Indoor Cats: How to Stop Boredom and Save Their Sanity
Are your cats bored? They don't need to be! View Event You always hear about how to keep your dogs exercised and entertained, but what about cats? They deserve (and…
Clear the Shelters
AWLA is excited to once again be participating in NBC and Telemundo 44's national Clear the Shelters adoption event! At last year's event, more than 150,000 pets were adopted across the country, and this year…
Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
Join us at AWLA every Sunday for our "Well-Mannered Mutts" training class! Members of our Behavior Team will work with you and your dogs on basic commands, common behavior issues,…
Low-Cost Rabies & Microchip Clinic
August is our busiest clinic! Consider arriving during the second hour for a shorter wait. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate, not a tag) to…
Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
Join us at AWLA every Sunday for our "Well-Mannered Mutts" training class! Members of our Behavior Team will work with you and your dogs on basic commands, common behavior issues,…
Baby-Ready Pets
Baby-Ready Pets Every year, thousands of animals are turned into shelters by parents concerned about how their pet may affect the health and safety of their new baby. Any pet…
Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
Join us at AWLA every Sunday for our "Well-Mannered Mutts" training class! Members of our Behavior Team will work with you and your dogs on basic commands, common behavior issues,…
Kids’ Movie Night at AWLA
Register now for AWLA’s Kids' Movie night for children ages 6-10 years old. Movie night is from 5:30-8:30 PM. Registered participants are invited to attend in PJs and to bring…
CANCELLED – Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
Join us at AWLA every Sunday for our "Well-Mannered Mutts" training class! Members of our Behavior Team will work with you and your dogs on basic commands, common behavior issues,…
Kitten Kindergarten (Session 1)
It's Back to School and if you added a tiny new feline addition to your home this may be the class for you! To help your kitten start out with their best…
Grown-Up Movie Night…with Puppies!
PUPPIES AND TORNADOES AND SHARKS, oh my!
Time to get a little refresher from all of this rain...and we have some puppies who have been cooped up inside and are ready to play with YOU! We can't tell you exactly what movie we'll be showing but here are some clues: All the puppies are named after sharks and we've been inspired by the recent weather...so let's just say, it's gonna be fun and probably a little ridiculous. We'll have 6 puppies dressed in their shark outfits (for as long as they allow us to keep them on) as they prepare to get ready for adoption.
This event will be floor seating with some dog beds and limited chair seating. You can bring your own pillows and blankets to sit on as well (just please be aware that puppies do have accidents so don't bring anything you don't mind possibly getting dirty). Please feel free to bring your own food and drinks (just remember that there will be puppies roaming around who love to eat anything...before they tire and fall asleep in your lap of course). BYOB.
This is an event geared towards adults, but check out more events on awla.org/events for upcoming children's movie nights.
Tickets are $30 - click the sign up button above to register today before all of the puppy play is sold out!
Kitten Kindergarten (Session 2)
It's Back to School and if you added a tiny new feline addition to your home this may be the class for you! To help your kitten start out with their best…
Low-Cost Rabies & Microchip Clinic
Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate, not a tag) to get a three-year rabies shot. Without it, your pet will receive a one-year shot. Waiting…
Kitten College Foster Training
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is one of the only shelters in the nation that takes in kittens from other jurisdictions. In fact, AWLA takes in just a very…
Pet Loss Support
Our pets are important members of the family. They are devoted companions who give us their unconditional love and acceptance. For a pet caregiver, the loss of a companion animal…
Baby-Ready Pets
Every year, thousands of animals are turned into shelters by parents concerned about how their pet may affect the health and safety of their new baby. Any pet can have…
Low-Cost Rabies & Microchip Clinic
Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate, not a tag) to get a three-year rabies shot. Without it, your pet will receive a one-year shot. Waiting…
Smarty Pets: Feeding the Finicky Cat
Got a picky eater? Pick this class.
Diet is the foundation of our cats' health, but we know our cats have a mind of their own when it comes to food. Or do they?
