Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Low-Cost Rabies & Microchip Clinic
2018-05-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2018-06-28 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
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 is outdoors, so please dress for the weather. All dogs must be on leash and cats must be in carriers. Waiting is outside so dress appropriately for the weather.
Rabies shot: $10.00
24PetWatch MiniChip: $35.00

Memorial Day Weekend Adoption Event
2018-05-26 12:00 - 2018-05-27 16:00
Join us for a special Memorial Day weekend adoption event! Adoption fees will be waived for all active military, veterans, and emergency service personnel. AWLA has a large number of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets that are looking for new homes, just in time for the holiday weekend!
*Regular adoption procedures will still apply, so we recommend that interested adopters bring a valid photo I.D. and proof of current address.*
Would you like to help by donating to cover adoption fees for our military and first responders? Click here!

Party for Paws
2018-06-02 20:00
Want to party all night and help homeless animals at the same time? Come to Party for Paws for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at Saint Yves! Hosted by one of our wonderful supporters, Party for Paws will be a awesome night filled with great music, an open bar, photo booth, and more! We’ll be bringing some furry special guests to meet party-goers, and the best part is, ALL proceeds from the event will be donated to AWLA!
Click here for more information and to get your tickets today!
**Tickets required for entry. 21+ only. All ticket purchases and donations go to costs and AWLA, no refunds are available. Dress code: cocktail attire**

AWLA Kids' Movie Night (for ages 6-10 years old)- Cancelled
2018-06-08 18:30 - 20:30
Register now for AWLA’s Movie night for children ages 6-10 year old. Movie night is from 6:30-8:30 PM. Registered participants are invited to attend in PJs and to bring a blanket/pillow for cozy movie viewing. We will be playing an animal movie, have an animal interaction and serve cheese pizza, popcorn, and lemonade to participants.
The registration fee is $30 for the first child and $20 for each additional sibling.
To see movie title, please click on registration link below.
Our JUNE 8th movie night has been cancelled due to low registration- stay tuned to the events page for future movie nights

Upon the submission of the registration form, a link to pay the required fee will appear. Registration form submissions without the appropriate fee payment will be considered to be invalid/incomplete and will not guarantee a reservation for your child.
Please note: There will be an animal interaction with movie night attendees but we are not able to advertise what type of animal the kids will interact with in advance as we do not know who we’ll have available that will be age-appropriate. If your child has severe allergies to cats, dogs, or small companion (bunnies,ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, etc.) animals this may not be an appropriate event for them to attend.

Adoption Event at Dogma Bakery
2018-06-16 12:30 - 15:30
Join us at Dogma Bakery in Shirlington for a pup-tastic adoption event! We’ll have some adorable adoptable dogs waiting to meet you and hopefully find their new homes!

Father's Day Cat Adoption Event
2018-06-17 12:00 - 16:00
Real men love cats! This Father’s Day, adoption fees are waived on all adult cats (6 months +) for everyone, in honor of dads everywhere! Standard adoption policies apply.

Baby-Ready Pets
2018-06-18 18:30 - 20:30
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 undesirable, although natural reactions to a new baby. New sounds, smells, and activities surrounding an infant may cause a pet to see the baby as competition, prey, or even a toy.
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 safe and (relatively) stress-free experience for all. This seminar is based on a program created by the Providence Animal Rescue League and the Rhode Island SPCA, and has been endorsed by the ASPCA. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s staff will present Baby-Ready Pets for expectant parents in a two-hour workshop at the League.
After the program, participants may call or e-mail follow-up questions if they need additional support. Participants will also receive helpful handouts and a CD of baby sounds to help desensitize their pets to the sounds of the new arrival. This is a HUMAN-ONLY class, please leave your pets at home. Baby-Ready Pets sessions are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive.
There is no fee for the class, but donations are welcome. Reservations are required and space is limited.
To see all available class dates and register for a class, please visit our Baby-Ready Pets Registration Page.

