Throughout the month of September we will be promoting informed and devoted pet care!
Typically these initiatives are referred to as “educating the public on responsible pet ownership,” but we feel that language doesn’t necessarily fit. We know people love their pets and want to do what’s best for them. Problems that arise are not usually due to “irresponsible pet ownership” but, rather, they are caused by a lack of access to the necessary items one needs in order to provide the care they so greatly desire for their pets.
That’s where we come in. Here at AWLA we are “All in for Animals,” meaning that we are committed to being a safety net, a support network, and a friend in need for pet owners.
Behavioral Support
Our goal is to keep pets at home with their people and our behavior team is on hand to answer questions and provide guidance. Certified and experienced, they are a great resource for frustrated or bewildered pet owners. Available by phone on our Behavior Helpline, or in person at the shelter through group classes or private sessions, we encourage all pet owners (not just those who have adopted from us) to take advantage of their expertise. For more information, or to sign up for a class, visit our website here.
Health and Wellness
No one is immune to falling on hard times – as we found out during the most recent government shutdown – and we are committed to helping all who need it. At the League, we believe the love, companionship, and loyalty of a pet should be available to anyone, regardless of income.
That’s why we offer a variety of community services, ranging from a pet supply pantry, stocked with food, litter, enrichment items (like Kongs and toys), flea/tick preventatives, crates, collars, and leashes, to low-cost wellness, rabies and microchip clinics, and vouchers for affordable spay/neuter surgery. We offer a veterinary assistance program that helps low-income pet owners who need emergency veterinary care for their pets, and we’re developing a new program to assist with basic pet care (shots, teeth-cleaning) or chronic, life-long conditions (i.e. diabetes, heart condition, allergies). Finally, we also provide safekeeping services in which we will shelter a pet on a short-term basis for residents who are experiencing a health or housing crisis.
Informing the Next Generation
AWLA is committed to providing fun, enriching, and informative opportunities for children to learn about and engage with animals. Our new Teen Volunteer Program allows young adults aged 16-18 to volunteer at the shelter without a parent present and it provides them the opportunity to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in a shelter setting. We also host summer camps for kids and a year-round Paws and Read program.
To learn more about how your children can get involved, including AWLA’s Passion into Action Challenge, please click here. You can also join us on Sunday, September 22nd for a special edition of our popular (and free!) SmartyPets program to learn about pet ownership for kids.
Keep and eye on our website and social media to learn more about how everyone can be “All in for Animals!”
Sincerely,
Sam Wolbert, President/CEO
