November 15th Adopt-A-thon offers half-price and same day adoptions
ARLINGTON, Va. —In observance of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Month, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington will host a “Meet Your Match” Adopt-A-Thon from noon-4p.m. on Saturday, November 15 at the shelter. Adoption fees will be reduced by 50 percent for all shelter animals and animals will be able to go home the same day with fully approved adopters (rental permission required) Educational sessions and kids crafts will be facilitated throughout the afternoon by League staff.
“Hundreds of companion animals come through our doors each year, through no fault of their own, just unfortunate circumstance,” said Neil Trent, president and CEO, AWLA. “One significant way people can show their appreciation this month, is by adopting a shelter animal instead of purchasing one from another source.”
The League will officially debut, specifically for cats, Meet Your Match, a program by the ASPCA. The program is designed to help adopters determine which shelter cat is appropriate for their personality and lifestyle.
“The idea is like Match.com for people and pets,” said Kevin Simpson, director of Behavior and Adoptions, AWLA. “Meet Your Match is the most widely recognized method in existence today that evaluates an animal’s behavior and interests and matches them to an adopter’s preferences so that they take home a pet they can really bond with.”
For those unable to adopt a pet, there are other ways to demonstrate support for Animal Shelter Appreciation Month:
- Become a Foster – AWLA is seeking individuals or families that can temporarily open their home to an animal in need of fostering. AWLA provides foster training and covers all expenses associated with caring for a foster animal, including feeding and medical expenses.
- Spread the Word – Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Share stories of our adoptable animals through social media to increase awareness and help find them homes.
- Donate -The League relies on financial contributions, as well as wish items to enrich the lives of animals during their stay at AWLA or at-risk animals in the community. Donations support the day-to-day operations for animals, which includes food, care and veterinary support.
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 70 years AWLA has remained committed to its mission to improve the lives of animals through sheltering, community services and humane education. Over 3,000 companion animals benefit from the League each year with 94 percent of sheltered animals last year adopted, reunited with their owners, or transferred to one of many of AWLA’s network of rescue and rehabilitation partners. AWLA has helped to improve greatly the care of animals in Arlington County and throughout Northern Virginia by implementing public outreach programs to include: emergency veterinary assistance, education on responsible pet ownership, low-income spay and neuter services, as well as low-cost rabies and microchip clinics.
To learn more about becoming a foster, volunteer, donor or AWLA’s diverse selection of companion animals including: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and hamsters visit www.awla.org or download the free Arlington Pets App.
