings or upset stability so severely that many people find providing for their pets impossible. The goal of the Safekeeping program at AWLA is to keep pets and their people together through a crisis by offering sanctuary to pets not only for domestic violence circumstances, but also situations due to foreclosure, catastrophic illness, owner’s death, flood or fire.
“Animals often give continuity and hope during a crisis, so it is distressing for many when they feel forced to part with a pet due to their circumstance,” said Trent. “But AWLA provides people with relief and hope because there is a reunion to look forward to when better days return.”
Since 2005, more than 200 animals have been cared for and reunited with their owner through the AWLA Safekeeping program. The Safekeeping program is free and available for pets of residents of Arlington County and Falls Church City. Pets are permitted to stay for up to two weeks and there is no restriction on the number of times people can use the service. The pet’s owner is required to contact AWLA on a weekly basis during the safekeeping period to check on the wellbeing of their pet and is permitted to visit their pet during the League’s regular visiting hours.
In addition to community outreach programs such as Safekeeping, for more than 65 years AWLA has continued to remain committed to improving the lives of animals through sheltering and it extends this commitment to the community by offering services such as Low-cost spay/neuter, rabies and micro-chip clinics to provide the public with affordable protection for their feline and canine companions. AWLA events, such as the upcoming 18th Annual Walk for The Animals at Bluemont Park on May 11th, foster the human-animal bond, deepen the understanding of responsible animal stewardship and raise funds to support programs like Safekeeping.
Over 3,000 companion animals benefit from the League each year with 92 percent of sheltered animals either being placed for adoption, reunited with their owner, or transferred to one of many of AWLA’s network of rescue and rehabilitation partners. Annually, more than 9,000 residents in Arlington County and around the D.C. metro area benefit from AWLA programs, services and events.
To learn more about community services such as Safekeeping, programs, adoptable animals or to register for the 18th Annual Walk for the Animals, visit www.awla.org or call 703/931-9241. AWLA’s diverse selection of companion animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and hamsters can also be viewed by downloading the Arlington Pets App.
Want to engage with AWLA and learn about our latest happenings?
Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Welfare-League-of-Arlington and Twitter at https://twitter.com/AWLAArlington.
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Possible Rabies Exposure
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is seeking information about anyone who may have had contact with a raccoon in Glen Carlyn Park on Saturday, March 9, 2013. A witness saw two dogs fighting in the water with a raccoon in the off-leash dog area. Animal Control located the raccoon later that day and humanely euthanized it. The raccoon has tested positive for rabies. Any people or pets that may have had contact with the raccoon should call Animal Control at 703-931-9241 immediately.
Animal Welfare League Wins General Assembly Kudos
Posted: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 11:45 am
Before members left Richmond, the General Assembly adopted a resolution in honor of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s efforts reducing the number of animals that need to be euthanized because homes cannot be found for them.
The resolution, patroned by state Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31st), commended the organization for “improving the quality of life of animals in Arlington County and the commonwealth.” It passed both houses of the legislature without opposition.
The measure notes that recent efforts by the organization have led it to exceed national standards, with more than 90 percent of the cats and dogs it takes in ultimately leaving the facility.
The resolution also honors the organization’s efforts to trap, neuter and release feral cats, and the establishment of the “Pit Crew,” a group that works to promote a positive image of pit bulls as companion animals.
Established in the 1940s, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington works under contract with the Arlington County government to provide an array of animal-control services.
Before Adopting a Pet … How to determine and find the perfect pet for one’s lifestyle.
By Kerry McKeel, Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Arlington — Before you answer that online or classified ad for an adorable, floppy-eared puppy or ask to see that frisky kitten in the pet store window there are a few things you should consider before purchasing a pet. Finding the perfect pet begins with evaluating what type of animal would best complement your lifestyle and then determining the best place to find your pet.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, the county’s official non-profit humane society, offers the following five tips to keep in mind during your search for your perfect pet companion:
- Your Schedule: How much time do you have to devote to a pet? Are you prepared to care for it every day for the next 10 to 20 years? Dogs require far more time and attention than cats. Cats are ideal for people who want companionship, but do not have the time to commit to walking a dog daily.
