Saving lives since 1945, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has been named the top of the area’s animal shelters with a 95 percent success rate for 2015 thanks to more than 500 volunteers contributing more than 25,000 hours.
As a shelter, AWLA not only houses and looks after puppies and kittens too young for adoption, animals recovering from sickness and surgery, and animals with special-needs, but also gives residents the opportunity to become a donor, volunteer, or offer their home as a foster parent to these furry friends in need of a forever home. In 2015, 304 animals were helped through their foster program and more than 800 surgeries saved their lives. Thanks to The Woody and Mickey Healthy Pet Fund, AWLA is provided with the necessary funds to cover all medical expenses.
Neil Trent, Animal Welfare League of Arlington president and CEO is proud of the fulfillment of the mission: “As an open admission shelter for Arlington County, it is our duty to accept every animal surrendered to our care, independent of the circumstance.” But operations don’t stop there. Realizing there are many animals in danger elsewhere, Animal Welfare League of Arlington reaches out to other states and countries including but not limited to West Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, Korea, and Puerto Rico. How do they do it? “Because of very dedicated and well-trained volunteers, a full-time foster coordinator providing 24/7 advice and support, and our top-notch medical care,” said AWLA Chief Operating Officer Susan Sherman.
AWLA has state-of-the-art medicine, donor support, and a professional behavior team, which gets the animal mentally conditioned for a new family. Efforts continue after adoption with follow-up and on-call advice to ensure a good transition. Natalie Dingman, wife, veterinarian, and mother in Fairfax County, ran a 5K sponsored by The Arlington Welfare League in 2014 and praises this organization’s good works; “They are a great service to the community. That is for sure. They save thousands of animals a year.”
“Every day we strive to protect vulnerable animals, as well as to find loving and permanent homes for all companion animals in our community,” said Trent.
To become involved, visit www.awla.org.
Twitter: @AWLAArlington
Instagram: @animalwelfareleagueofarlington
Facebook: Animal Welfare League of Arlington