Adoption Event at PetSmart
2018-06-22 15:30 - 18:00
Join us at PetSmart Falls Church (6100-A Arlington Blvd) to meet some of our adoptable animals and take home your new best friend!

Adoption Event at Kriser's Natural Pet Store
2018-06-23 12:30 - 15:30
Join AWLA at Kriser’s Natural Pet at 2501 N Harrison St, Arlington VA, to meet adoptable pets and take home your new best friend!

5th Annual Pops for Pets Concert
2018-06-24 18:00 - 20:00
Pack a picnic and your pup and join us for an evening of music under the stars at the 5th Annual Pops for Pets Concert on June 24th at Lubber Run Amphitheater. This free community event is great fun! Come early to meet adoptable AWLA dogs and enjoy yummy dog treats provided by Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique.

Estate Planning for Pet Owners
2018-06-26 18:30 - 19:30
We can’t bear to think about losing our pets, but what if they lost you?
Legally, pets are classified as property, but to their owners they are best friends, companions, and family. Only legally enforceable documents can guarantee a pet’s secure future, so when you think about planning for the future, it makes sense to include your fur friends and family too.
Join us to learn how to provide for your pet through estate planning with attorney Lauren Keenan Rote of Bean, Kinney & Korman.

'International House of Cats' Adoption Event
2018-07-11 12:00 - 19:00
Our cat kennels are full!
So this Wednesday, July 11th (which just so happens to be International Cat Day) we are lowering adoption fees for all cats at our International House of Cats adoption event!
$20 for ALL adult cats
BOGO on all kittens under 6 months
Standard adoption policies and procedures apply. Adoption hours are from 12PM-7PM. Please bring valid ID, proof of address, and a cat carrier to bring home your new pet.

PetsMart Adoption Event
2018-07-20 14:30 - 17:30
Join us at PetSmart (6100-A Arlington Blvd, Falls Church VA) to meet adoptable pets and take home your new best friend! View our adoption policies here: https://www.awla.org/adopt/adoption-process/

Dogma Bakery Adoption Event
2018-07-21 12:00 - 15:00
Join us at Dogma Bakery in Shirlington to meet adoptable pets and take home your new best friend! View our adoption policies here: https://www.awla.org/adopt/adoption-process/

Puppies and a Movie!
2018-07-25 18:30 - 21:00

Pet Boarding: How, where, and what to look for
2018-07-31 18:30 - 19:15

Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
2018-08-12 10:30 - 11:15
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 cues, common behavior issues, and more! This class is for dogs (and their owners) ages 6 months and older. The curriculum will be based on each dogs’ needs each week. Participants must bring a completed waiver and proof that their pet has a current rabies, distemper, and bordatella vaccine. This class will typically take place outdoors.

This is a walk-in class – no registration required! Cost:$20 for non AWLA alumni, $15 for AWLA alumni – please pay at the door!

What you will need for class:

A semi-tired dog-A short exercise session before class can provide a less excited dog that is more willing to learn! A brisk walk or some play sessions at home will burn off some excess energy and help your focus in class.

A hungry dog- By skipping your dog’s morning meal or at least cutting it in half, you will increase the chance that they will work for food rewards and eliminate the chance of weight gain from the extra treats.

Rewards – We will primarily use food rewards, but feel free to also bring your dogs favorite toy to use as a reward. Treats should be cut to about the size of your smallest fingernail. Small, soft and stinky works best for learning around distractions!

A place to put your treats- pockets, training pouch, even a nail apron from Home Depot works. For most exercises treats will not be out in the open. Remember, we are rewarding our dogs- not bribing them!

A mat to practice on-The mat can teach a dog to perform many cues in a relaxed state, because it is a familiar and comfortable place. Ideas for a mat: bath towel, piece of carpet, crate mat, etc…

Leash- 4 or 6ft for most class work, optional long leash (10-20ft) for stay and recall exercises. For safety NO chain leashes or retractable leashes.

Collar- Properly fitted, can be Martingale style, flat buckle, adjustable, etc.. NO choke chains or prong collars.