With over two decades in the pet industry and working with the finicky feline, PetSage founder Terri Grow has a few insights in to your cat's palate, food addictions and commercial pet food manipulations. What is “best” for one cat may not be the “best” for yours. Her experience will help you separate fact from fiction to find the food that’s right for your finicky feline. Terri will also share a few tricks of the trade for those times when you are at your wit’s end.
And don't worry, you won't go home empty handed. Terri will have some free samples to test out with your newfound cat food knowledge!
Wolfenoot Adoption Party
Celebrate the Spirit of the Wolf with us on November 23rd! Wolfenoot is a brand new holiday being celebrated across the world. It was recently invented by a seven-year-old…
Puppy Yoga – CANCELLED
Unfortunately, our litter of puppies are a little under the weather, and out of an abundance of caution, we decided it was best that they do not attend puppy yoga…
Holiday Pawtraits!
Join Jeremy Robbin Photography and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington for a fun and festive photo session with your animal companions. 100% of the $35 session fee benefits AWLA's mission to improve the lives of animals...and you get the added bonus of some adorable photos!
Low-Cost Rabies & Microchip Clinic
Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate, not a tag) to get a three-year rabies shot. Without it, your pet will receive a one-year shot. Waiting…
Gifts That Give Hope Alternative Gift-Giving Fair
AWLA will be participating in the Gifts That Give Hope Fair again this year on Saturday, Dec 8th from 10 AM- 2 PM. This alternative gift-giving fair puts a new spin…
Baby-Ready Pets
Every year, thousands of animals are turned into shelters by parents concerned about how their pet may affect the health and safety of their new baby. Any pet can have…
AWLA Kids’ HOLIDAY Movie Night at AWLA
Register now for AWLA’s Kids' Movie night for children ages 6-10 years old. Movie night is from 5:30-8:30 PM. Registered participants are invited to attend in PJs and to bring…
Introduction to Nosework for Dogs
Join us at AWLA for our first 'Introduction to Nosework' class! Click here to sign up. This class will give dogs and their people a chance to learn more about…
Home for the Holidays
Give the gift of family this holiday season: foster a shelter pet through our Home for the Holidays program! From December 20th to 27th, we are inviting local…
Gift-Wrapping for Good
Join us for your last minute holiday gift wrapping at Animal Welfare League of Arlington. AWLA elves (aka volunteers) will wrap your gifts. There is a suggested donation of $3…
Pet Loss Support Group
Our pets are important members of the family. They are devoted companions who give us their unconditional love and acceptance. For a pet caregiver, the loss of a companion animal…
Smarty Pets Series: Common Cat Behavior Problems (and how to fix them)
Do you have issues with litterbox problems? Maybe your cat is destructively scratching your beautiful new furniture or they're having some play behavior issues. Our cat expert, Teresa Villatoro, is here to help you understand, breakdown, and constructively address these issues.
Baby-Ready Pets
Every year, thousands of animals are turned into shelters by parents concerned about how their pet may affect the health and safety of their new baby. Any pet can have…
Galentine’s Day Adoption Event
Treat yo' self to a new BFF this Galentine's Day! On February 13th from 12-7PM, we'll have 'pick-a-price' adoption fees for all pets older than 6 months! What is Galentine's…
Kitten College Foster Training
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is one of the only shelters in the nation that takes in kittens from other jurisdictions. In fact, AWLA takes in just a very…
Smarty Pets: Enriched and Engaged
When snow falls and temperatures drops, our canine friends have fewer opportunities to go outside and get the physical and mental exercise that they need.
During this program AWLA’s very own Dog Behaviorist, Kat Heckert, will teach dog moms and dads how to combat the winter confinement blues with fun indoor games and enrichment activities, like food puzzles and scent work.
Barks and Barrels
Come on out to Barrel Oak Winery for a spring fundraiser for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. We'll have the space all to ourselves...and some adoptable dogs!
Fun times include live music, a silent auction, donation drive, adoptable dogs, and a dog-friendly winery/brewery. Feel free to being your own pooch along as well! For all drink purchases made, Barrel Oak Winery will donate 10% of their proceeds to AWLA (merchandise purchases not included).
