Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Home for the Holidays
2019-12-21 12:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | VA
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 inviting local families to give shelter animals a break from their kennels and bring them home for the holidays. Our goal is to get as many animals as possible into foster homes for the holidays – dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs alike!
There is no fee to take part in this program. AWLA will provide all basic supplies for your foster pet, but of course you are encouraged to provide your own supplies and/or extra toys, etc during their stay. If you choose to adopt your foster pet at the end of (or before!) the foster period, you will receive $25 off your adoption fee!

Here’s how it works:

Sign up using this form. This is not required and will not guarantee participation, but it will help AWLA gauge interest in the program, and will help us determine what foster pet might be a good fit for you!
Arrive at the shelter on Dec 21st anytime between 12PM – 3:30PM to pick up your foster pet (if you are not available Dec 21st, you may also pick up Dec 22nd or 23rd). AWLA staff will work with you to assign an appropriate pet for your sleepover at the time of pick-up.
Bring home your foster pet! Fosters must be able to keep their AWLA pet from the time of pickup until at least Dec 27th at noon, barring serious unknown behavioral or medical issues with their foster pet or personal emergencies. Fosters may opt to extend their foster period until January 2nd, 2019.

Please note:

Fosters need to be residents of VA, MD, or DC.
Signing up in advance does not guarantee participation/approval in the sleepover program. It does mean that you will receive program updates via email, and will make the process faster once a sleepover pet has been assigned to you.
We anticipate there may be wait times on Dec 21st to pick up foster pets. Please be prepared to wait, and understand that because of these we cannot guarantee you will be able to foster a pet of your choosing (although fosters can dictate what species of pet they foster) – foster pets will be sent home on a first-come, first-serve basis to appropriate foster homes.
Fosters need to be able to keep AWLA pets separated from owned pets in their home. Owned pets in the home also need to be current on their rabies vaccines. We ask that foster cats/rabbits/guinea pigs are kept strictly indoors, and foster dogs are not taken to dog parks.

Click here to sign up for the Home for the Holidays program!

A Holiday Affair: Flashback to the Forties Fundraiser
2019-12-16 19:00 - 21:30
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 Theatre will be transformed for our Flashback to the Forties Fundraiser and final celebration of AWLA’s 75th Anniversary year.
Tickets ($75 for our 75th year) include one complimentary drink token, delicious vegetarian and vegan food, a visit to the photo booth, music, dancing, a magician, and best off all, proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit animals in need at AWLA. We’ll have a few furry friends in the lobby to say hello when you arrive.
Deck out in your 1940’s fashion and get ready to swing, it’ll be a gas!
Get your tickets HERE!

Don’t Blow A Fuse, Here’s the Skinny

When? Monday, December 16, 2019; 7:00 PM EST – 9:30 PM EST
Where? Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206

Details
Food: Hors d’oeuvres, small plates, and desserts served banquet style will be available throughout the evening. All food is vegetarian and/or vegan.
Drinks: Drinks are served from Signature Theatre’s bar. A variety of cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options are available. One drink token is included with ticket purchase, individual drinks may be purchased.
Entertainment: The photo booth is covered in the cost of your tickets. Make some memories with fun props and picture printouts. Experience magic, wonder, and laughter with Comedic Magician, Chris Michael, and get transported back in time with LIVE big band, swing, and jazz music from Night & Day Music.
Deck out in 1940’s fashion and get ready for a dynamite evening!
Questions? Email Hollie at hdickman@awla.org or give us a call at 703-931-9241

Baby Ready Pets
2019-12-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-10-28 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-09-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2019-08-19 18:30 - 20:30
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.

Meet A Doggy Defender!
2019-12-14 11:00 - 14:00
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 Police Dept of DC, and Willow, a local therapy dog, will be at the shelter to sign pawtographs and Nat Geo will have the Doggy Defenders books on sale, with all proceeds being donated to AWLA! We’ll also have a holiday craft table with activities for the whole family.
This is a FREE event and no registration is required, although donations are always gladly accepted!

