Alexandria Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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Verified Alexandria Shelter Guide

Alexandria Animal Shelter & Control Guide: Adoption Hours, Lost Pets, Rehoming, Animal Services & Map

The official Alexandria Animal Shelter people usually search for is the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. Use this guide for adoption hours, phone numbers, lost pet steps, animal control dispatch, rehoming help, licensing, official links, a video guide, and the map to the shelter.

See Adoptable Pets Call 703-746-4774 Watch Video Guide
Official shelter address 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
Shelter phone 703-746-4774
Animal Control & Emergencies 703-746-4444 · 24/7

Quick Answer: What is the Alexandria Animal Shelter?

The official Alexandria Animal Shelter is the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304. For shelter questions, adoptions, lost and found pets, licensing help and general pet support, call 703-746-4774. For animal control concerns or animal-related emergencies, call 703-746-4444, which AWLA lists as available 24/7.

Adoption hours at a glance: adoptions begin at noon every open day. AWLA is closed Wednesday. Adoption hours are Noon–7 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and Noon–5 PM Saturday and Sunday.

Choose what you need today

Most people searching “Alexandria animal shelter” need one specific task handled quickly. Use this action grid to jump directly to the right section.

Adopt a pet Hours, process, what to bring, senior programs and matching tips. Lost my pet Report to AWLA, check found pets, microchip lookup and proof tips. Found a pet What to do before keeping, posting or transporting a found animal. Rehome my pet Resident rules, emergency help, rehoming contact and alternatives. Animal control 24/7 dispatch, domestic/wild animal concerns and emergency routing. Licensing & services City dog/cat licensing, behavior help, foster and support. Map and visit Address, route, arrival checklist and before-you-go notes. FAQs Phone, hours, fees, no-kill, lost pets and rehoming questions.

Verified Alexandria Animal Shelter facts

Official organizationAnimal Welfare League of Alexandria
Shelter nameVola Lawson Animal Shelter
Address4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
Main shelter phone703-746-4774
Emailinfo@alexandriaanimals.org
Animal Control & Emergencies703-746-4444 · 24/7
Closed dayWednesday
Official websiteAlexandriaAnimals.org
City pageCity of Alexandria identifies AWLA as the local shelter resource
Source-check note: hours, adoption specials, available animals, events, fee-waived programs and program availability can change. Always confirm directly with AWLA before driving or making a final adoption, reclaim or rehoming decision.

Video Guide: Meet Alexandria’s adoptable animals before you visit

Many users searching for Alexandria Animal Shelter want more than a phone number. They want to understand what adoptable pets may be like, how AWLA presents animals, and whether visiting the shelter is the right next step. This video section supports adoption and pre-visit research intent.

How to use this video: watch it for shelter and adoption context, then use AWLA’s official adoptable pet list and contact page for current animal availability, adoption hours and next steps. A video helps with preparation, but the official shelter page is the final source for current details.
If you want to adoptAfter watching, write down your realistic schedule, housing rules, budget, energy level, pet experience and the type of animal your home can safely support.
If you want to helpUse the video to understand why shelters need adopters, fosters, volunteers, donors, behavior support and community participation.

Alexandria Animal Shelter adoption hours and process

AWLA adoption hours begin at noon every open day. The shelter is closed on Wednesdays. The best approach is to check adoptable pets online first, then visit during public adoption hours with enough time to meet animals and speak with staff.

