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Animal Welfare League
of Arlington
2650 S Arlington Mill Dr
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 931-9241
mail@awla.org
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Animal Rescue in Virginia & DC
Relationships with Animal Rescue Groups
In recent years the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has been working to establish relationships with shelters and animal rescue groups in Virginia and the Washington, DC area, such as breed rescue for dogs and rabbits. These relationships have been formed in an effort to gain the maximum exposure for rescue animals in need of good homes. They allow us to utilize rescue groups' knowledge and resources to help place animals whose breed requires special care and find homes with loving guardians that are familiar with the breed. We believe this network will allow us to expand the audience for adoptable animals in several different ways. By cross-posting links on the Arlington shelter's website and partner web sites, exchanging educational information, referring possible pet adoption candidates, or the actual transfer of animals - there are so many ways that we can assist each other to utimately help the animals.
Last year we welcomed 60 cats, 86 dogs and five small companion animals from other animal shelters and pet rescue groups in the Virginia and Washington, DC area into our shelter. We transferred 19 dogs and 35 small companion animals to other animal shelters and breed rescue groups in the Virginia and Washington, DC area.
Biscuit & the Loudoun County Animal Shelter in Virginia
 Biscuit (left), a 2-year-old English foxhound mix, came to us in March 2007 from an owner who had to travel too much to care for him. Although he was a friendly goofball, he weighed over 60 pounds. Being in a semi-urban location, many of our adopters live in apartments or condominium complexes that have weight or breed restrictions. This also means they live in close proximity to their neighbors and generally hounds being known for their vocal nature, are not best suited for apartment living. Therefore, he did not catch the eye of any prospective adopter. In June 2007, after about 4 months at the Arlington shelter, we transferred him to the Loudoun County Shelter in semi-rural Waterford, Virginia. Within two weeks of the transfer he was adopted! As seen with Biscuit, these partnerships provide us alterative ways to help find homes for adoptable animals that for a variety of reasons may be more difficult to place.
Working with DC Weimaraner Rescue in Washington, DC
After being surrendered to the animal shelter, Frotto and his brother Porkchop, were up for adoption for a month with no adoption interest. Sometimes we have breeds, such as Weimaraners, that may be more sensitive and stressed in an animal shelter environment. This is a high-energy, bold and sometimes headstrong, hunting breed. With these characteristics, this is also not a breed for everyone and poses a challenge to find the right home. Working with the DC Weimaraner Rescue, we were able to address these challenges. Being a breed rescue, they have a very clear understanding of the breed's characteristics, needs, breed-specific medical issues, and likely have more access to adopters that are experienced and looking specifically for this breed. In the animal rescue, the dogs live with a foster family in a home environment until they find their forever home. We transferred this pair to DC Area Weimaraner Rescue in May of 2007 and they were subsequently adopted!
Rescued Puppy Mill Dogs in Virginia
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington also took part in the rescue of several dogs from the abuse of a local puppy mill. All five of the dogs were adults that required special care. The Arlington animal shelter, with the help of local vets and groomers, made sure that the dogs were groomed, spayed/neutered, and received dental cleanings to prepare them for adoption. Prior to adoption, all applicants were counseled on the special needs of puppy mill survivors and the challenges they would most likely encounter in a home to make sure it was the right fit for both parties. All of these dogs were adopted into loving homes!
Animal and Pet Rescue Groups in Virginia & DC Area
The Arlington animal shelter welcomes local breed rescue groups and area animal shelters to discuss the potential relationships that will ensure the well-being and aid in the adoption of homeless animals in need of rescue in our community. Please contact the adoption manager for further information by calling 703-931-9241 ext. 221 or send the attached survey as complete as possible to adoptionmanager@awla.org.
Here is a list of current animal and pet rescue groups in the Virginia and Washington, DC area with which the Arlington shelter has a relationship:
Find out more about how the Arlington animal shelter rescues pets and shelters unwanted animals of all types.
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