Kitten Yoga
2019-12-12 18:00 - 19:00
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. There will be plenty of time allotted for kitten snuggling and photos. BYO yoga mat.
Registration fees benefit AWLA!
There are two yoga sessions on this date:
6:00PM – 7:00PM – get tickets here
7:30PM – 8:30PM – get tickets here

Smarty Pets: Bunny-Ready Homes
2019-12-11 18:30 - 19:30

Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
2019-12-05 18:30 - 20:30
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, 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.
Please do not bring dogs that are aggressive to people or to other animals. If any dog becomes aggressive, AWLA staff may try to stop an attack by humane methods which may include but are not limited to noise, citronella spray, and barriers. If your dog behaves aggressively, he or she will not be treated at the clinic.
Give your pet the protection of a 24PetWatch MiniChip. Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across the country. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified. Microchipping offers the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner.
Rabies shot:$10.00
Microchip (including registration): $35.00

Holiday Pawtraits - SOLD OUT
2019-11-16 09:00 - 15:00

Smarty Pets: The Care and Keeping of Senior Cats
2019-11-05 18:30 - 19:30

Nats Win the World Series! Celebrate with Pick-Your-Price adoption fees!
2019-10-31 12:00 - 19:00
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 procedures apply. Click here to see adoptable animals.

Sit, Stay, Cider!
2019-10-29 18:30 - 21:00
This event is SOLD OUT!
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 the always popular doggie costume contest (but more on that later). Did we mention that every ticket purchased provides critical care for the animals at AWLA?!
If you get hungry (or thirstier), don’t worry–there will be a food truck with tasty treats, and drinks will be available to purchase throughout the night, too! Don’t forget to bring a growler of your own to fill or purchase some canned cider to take home, because 10% of all to-go cider sales (growlers & cans) benefit AWLA!
So that all humans and dogs are happy and safe, we request a few things:

Please bring at least one human per dog. This prevents tangles and tussles in a close space so everyone is happy!
Please make sure your pup up to date on all shots and vaccines. Don’t forget to bring your pup’s rabies certificate as well (a picture on your phone is just fine).

Get your tickets now!
$45 Cider Sipper tickets include:

Registration for one pup and one human
Complimentary pint of Lost Boy Cider’s flagship cider
UNLIMITED gourmet water fresh out of the Alexandria County taps

$75 Cider VIP tickets include:

Everything above
PLUS Exclusive entrance at 6:00 PM (30 minutes before everyone else)
PLUS Exclusive tour with Tristan Wright, owner of Lost Boy Cider (starts at 6:10 PM)
PLUS Complimentary pint of most recently canned cider (that means 2 pints of cider total!)

(ONLY 16 VIP tickets available, so get them before they sell out!)
And remember–every ticket purchased provides critical care for animals in need!
But most importantly… who will be AWLA’s Next Top Halloweiner?! 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 now!
Caring Hands Animal Hospital
Presenting Sponsor
Community is one of our core values & we are always proud to support the AWLA. Our hospitals are staffed with compassionate team members who treat each patient like family. We offer an open and transparent environment so you can trust that you are a part of your pet’s care each step of the way. Open 7 days a week in 8 convenient locations in the Northern VA & MD areas.

Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
2019-10-24 18:30 - 20:30
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, 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.
Please do not bring dogs that are aggressive to people or to other animals. If any dog becomes aggressive, AWLA staff may try to stop an attack by humane methods which may include but are not limited to noise, citronella spray, and barriers. If your dog behaves aggressively, he or she will not be treated at the clinic.
Give your pet the protection of a 24PetWatch MiniChip. Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across the country. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified. Microchipping offers the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner.
Rabies shot:$10.00
Microchip (including registration): $35.00

Remaining 2019 Clinic Dates:
December 5 (1st Thursday) from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Pups, Purrs, and Pumpkins Adoption Event
2019-10-10 12:00 - 19:00
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 Joe’s for you to enjoy while you search for your new best friend.
We have so many wonderful pets waiting to become a part of your family, so mark your calendars and make sure to visit us for adorable pups, heart-melting purrs, and all things pumpkin!
*Standard adoption policies and procedures apply to all animals. Reduced fees apply to all adoptable animals, which can include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more. If you would like to adopt an animal who is less than 6 months old, standard adoption fees apply.