Day Adoption hours shown by AWLA Planning note
MondayNoon–7 PMGood weekday option for adopters who need evening time.
TuesdayNoon–7 PMCheck online pet listings before going.
WednesdayClosedDo not plan a public adoption visit.
ThursdayNoon–7 PMUseful if you want staff time before the weekend rush.
FridayNoon–7 PMAsk about weekend adoption events or specials.
SaturdayNoon–5 PMArrive earlier because weekend visits can be busier.
SundayNoon–5 PMGood for families, but confirm availability first.
Start with the official adoptable pet list.
Use AWLA’s adoption page to view dogs, cats and small animals. Pet availability can change quickly, so treat old screenshots or third-party listings as secondary.
Read the pet’s story and placement notes.
Look for age, size, foster status, medical notes, behavior notes, special needs and whether the animal may require a specific type of home.
Visit during adoption hours.
Adoptions begin at noon on open days. Avoid arriving at the end of the day if you need time to meet animals and ask questions.
Be ready for a matching conversation.
AWLA says it works with adopters to make strong matches. Be honest about children, other pets, work schedule, landlord rules, exercise time and training ability.
Ask about introductions.
Ask how to introduce a new pet to resident pets, children, roommates or elderly family members. The first week matters.
Confirm fee, records and post-adoption support.
Ask what the adoption includes, which records you receive, whether a special program applies, and who to contact if adjustment problems occur.
Official Adoptable Pets Adoption Information

Alexandria Animal Shelter adoption fees and special programs

AWLA’s fee details and specials may change by animal, event and program, so confirm the current adoption fee for the exact pet before visiting. The official adoption information page highlights important programs for seniors and military veterans.

Seniors for SeniorsAWLA says adopters age 65 or older may adopt any animal age 8 or older for free through the Seniors for Seniors program.
Pets for PatriotsAWLA says military service members can receive $50 off adoption fees through its Pets for Patriots partnership.
Fee-waived eventsAWLA sometimes runs fee-waived events, but adoption guidance and matching standards still apply.
Ask before visitingCall or check the official pet listing if you need the exact fee, included medical care or special promotion status.
Budget reminder: the adoption fee is not the full cost of pet ownership. Plan for food, litter, crate or carrier, leash, collar, toys, grooming, veterinary care, vaccines, parasite prevention, training and emergency savings.

What to bring before visiting AWLA for adoption

Photo ID and contact detailsBring identification and a phone/email you check often. Good contact information helps if the shelter needs follow-up.
Housing permissionIf you rent, confirm pet rules, deposits, breed/weight restrictions and landlord permission before you meet animals.
Household agreementMake sure adults, roommates and caregivers agree on pet type, budget and responsibilities before adoption day.
Transport planBring a safe carrier for cats or small animals and a secure leash setup for dogs if instructed.
Questions listAsk about behavior, food, medical records, energy level, fears, training, litter habits and the first-week adjustment plan.
Backup optionsKeep an open mind. Another pet may be a better fit for your schedule, home size, budget or experience level.

Lost dog or cat in Alexandria: what to do first

If your pet is missing in Alexandria, act quickly and use several routes at once. AWLA says to call the shelter to report a missing pet and that staff can compare your description against found animals at the shelter. It also notes lost pets remain on its found-pets list for up to ten days.

Call AWLA to report the lost pet.
Call 703-746-4774. Give species, breed or mix, color, size, sex, collar, microchip status, last-known location, date and time missing.
Send clear photos if requested.
Use front, side and full-body photos. Mention unique marks, scars, ear tips, collar color or medical needs.
Check found animals repeatedly.
Lost animals may arrive throughout the day. Descriptions may not perfectly match, so check more than once.
Update the microchip registry.
Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and contact the registry to make sure your phone and email are current.
Search physically near home.
Check porches, garages, alleys, stairwells, sheds, apartment courtyards, parking areas and quiet hiding spots.
Prepare proof of ownership.
Bring photos, vet records, microchip registration, license records, adoption paperwork or other proof if you believe your pet is at the shelter.
Official Lost Pet Page AAHA Microchip Lookup
Do not rely only on social media. Neighborhood apps and Facebook groups help, but official shelter reporting, microchip updates and repeated checking are still important.

Found a pet in Alexandria: what not to do

Finding a dog or cat can feel simple, but keeping, giving away or moving a found animal without checking ownership can create problems. The safest first step is to contact AWLA and follow official lost-and-found guidance.