Game of Homes Adoption Event
Prepare yourselves...friendship is coming! This weekend, travel to Westeros (aka the Animal Welfare League of Arlington) and adopt your very own Arya Bark, Samwell Tabby, or Rabbit Baratheon with 'Name…
AWLA Career Morning
Is your teen (ages 13-18) interested in a career with animals? Participants in our AWLA Career Morning will meet shelter staff and hear about several different careers in animal welfare,…
Smarty Pets: Our Wild Neighbors
Sponsored by Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique. We've all seen animals in distress or without a parent in the spring, but do we know what to do?
Smarty Pets: Estate Planning for Pets
Sponsored by Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique. We can't bear to think about losing our pets, but what if they lost you?
Mother’s Day Adoption Weekend
To all you dog moms and cat moms (and wannabe dog moms and cat moms)...this is your weekend! We're offering 50% off adoption fees for ALL pets (6 months +)…
AWLA’s 75th Anniversary
Please join us to Celebrate AWLA's 75th Anniversary & our newly renovated front office Friday, June 7 at 12:30 p.m. Ribbon-cutting & Proclamation followed by light refreshments …
75th Anniversary Adoption Special
Celebrate AWLA's 75th anniversary with 75% off adoption fees! Bring a gift* for a shelter pet and receive 75% off adoption fees for ALL animals 6 months and older! We…
Walk for the Animals: 75th Anniversary Homecoming
View Event On Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., AWLA invites you to Walk for the Animals and celebrate our 75th anniversary of improving the lives of…
CPRO Movie Night: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
AWLA is excited to be a special guest at the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization's Movie Night on August 16th! Come watch a free movie, learn more about AWLA, and meet…
Love is Love: Late-Nite Kitten Adoption Party
Join us on June 25th from 6-9PM for your last (and purrfect) chance to celebrate National Pride Month...with kittens! We have so many adorable kittens looking for new families,…
Smarty Pets: Pet Preparedness
Sponsored by Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique. Natural disasters happen. Are you prepared for you and your pets?
Pet Loss Support Group Meeting
Our pets are important members of the family. They are devoted companions who give us their unconditional love and acceptance. For a pet caregiver, the loss of a companion animal…
Smarty Pets: Kitten Ready Homes – CANCELLED
Sponsored by Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique. You want a kitten, but are you ready? AWLA's Training & Cat Behavior Counselor Teresa Villatoro will be with us to discuss all things kitten.
Yappy Hour at William Jeffrey’s Tavern
Come out to William Jeffrey's Tavern every Monday from 5-7pm for drink specials, complimentary treats for your four-legged friends, and raffle prizes from Loyal Companion, The Board Hound, and more!…
Smarty Pets: Crate Training
Sponsored by Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique. Is crate training useful? Is it a punishment? What can I use the crate for? Will my dog be unhappy the whole time they're in their crate?! AWLA's Training & Behavior Associate Kat Heckert will discuss all things crate training!
Yappy Hour at William Jeffrey’s Tavern
Come out to William Jeffrey's Tavern every Monday from 5-7pm for drink specials, complimentary treats for your four-legged friends, and raffle prizes from Loyal Companion, The Board Hound, and more!…
Kitten Yoga
Yoga with Kittens! Please join us for an all-level, mellow, playful yoga practice for people ages 10 and older. We will enjoy a casual yoga practice at the shelter while…
Join us at the Arlington County Fair
AWLA will be at the Arlington County Fair August 16th-18th! Please drop by our indoor booth during the indoor fair hours to ask questions and learn about community services/resources available…
CPRO Movie Night: E.T. the Extraterrestrial
AWLA is excited to be a special guest at the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization's Movie Night on August 16th, with a showing of "E.T. the Extraterrestrial"! Join us for a…
Clear the Shelters!