- Type and Size: Before adopting it is important to have a good understanding of the animal’s inherent behaviors and individual characteristics. “At the League we get to know each animal so that we can help each family find the right pet for its lifestyle,” said Rebecca Yoo, director of Behavior and Adoptions.
- Young or Mature Pet: Kittens and puppies are cute, but they also require a tremendous amount of attention and diligent training for the first year. If you do not have the time or the patience to train a kitten or puppy, consider adopting an adult. Adult cats and dogs are already housebroken, often have basic training skills and still have plenty of love to give.
- Your Budget: Can you afford additional expenses associated with owning a pet, including pet supplies, medical bills, trips to the groomer, and monthly preventatives (such as heartworm and flea and tick control)? The average annual cost of basic food, supplies and medical care and training for a dog is $875; for a cat it is $670.
- The Search: Adopt. Don’t Shop. Every time a pet is purchased from a pet shop or breeder, a shelter animal is deprived of a home. Consider being part of the solution to animal homelessness and save a life by adopting an animal from a shelter like The Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
“At AWLA we have happy, healthy animals just waiting for someone to take them home,” said Neil Trent, president and CEO. “Our veterinary staff examines, vaccinates and spays or neuters each animal prior to adoption.”
To learn more about AWLA’s community services, programs, or diverse selection of companion animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and hamsters, visit www.awla.org or download the free Arlington Pets App.
AWLA Busts Spay and Neuter Barriers to Reduce Pet Overpopulation
Kashmir is among 23 other animals so far that have participated in our low-cost spay & neuter event as part of World Spay Day.
Arlington and D.C. Metro Area Residents Urged to Save Lives through Spay & Neuter
Spaying or neutering an animal is the most effective way to eliminate unwanted litters and to reduce the pet overpopulation crisis in our society. So why then do animal shelters across the country, including The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA), continue to see an influx of kittens and puppies? If this is a manageable issue, why aren’t more people heeding the advice to spay and neuter their pet?
According to a national survey conducted by PetSmart Charities, more than 1 in 3 recently acquired dog and cat owners have not spayed or neutered their pet. The biggest barriers to spay and neuter appears to be a lack of motivation, understanding of the importance and cost. Perhaps these national trends are reflected locally. In 2012, nearly 25 percent of cats and dogs that entered AWLA were from litters.
AWLA is working to reduce the number of unwanted pets and remove spay and neuter barriers by offering a low-cost spay and neuter service, trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for feral cats and public education on the positive impact of pet sterilization. In 2012, AWLA provided low-cost spay and neuter services for approximately 250 animals of low-income residents; through TNR, spayed or neutered 140 feral cats from the Nauck and Columbia Heights West neighborhoods and conducted 62 community presentations on responsible pet stewardship. Through these initiatives AWLA remains committed to improving the quality of life for animals in our community thereby by helping to decrease the pet overpopulation crisis in the United States.
“Spay and neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation,” said Neil Trent, President and CEO of AWLA. “We are encouraging citizens to not only consider the health benefits of spaying or neutering their pet, but to also be a part of the solution of reducing the population of unwanted pets in our community.”
“Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted litters and may reduce many behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct (e.g, marking territory, mounting, roaming), but enhances the pet’s quality of life by reducing or eliminating the risk of conditions such as testicular cancer, prostatic hyperplasia, ovarian cancer, mammary cancer, uterine cancer and uterine infection.” said Dr. Christine Cottey, DVM and AWLA Veterinary Director. “In addition, spaying or neutering your dog may reduce their desire to roam, which may lower the risks of your dog being hit by a car, fighting, or biting people or other dogs.”