Brush- We will be working on handling and calming exercises so dogs learn to enjoy grooming and to calm down after getting excited.

Optional Training Tools- These non-aversive tools do not replace training, but can help the process:

Front Clip Harness- Traditional harnesses in which the leash clips on the back of a dog encourage pulling. With a front clip harness, the leash clips across the chest redirecting the dog when they pull, discouraging pulling and making walks more enjoyable!

Head Halter- Gives the most control and for some dogs offer a calming effect. However, most dogs need desensitized to head halters before taking them to the streets!

PLEASE NOTE:
No human aggressive animals.
Dog must be wearing a properly fitted collar and/or harness with 4 to 6 ft leash.
No prong or shock collars. No retractable leashes.

Indoor Cats: How to Stop Boredom and Save Their Sanity
2018-08-15 18:30 - 19:30
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 need!) just as much mental stimulation and playtime as dogs. But what do they need? How much time should you spend on enrichment with your cats? Can you just give them catnip toys and call it a day or is this much more complex?
Our resident Cat Behavior Expert, Teresa Villatoro, will be here to answer all of these questions…and more! Expect to leave this class with the knowledge for how to better enrich your cat’s life AND a renewed (or new) inspiration to keep your cats as happy as possible.
To register, click on the event button below!
View Event

Clear the Shelters
2018-08-18 11:00 - 16:00
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 we hope to do our part in finding even more animals new homes!
Adoption fees will be waived for ALL pets on Saturday, August 18th, thanks to the generous support of Incentive Technology Group, who is sponsoring the event at AWLA. We will also have Spanish speakers available to assist with adoptions!
Standard adoption policies will apply, so please make sure to bring all necessary paperwork and supplies with you – this includes a valid I.D., proof of address, a leash and collar and/or carrier. We have plenty of pet supplies for sale here at the shelter, so you should be able to purchase everything you need to bring home your new pet – tax free! We will not hold animals for any period of time during this event.
You can find out more about our adoption policies and view adoptable pets here: https://www.awla.org/adopt/adoption-process/
We have so many wonderful pets looking for new homes this weekend – your new best friend is waiting to meet you!
*NBC and Telemundo 44 will be filming at AWLA during this year’s event, so you and your new pet may be featured on their special segments about Clear the Shelters!*

Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
2018-08-19 10:30 - 11:15
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, and more! This class is for dogs (and their owners) ages 6 months and older. The curriculum will be based on each dogs’ needs each week. Participants must bring a completed waiver and proof that their pet has a current rabies, distemper, and bordatella vaccine. This class will typically take place outdoors.

This is walk-in class – no registration required! Cost:$20 for non AWLA alumni, $15 for AWLA alumni – PAY AT THE DOOR

What you will need for class:

A semi-tired dog-A short exercise session before class can provide a less excited dog that is more willing to learn! If you have a dog that is social with other dogs, you are welcome to enjoy our dog park before class. For dogs that do not enjoy the company of other dogs, some play sessions at home is a better option.

A hungry dog- By skipping your dog’s evening meal or at least cutting it in half, you will increase the chance that they will work for food rewards and eliminate the chance of weight gain from the extra treats.

Rewards – We will primarily use food rewards, but feel free to also bring your dogs favorite toy to use as a reward. Treats should be cut to about the size of your smallest fingernail. Small, soft and stinky works best for learning around distractions!

A place to put your treats- pockets, training pouch, even a nail apron from Home Depot works. For most exercises treats will not be out in the open. Remember, we are rewarding our dogs- not bribing them!

A mat to practice on-The mat can teach a dog to perform many cues in a relaxed state, because it is a familiar and comfortable place. Ideas for a mat: bath towel, piece of carpet, crate mat, etc…

Leash- 4 or 6ft for most class work, optional long leash (10-20ft) for stay and recall exercises. For safety NO chain leashes or retractable leashes.

Collar- Properly fitted, can be Martingale style, flat buckle, adjustable, etc.. NO choke chains or prong collars.

