Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Like most everything these days, the field of animal welfare is changing. At AWLA, most animals are being housed outside the shelter in foster homes, and with staff working remotely, adoptions are handled virtually. Low-cost community services are offered, when possible, in the community rather than the shelter: rabies vaccine and microchip clinics; workshops to help pet owners keep and care for their animals; a spay/neuter surgery voucher program; grants for emergency veterinary assistance; and safekeeping for pets of Arlington County residents experiencing a health or housing crisis – clearly critical during the pandemic. (When staff members enter unsafe homes, PPE is a must.) AWLA also offers everything from trainings designed to prevent pet surrender to estate planning for pet owners – crucial services today. Animals, too, need care during a health crisis: AWLA has the will and the way.