Pet Loss Support Group Meeting
2019-10-09 19:00 - 20:00
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 can be one of life’s most difficult experiences. When we lose a beloved friend, it often helps by sharing our feelings with others who have also experienced a similar loss.
The support group meets quarterly at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of January, April, July, and October at the the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. There is no charge to attend these meetings, and all are welcome. No reservations are required.
For more than 25 years, Kathy Reiter has offered her help to pet owners coping with their loss through free Pet Loss Support Group meetings at local shelters. She also offers her support group at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Kathy is recognized as the area’s leading authority on pet loss. Kathy is a psychiatric social worker with a specialty in grief and bereavement. She has appeared on Good Morning America,CBS News with Dan Rather and PBS. Kathy has also been featured in The Washington Post, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping and other widely-circulated magazines.
Kathy was instrumental in establishing the hospice movement in the United States and was directly responsible for the construction of the first hospice in Arlington, VA. While the Arlington hospice was being built, Kathy’s beloved cat, Prince, was diagnosed with a terminal illness. While being experienced in human loss, Kathy was now faced with impending pet loss of her animal friend. Kathy turned for help, for resources, and yet found none. Through her own personal experience, Kathy came to realize the need for pet loss support, and generously offers her gentle support to anyone who is grappling with such a loss.

Smarty Pets: Teenage Kittens...and how to survive them
2019-10-08 18:30 - 19:30

SOLD OUT Drag Queen Bingo...with Tiny Kittens!
2019-10-06 19:00
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 funds for animals in need. The Imperial Court of Washington DC will be our MC’s for the night, bringing a little bit (…or a lot) of sparkle and tons of fun to the bingo game!
Tickets are just $25 and include admission and your first bingo card. After that, each bingo card is $5. Don’t forget, all proceeds go straight to the life-saving efforts of AWLA and The4days400 project with CHASE so we hope you’ll stay and play a few games with us!
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT

Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
2019-09-26 18:30 - 20:30
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, 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.
Please do not bring dogs that are aggressive to people or to other animals. If any dog becomes aggressive, AWLA staff may try to stop an attack by humane methods which may include but are not limited to noise, citronella spray, and barriers. If your dog behaves aggressively, he or she will not be treated at the clinic.
Give your pet the protection of a 24PetWatch MiniChip. Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across the country. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified. Microchipping offers the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner.
Rabies shot:$10.00
Microchip (including registration): $35.00

Remaining 2019 Clinic Dates:
October 24 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
December 5 (1st Thursday) from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Pop-Up for Pets: First Aid for Pets
2019-09-24 19:00 - 20:00

Smarty Pets: Responsible Pet Ownership for Kids!
2019-09-22 14:00 - 15:00

Red Cross Blood Drive
2019-09-20 10:00 - 14:30

Pop-Up for Pets Talk: Estate Planning for Pets
2019-08-29 18:30 - 19:30

Yappy Hour at William Jeffrey's Tavern
2019-08-26 17:00 - 19:00, 2019-08-19 17:00 - 19:00
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! Proceeds from raffle prizes to benefit AWLA.

And of course we’ll have an adoptable dog or two to meet, greet, and say hi to anyone who wants a kiss!

Join us at WAGS N’ WHISKERS in Shirlington
2019-08-24 10:00 - 16:00
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 with their pets. The 12th Annual Wags n’ Whiskers event will feature 65+ onsite exhibitors ranging from pet services and accessories to onsite adoptions. In addition to the onsite exhibitors, Wags n’ Whiskers hosts pet photos ($5), live music, and children’s activities such as face painting, balloon art, strolling entertainment and more!

Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinic
2019-08-22 18:30 - 20:30
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, 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.
Please do not bring dogs that are aggressive to people or to other animals. If any dog becomes aggressive, AWLA staff may try to stop an attack by humane methods which may include but are not limited to noise, citronella spray, and barriers. If your dog behaves aggressively, he or she will not be treated at the clinic.
Give your pet the protection of a 24PetWatch MiniChip. Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across the country. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified. Microchipping offers the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner.
Rabies shot:$10.00
Microchip (including registration): $35.00

Remaining 2019 Clinic Dates:
September 26 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
October 24 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
December 5 (1st Thursday) from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

CPRO Movie Night: Life in the Doghouse
2019-08-17 20:00 - 22:00
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 a fun evening of film, learn about AWLA and meet an adoptable pup or two!
You can learn more about this event here!

Clear the Shelters!
2019-08-17 11:00 - 16:00
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 ALL animals on Clear the Shelters Day (regular adoption policies and procedures apply).
Clear the Shelters is a groundbreaking pet adoption campaign that takes place at more than 300 shelters across the United States and Puerto Rico. Last year more than 40 pets found their homes at AWLA on Clear the Shelters Day, and over 1400 pets were adopted from the participating shelters in the DC area. We hope that this year we can find homes for even more adoptable animals!
Find out more about Clear the Shelters at www.cleartheshelters.com/!
