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David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1226/a33eeced9aaf-AWLAlogo.2016sticker_large_01.png
4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304
langleyVirginiaUS
I love what these rescue groups are doing to save dogs.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

#58 in United States, #2 in Virginia, #1 in Langley

4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304

https://alexandriaanimals.org/

info@AlexandriaAnimals.org

Service areas:

Alexandria, VA; Fairfax County, VA; DC Metro Area

To inspire compassion for all, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible animal guardianship in our community.

Mission and Vision

To inspire compassion for all, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible animal guardianship in our community.

Adoption Policy

At the AWLA, matchmaking is our specialty. We know that pairing the right animal with the right adopter can be part science and part ‚ Our staff spends time getting to know each potential adopter, from his or her lifestyle to their hopes for a new companion. Whether an adopter is looking for a energetic kitten or settled senior dog, social house rabbit or sunny parakeet, our staff wants to start every relationship off on the right foot.
https://alexandriaanimals.org/adopt/

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"I love what these rescue groups are doing to save dogs."

pamela h.

Fan

"Adopted an angel of a dog here three years ago. The staff was very attentive and helpful as we were meeting her and going through the process. Very clean and well operated shelter. Overall a great experience!"

graham o.

Adoptee, Fan

"We adopted one of our dogs from AWLA in 2018. AWLA was awesome from start to finish. The dog had heartworms when she arrived at AWLA. Their vet treated her and she recovered from the treatment at our house. Everything was fantastic (including the dog). The shelter's facility, staff, and volunteers are also great. I have nothing but good things to say about them."

david b.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"Hi this shelter is one of the best in the state of Virginia. I have visited here and I enjoy seeing their outreach and activities in the community. They take a lot of time and affection into caring for these animals health wise and in finding them their new homes. My first experience is when i found a pet in the cold wondering and i couldn’t not keep him at the time as I had another dog Nala. AWLA did their best to help grover and eventually Grover got a home. They even gave updates if you call to check on them. Grover is now is loving home. In August of 2023 I lost Nala a lab/german shepherd who was 12 and she passed. It was heart breaking. Originally I was looking to possibly to adopt but was scared it was too soon and just to brighten my mood I went to shelters to look at animals. It’s different when you lost a pet companion that has been with you in your toughtest times. Later that month when i walk in AWLA (Alexandria). They just had a smaller dog brought in who was found and after time no owner claimed him. He was 10 months. when i saw his profile to check him out and decided to adopt him and we have been inseparable. Lil red now known as Jai has brighten my life since i adopted him. He is full of personality and goes with me almost everywhere. I even have been connected to the people who found him stranded and brought him in. This shelter is fabulous and I couldn’t think of any place more deserving of recognition . The staff really takes the time to train and help these animals overall well being , who in return help us in their short lifespan of time to make the most of life. This shelter is phenomenal."

chyrette c.

Adoptee

"We got our lovely cat Henry from the Alexandria Welfare League! They were amazing in talking to us about him and how to introduce him to our other cat. I also love the Alexandria Animal welfare League’s tireless work in caring for animals in our community including through social media outreach and ensuring animals that need additional help get support from the community. I truly love this group and everything they do."

shahin r.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"Adopted our dog there in 2012. We lost her last year and appreciate Alexandria shelter every day for the time we had with her!"

hattie g.

Adoptee, Fan

"Alexandria animal shelter goes up and beyond to care for animals awaiting adoption. There is huge army of volunteers that provide enrichment activities and love to all the animals. The staff are highly motivated to provide a high quality of care and seem to know and understand each animal in describing them to potential adopters. They keep bonded pairs together and search for homes for elderly dogs/cat that might need hospice care. Overall great organization."

margaret o.

Volunteer / foster

"We adopted our dog Walter (Boomer) from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria in January, and the staff couldn't have been more wonderful. The staff introduced us to a few dogs and helped us determine which was the best fit for our family. The dog we decided on had a few health conditions that they discussed with us in detail, and they offered additional support if we needed it. After we brought Walter home, they reached out multiple times to check in, and were all around wonderful to work with. Also, they paired us with a fantastic dog!!"

jennifer m.