One of the best days of the year is back - Clear the Shelters will take place at AWLA on August 17th, from 11-4PM! Adoption fees will be waived for…
CPRO Movie Night: Life in the Doghouse
AWLA is excited to be a special guest at the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization's Movie Night on August 17th, with a showing of "Life in the Doghouse"! Join us for…
Yappy Hour at William Jeffrey’s Tavern
Come out to William Jeffrey's Tavern every Monday from 5-7pm for drink specials, complimentary treats for your four-legged friends, and raffle prizes from Loyal Companion, The Board Hound, and more!…
Baby Ready Pets
Baby-Ready Pets offers preparation and assistance to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of the new baby and to make sure that it is…
Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccine. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate,…
Join us at WAGS N’ WHISKERS in Shirlington
Stop by the AWLA booth at Wags 'n' Whiskers. Wags n’ Whiskers is a community-oriented event for animal-loving shoppers of all ages to spend an afternoon at The Village at Shirlington…
Yappy Hour at William Jeffrey’s Tavern
Come out to William Jeffrey's Tavern every Monday from 5-7pm for drink specials, complimentary treats for your four-legged friends, and raffle prizes from Loyal Companion, The Board Hound, and more!…
Pop-Up for Pets Talk: Estate Planning for Pets
This talk is back by popular demand! Don't miss your chance to learn important information to protect your pets in case you won't be able to...
Baby Ready Pets
Baby-Ready Pets offers preparation and assistance to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of the new baby and to make sure that it is…
Smarty Pets: Responsible Pet Ownership for Kids!
Sponsored by Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique. Bring the kids out to AWLA for a one-hour session to discuss what it takes to own an animal. Chief of Animal Control Jennifer Toussaint will present an engaging lesson for children on how to prepare for owning a pet, how much work goes into it, and how to responsibly care for their pet. Children who already own pets or want to own them are welcome!
Pop-Up for Pets: First Aid for Pets
We all want the best for our pets. We research the best foods and the best toys and the best...everything! But do you know what to do if an emergency strikes?
Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccine. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate,…
SOLD OUT Drag Queen Bingo…with Tiny Kittens!
Join the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and Caring Hands Animal Support & Education on October 6th at the Arlington Drafthouse Cinema for a fun-filled evening to help raise critical…
Smarty Pets: Teenage Kittens…and how to survive them
AWLA's Training & Cat Behavior Counselor Teresa Villatoro is here to help make the kitten years fly by with more fun than fear. We'll discuss what to expect, what to do, and how to help get that boundless energy out.
Pet Loss Support Group Meeting
Our pets are important members of the family. They are devoted companions who give us their unconditional love and acceptance. For a pet caregiver, the loss of a companion animal…
Pups, Purrs, and Pumpkins Adoption Event
On October 10 from 12-7PM, AWLA will be offering Pick-Your-Price adoption fees for all adoptable animals (aged 6 months +)! We'll also have pumpkin treats generously donated by Trader…
Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccine. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate,…
Baby Ready Pets
Baby-Ready Pets offers preparation and assistance to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of the new baby and to make sure that it is…
Sit, Stay, Cider!
CALLING ALL DOGS (and their 21+ humans too)! We've got a great evening planned for you at Lost Boy Cider where you can meet new furiends, and maybe even see some old ones while you're at it!
We've also got lots of fun stuff to keep you entertained: cider will be flowing all night long, and someone will be singing and strumming on some instrument, and most importantly your pups get to strut their stuff in the cutest/funniest/most unique Halloween costume you can whip up for our Doggie Costume Contest! Get ready to be judged and, if you're lucky, your pup will be crowned AWLA's Next Top Halloweiner! Does your pup have what it takes?!
Get your tickets today!
Nats Win the World Series! Celebrate with Pick-Your-Price adoption fees!
Last night, the Washington Nationals became World Series Champions, so today we are celebrating with PICK-YOUR-PRICE adoption fees for ALL animals at AWLA (today only, 12-7PM)! Standard adoption policies and…
Smarty Pets: The Care and Keeping of Senior Cats
Just like kittens, senior cats have their own set of rules to help them live their best lives. AWLA's Training & Behavior Counselor Teresa Villatoro will be talking to us about how to tailor what you're used to caring for your cat to its needs as they grow older.
Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccine. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate,…
Smarty Pets: Bunny-Ready Homes
You've loved bunnies forever but...what are they like as pets? AWLA's Adoptions Counselor Jose Serrano is here to discuss everything bunnies. Learn what to feed them, how to house them, and what they need for enrichment.
Kitten Yoga
Join us for an all-level, mellow, playful yoga practice for people ages 10 and older. We will enjoy a casual yoga practice at the shelter while kittens roam among us.…
Meet A Doggy Defender!
Join AWLA and National Geographic Kids on Saturday, December 14th to meet some of the stars of the Nat Geo’s Doggy Defenders book series! From 11AM-2PM, Tiger, from the Metropolitan…
Baby Ready Pets
Baby-Ready Pets offers preparation and assistance to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of the new baby and to make sure that it is…
A Holiday Affair: Flashback to the Forties Fundraiser
You're Invited! The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is taking it back to where it all began with a 1940's Holiday Affair on Monday, December 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Signature…
Home for the Holidays
Give the gift of family this holiday season: Take a shelter pet on a holiday sleepover through our Home for the Holidays program! From December 21st to 27th, we are…
Pet Loss Support Group Meeting
Our pets are important members of the family. They are devoted companions who give us their unconditional love and acceptance. For a pet caregiver, the loss of a companion animal…
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinic
Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies vaccine. Please bring proof of a prior rabies shot (a rabies certificate,…
Scarlett’s 21st Birthday Party
Scarlett, a gorgeous adoptable kitty, is turning an amazing 21 years old this month (which is about 100 years old in 'cat years')...so of course we have to throw her…
Kitten Yoga
Please join us for an all-level, mellow, playful yoga practice for people ages 10 and older with Beth A Wolfe Yoga. We will enjoy a casual yoga practice at the…
Pet-Harmony Adoption Event
We've helped thousands of pets and people find love...and now it's your turn! Join us on Thursday, February 13th for a very special Pet-Harmony Adoption Event, where our experienced match-makers…
Adoption Event at Dogma Bakery
Join us at Dogma Bakery on the third Saturday of every month from 10AM - 12PM to meet adoptable pets and find your new family member! Our experienced staff and…
Adoption Event at PetValu
Join us at PetValu on the fourth Saturday of every month from 10AM - 12PM to meet adoptable pets and find your new family member! Our experienced staff and volunteers…
Kitten Yoga
Please join us for an all-level, mellow, playful yoga practice for people ages 10 and older with Beth A Wolfe Yoga. We will enjoy a casual yoga practice at the…
Cupid’s Cuties Adoption Event
Everyone has fallen in love with our little local celebrity, Cupid, but in the end only one family can adopt him. We hope that his story will inspire the…
CANCELLED – Adoption Event at Loyal Companion
Unfortunately this adoption event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Please visit the shelter to meet our adoptable animals! Join us at Loyal Companion Pet Store on the first…
Smarty Pets: Cat Enrichment – Clicker Training
AWLA's Training & Cat Behavior Counselor Teresa Villatoro has shown you the basics of cat enrichment to keep indoor cats happy and healthy in the home, now she goes a step further with clicker training and outdoor adventures!
CANCELED – Adoption Event at Petsmart
Due to current circumstances, this event has been canceled. Read more here. Join us at Petsmart on the second Saturday of every month from 10AM - 12PM to meet adoptable…
CANCELED – Adoption Event at Dogma Bakery
Due to current circumstances, this event has been canceled. Read more here. Join us at Dogma Bakery on the third Saturday of every month from 10AM – 12PM to meet…
CANCELED – Adoption Event at PetValu
Due to current circumstances, this event has been canceled. Read more here. Join us at PetValu on the fourth Saturday of every month from 10AM - 12PM to meet adoptable…
CANCELED – Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine & Microchip Clinic
Due to current circumstances, this event has been canceled. Read more here. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older have a current rabies…
Virtual Puppy Yoga
Since you can't come to puppy yoga right now, we're bringing puppy yoga to you! Join Beth A Wolfe and a litter of puppies (via puppy cam from their foster…