Brush- We will be working on handling and calming exercises so dogs learn to enjoy grooming and to calm down after getting excited.

Optional Training Tools- These non-aversive tools do not replace training, but can help the process:

Front Clip Harness- Traditional harnesses in which the leash clips on the back of a dog encourage pulling. With a front clip harness, the leash clips across the chest redirecting the dog when they pull, discouraging pulling and making walks more enjoyable!

Head Halter- Gives the most control and for some dogs offer a calming effect. However, most dogs need desensitized to head halters before taking them to the streets!

PLEASE NOTE:
No human aggressive animals.
Dog must be wearing a properly fitted collar and/or harness with 4 to 6 ft leash.
No prong or shock collars. No retractable leashes.

Low-Cost Rabies & Microchip Clinic
2018-08-23 18:30 - 20:30
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 get a three-year rabies shot. Without it, your pet will receive a one-year shot. Waiting is outdoors, so please dress for the weather. All dogs must be on leash and cats must be in carriers. Waiting is outside so dress appropriately for the weather.
Rabies shot: $10.00
24PetWatch MiniChip: $35.00

Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
2018-08-26 10:30 - 11:15, 2018-09-02 10:30 - 11:15
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, and more! This class is for dogs (and their owners) ages 6 months and older. The curriculum will be based on each dogs’ needs each week. Participants must bring a completed waiver and proof that their pet has a current rabies, distemper, and bordatella vaccine. This class will typically take place outdoors.

This is a walk-in class – no registration required! Cost:$20 for non AWLA alumni, $15 for AWLA alumni – please pay at the door!

What you will need for class:

A semi-tired dog-A short exercise session before class can provide a less excited dog that is more willing to learn! If you have a dog that is social with other dogs, you are welcome to enjoy our dog park before class. For dogs that do not enjoy the company of other dogs, some play sessions at home is a better option.

A hungry dog- By skipping your dog’s evening meal or at least cutting it in half, you will increase the chance that they will work for food rewards and eliminate the chance of weight gain from the extra treats.

Rewards – We will primarily use food rewards, but feel free to also bring your dogs favorite toy to use as a reward. Treats should be cut to about the size of your smallest fingernail. Small, soft and stinky works best for learning around distractions!

A place to put your treats- pockets, training pouch, even a nail apron from Home Depot works. For most exercises treats will not be out in the open. Remember, we are rewarding our dogs- not bribing them!

A mat to practice on-The mat can teach a dog to perform many cues in a relaxed state, because it is a familiar and comfortable place. Ideas for a mat: bath towel, piece of carpet, crate mat, etc…

Leash- 4 or 6ft for most class work, optional long leash (10-20ft) for stay and recall exercises. For safety NO chain leashes or retractable leashes.

Collar- Properly fitted, can be Martingale style, flat buckle, adjustable, etc.. NO choke chains or prong collars.

Brush- We will be working on handling and calming exercises so dogs learn to enjoy grooming and to calm down after getting excited.

Optional Training Tools- These non-aversive tools do not replace training, but can help the process:

Front Clip Harness- Traditional harnesses in which the leash clips on the back of a dog encourage pulling. With a front clip harness, the leash clips across the chest redirecting the dog when they pull, discouraging pulling and making walks more enjoyable!

Head Halter- Gives the most control and for some dogs offer a calming effect. However, most dogs need desensitized to head halters before taking them to the streets!

PLEASE NOTE:
No human aggressive animals.
Dog must be wearing a properly fitted collar and/or harness with 4 to 6 ft leash.
No prong or shock collars. No retractable leashes.