Throughout February, AWLA is celebrating World Spay Day (February 26), an international campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. AWLA encourages all citizens to share in the life-saving benefits of spay/neuter and is offering drastically reduced World Spay Day pricing for its already low-cost spay and neuter services for cats, dogs and rabbits of low income residents in the Arlington and D.C. metro area.
Special World Spay Day pricing includes $25 for male cats, and $50 for female cats and male/female dogs. New this year, AWLA is also offering a limited number of rabbit spay/neuters for $60 per rabbit. World Spay Day participants will also be offered a rabies vaccination and microchip for $10 each (a mini-microchip for rabbits is $15 each). Interested Arlington and D.C. metro residents must meet the annual household income requirement of $50,000 or less (proof of household income is required) and must be available to drop their animal off at AWLA the morning of their appointment and pick them up in the early evening the same day.
Special World Spay Day appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Adrienne Mintz at amintz@awla.org or call 703/931-9241 ext. 246 to register your pet.
“The [low-cost spay and neuter] program worked well for me because, it calmed down my Husky allowing me to feel more confident that I can maintain him and not have to give him up. Further, it was beneficial because I am unemployed at the moment, so I was putting off the procedure,” said Gary Heald of Crystal City. “It’s not something that should be prolonged.”
Geraldine Carbajal of Shirlington explained, “As you know times are hard for many and this program insures safety for our pets and our wallets—which these days seem to be half empty.”
“It helped me a lot. Many vets charge minimum $400 and I saved so much money, which I can now put toward toys and food for my cat,” said Carbajal.
Since Spay Day’s inception in 1995, it is conservatively estimated that participants have spayed or neutered more than one million animals. As a participant, through its low-cost spay and neuter program, it has been a proud achievement that AWLA has been able to assist with reducing the number of homeless cats and dogs euthanized in the U.S. from approximately 13.5 million in 1973 to fewer than four million currently.
You can help to reduce the number of homeless and unwanted pets in our community. Resolve to save a life by spaying or neutering your pet, sharing the message with a friend or donating to AWLA’s low-cost spay and neuter restricted fund to help AWLA continue its efforts to assist low-income pet owners in our community with spaying or neutering their pets.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington Launches New Website to Encourage Community Engagement
ARLINGTON, Va. (January 30, 2013)—- The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) launched a new website today, www.awla.org, enabling the Arlington and D.C. metro area community to easily learn more about AWLA adoptable pets, news, events, community services and volunteer opportunities. The site now boasts a modern look and feel, as well as a suite of updated features, which enables AWLA to more easily communicate and engage with the community.
“Whether we are highlighting adoptable animals, posting news updates or sharing an exciting event announcement, the enhancements to awla.org have provided us with the tools necessary for seamless engagement with our community and supporters,” said Susan Sherman, AWLA’s Chief Operating Officer.
The site complements the iOS and Android mobile apps AWLA, which were released in 2012. The new site is built using fully responsive design which scales to work with devices of any size, from smartphones to tablets, laptops, desktops and anything in between. “More and more people are doing everything from their phones and tablets. The internet was always meant to be about the mobility of information, and we wanted to be sure that AWLA could get information to their audience no matter how that audience is accessing the information.” said Max Lollar, Creative Director of Yoko Co., the firm that designed and built the website.
“It’s a drop in the bucket of effort that AWLA puts in on a regular basis to help better the local community for people and animals alike.” said Chris Yoko, Chief Executive Officer of Yoko Co. “At the end of the day the goal of a website is just to help the organization achieve their goals. I think the new www.awla.org will definitely help do that.”
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) provides animal adoption and community programs to the northern Virginia and D.C. metropolitan area, as well as animal rescue and control services within Arlington County. For more than 65 years AWLA has remained committed to its mission to improve the lives of animals through sheltering, community services and humane education. Download Arlington Pets App to learn more about AWLA adoptable animals. For more information, visit www.awla.org. Please follow us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Welfare-League-of-Arlington and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AWLAArlington.
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