Adoptee

"Their behavior manager is hot and smart."

vicki p.

Supporter, Fan

"I absolutely love this shelter. The staff are so unbelievably caring and take time to really listen and respond thoughtfully to questions. Joe in the behavior department has been especially helpful. He knows everything about dogs and can tell you what they’re going to do before they do it! It’s truly unbelievable."

adam m.

Adoptee, Fan

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David Adams photo

David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

All testimonials

"I love what these rescue groups are doing to save dogs."

pamela h.

Fan

"Adopted an angel of a dog here three years ago. The staff was very attentive and helpful as we were meeting her and going through the process. Very clean and well operated shelter. Overall a great experience!"

graham o.

Adoptee, Fan

"We adopted one of our dogs from AWLA in 2018. AWLA was awesome from start to finish. The dog had heartworms when she arrived at AWLA. Their vet treated her and she recovered from the treatment at our house. Everything was fantastic (including the dog). The shelter's facility, staff, and volunteers are also great. I have nothing but good things to say about them."

david b.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"Hi this shelter is one of the best in the state of Virginia. I have visited here and I enjoy seeing their outreach and activities in the community. They take a lot of time and affection into caring for these animals health wise and in finding them their new homes. My first experience is when i found a pet in the cold wondering and i couldn’t not keep him at the time as I had another dog Nala. AWLA did their best to help grover and eventually Grover got a home. They even gave updates if you call to check on them. Grover is now is loving home. In August of 2023 I lost Nala a lab/german shepherd who was 12 and she passed. It was heart breaking. Originally I was looking to possibly to adopt but was scared it was too soon and just to brighten my mood I went to shelters to look at animals. It’s different when you lost a pet companion that has been with you in your toughtest times. Later that month when i walk in AWLA (Alexandria). They just had a smaller dog brought in who was found and after time no owner claimed him. He was 10 months. when i saw his profile to check him out and decided to adopt him and we have been inseparable. Lil red now known as Jai has brighten my life since i adopted him. He is full of personality and goes with me almost everywhere. I even have been connected to the people who found him stranded and brought him in. This shelter is fabulous and I couldn’t think of any place more deserving of recognition . The staff really takes the time to train and help these animals overall well being , who in return help us in their short lifespan of time to make the most of life. This shelter is phenomenal."

chyrette c.

Adoptee

"We got our lovely cat Henry from the Alexandria Welfare League! They were amazing in talking to us about him and how to introduce him to our other cat. I also love the Alexandria Animal welfare League’s tireless work in caring for animals in our community including through social media outreach and ensuring animals that need additional help get support from the community. I truly love this group and everything they do."

shahin r.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"Adopted our dog there in 2012. We lost her last year and appreciate Alexandria shelter every day for the time we had with her!"

hattie g.

Adoptee, Fan

"Alexandria animal shelter goes up and beyond to care for animals awaiting adoption. There is huge army of volunteers that provide enrichment activities and love to all the animals. The staff are highly motivated to provide a high quality of care and seem to know and understand each animal in describing them to potential adopters. They keep bonded pairs together and search for homes for elderly dogs/cat that might need hospice care. Overall great organization."

margaret o.

Volunteer / foster

"We adopted our dog Walter (Boomer) from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria in January, and the staff couldn't have been more wonderful. The staff introduced us to a few dogs and helped us determine which was the best fit for our family. The dog we decided on had a few health conditions that they discussed with us in detail, and they offered additional support if we needed it. After we brought Walter home, they reached out multiple times to check in, and were all around wonderful to work with. Also, they paired us with a fantastic dog!!"

jennifer m.

Adoptee

"Their behavior manager is hot and smart."

vicki p.

Supporter, Fan

"I absolutely love this shelter. The staff are so unbelievably caring and take time to really listen and respond thoughtfully to questions. Joe in the behavior department has been especially helpful. He knows everything about dogs and can tell you what they’re going to do before they do it! It’s truly unbelievable."

adam m.

Adoptee, Fan

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