Baby-Ready Pets
2018-08-27 18:30 - 20:30
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 undesirable, although natural reactions to a new baby. New sounds, smells, and activities surrounding an infant may cause a pet to see the baby as competition, prey, or even a toy.
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 safe and (relatively) stress-free experience for all. This seminar is based on a program created by the Providence Animal Rescue League and the Rhode Island SPCA, and has been endorsed by the ASPCA. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s staff will present Baby-Ready Pets for expectant parents in a two-hour workshop at the League.
After the program, participants may call or e-mail follow-up questions if they need additional support. Participants will also receive helpful handouts and a CD of baby sounds to help desensitize their pets to the sounds of the new arrival. This is a HUMAN-ONLY class, please leave your pets at home. Baby-Ready Pets sessions are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive.
There is no fee for the class, but donations are welcome. Reservations are required and space is limited.
To see all available class dates and register for a class, please visit our Baby-Ready Pets Registration Page.

Kids' Movie Night at AWLA
2018-09-07 17:30 - 20:30
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 a blanket/pillow for cozy movie viewing.
Due to parent feedback, we have increased the length of Kids’ Movie Night and will include additional activities. We will be playing an animal movie, have a tour of the shelter, have an animal interaction and serve cheese pizza, popcorn, and lemonade to participants. Doors Open at 5:30 PM. To accommodate the time/activity increase during the event, we have adjust the price to $30 for each child.
The registration fee is $30 for the each child.
To see movie title and to register, please click on registration link HERE.
Upon the submission of the registration form, a link to pay the required fee will appear. Registration form submissions without the appropriate fee payment will be considered to be invalid/incomplete and will not guarantee a reservation for your child.
Please note: There will be an animal interaction with movie night attendees but we are not able to advertise what type of animal the kids will interact with in advance as we do not know who we’ll have available that will be age-appropriate. If your child has severe allergies to cats, dogs, or small companion (bunnies,ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, etc.) animals this may not be an appropriate event for them to attend.

CANCELLED - Well-Mannered Mutts Training Class
2018-09-09 10:30 - 11:15

Kitten Kindergarten (Session 1)
2018-09-15 10:00 - 2018-09-16 11:15
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 paw forward the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is offering a brand new program to help make life easier for both you and your kitten. How is this done? Through Kitten Kindergarten!
What is Kitten Kindergarten?
It is a two-time 75 minute class designed to help owners learn how to socialize their kittens. Early socialization means less stress during trips to the vet, less chance of litter box problems due to stress or minor upsets, and your cat will learn how to handle changes in their environment by growing up to become a confident, well socialized cat.
When does school start?
Classes begin at 10am. Class 1 part one is September 15th and September 16th for part two. Class 2 is September 22 for part one and September 23 for part two.
Where are classes held?
Kitten Kindergarten will be taught at AWLA, in our Education Room. Signs will be posted to help make locating the Education Room easier.
How do I sign up?
Classes will be held on a first come, first served basis, as limited space is available. Please email our Cat Behavior Counselor Teresa at tvillatoro@awla.org to sign up and include the name of participant(s) and kitten(s) that will attend. Children 8 and up are welcome, however, they MUST be attended by a parent or guardian, and we ask that there is one parent per child.
Do I have to pay for these classes?
No need to apply for a scholarship!! Kitten Kindergarten classes are free, however, donations are always welcome.
What do I need to bring?
Completed health certificate from your veterinarian. You must bring it filled out and signed by your veterinarian the day of class in order to participate. If it is not, you will not be able to attend class. Unfortunately any kitten who upon arrival displays any upper respiratory symptoms will not be able to attend class. Since most feline illnesses are contagious we do this help ensure the health of all the kittens participating. There will be the option to attend a different class set at a later date.
Completed Release of Liability form. If you forget your form, we will have copies available at the beginning of the class.
Kittens MUST arrive in a carrier. , There will be plenty of opportunities for your kitten to explore during class, however, for their safety; they need to be in their carriers unless otherwise instructed by a staff member.
Yoga mat or towel. Owners and cats alike will be spending a lot of time on the floor, so please bring a yoga mat or towel for your comfort.
We look forward to seeing you and your kitten there! Please be sure to sign up for classes in order to reserve your spot!

Grown-Up Movie Night...with Puppies!
2018-09-20 19:00 - 20:30

Kitten Kindergarten (Session 2)
2018-09-22 10:00 - 2018-09-23 10:15