Do not assume abandonmentA clean indoor cat or escaped dog can look frightened, dirty or thin after only a short time outside.
Check for identificationLook for tags, collars, tattoos and safe microchip scanning through a shelter or vet clinic.
Use proof before returningIf someone claims the pet, ask for photos, vet records, license, microchip proof or other ownership evidence.
Use caution with injured animalsIf an animal is aggressive, injured, sick or unsafe to handle, call the appropriate animal services route instead of attempting capture.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [street/intersection] in Alexandria. The animal is [description], has [tags/no tags], and appears [healthy/injured/scared/aggressive]. What is the correct next step?”

Rehoming or surrendering a pet to AWLA

AWLA’s rehoming page says that if you have exhausted other options, are experiencing an emergency or cannot rehome your pet yourself, you can reach out for help. It also says that to rehome a pet through the shelter, you need to be a City of Alexandria resident or have adopted your pet from AWLA.

Important: never abandon a pet outside the shelter, in a park, in a parking lot, in a building or with a stranger. Contact AWLA first and follow the official rehoming or surrender guidance.
Rehoming contactEmail rehome@AlexandriaAnimals.org or call 703-746-5651.
Eligibility noteAWLA says rehoming through the shelter requires City of Alexandria residency or having adopted the pet from AWLA.
Prepare honest detailsWrite down age, species, medical history, behavior concerns, bite history, diet, vaccine records and reason for rehoming.
Try support firstIf cost, food, behavior, housing or temporary crisis is the issue, ask AWLA about support resources before deciding to surrender.
Official Rehoming Page

Alexandria animal control, animal services and emergency reporting

AWLA lists Animal Control & Emergencies at 703-746-4444, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Use this route for concerns or emergencies related to wild or domestic animals. Use 911 for life-threatening or in-progress cruelty situations.

Animal Control & Emergencies703-746-4444 · available 24/7 according to AWLA.
Life-threatening dangerCall 911 for serious immediate danger, violence, in-progress cruelty or urgent public safety risk.
Shelter/lost pet questionsCall 703-746-4774 for AWLA shelter and lost-pet help.
PoisoningCall ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435. A fee may apply.
Behavior helpAWLA lists a behavior hotline at 703-746-5654.
City service questionsUse official City of Alexandria resources if your issue is a city service request outside shelter intake.
Directory note: Animal-Shelter.org is not animal control and cannot dispatch officers. For urgent animal services in Alexandria, use AWLA’s official animal control/emergency number or 911 when appropriate.

Pet licensing, behavior help, foster, volunteer and support services

AWLA and City of Alexandria resources cover more than adoption. Alexandria pet owners may need licensing, behavior support, foster information, volunteer opportunities, rehoming help and community programs.

LicensingAWLA says Alexandria City Code requires dogs and cats over four months old to be licensed, with licensing handled through PetData.
Behavior hotlineFor behavior help, AWLA lists 703-746-5654 and behavior@alexandriaanimals.org.
FosterFostering can help kittens, shy animals, medical cases and pets who need a home environment before adoption.
VolunteerVolunteer roles may require application, training, schedule availability and age requirements.
DonateUse AWLA’s official donation pages or wish list routes to avoid dropping off items the shelter cannot use.
Training supportAWLA content mentions Alexandria Animal Academy for dog behavior and training support.
Pet Licensing Info Contact AWLA for Assistance

Call scripts for Alexandria Animal Shelter needs

Use a clear call script so staff can understand and route your question faster.

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [pet name or animal type]. I saw the pet on AlexandriaAnimals.org. Can you confirm current availability, adoption hours and what I should bring?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [street/intersection]. The pet is [description], may have [collar/microchip], and went missing on [date/time]. Can you check whether a matching animal has been found?”

Found pet script: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [location]. The animal appears [healthy/injured/scared/aggressive]. I checked for [tags/no tags]. What should I do next?”

Rehoming script: “Hi, I need help with possible rehoming. I live in [city], and my pet is [age/species] with [medical/behavior details]. What are my options before surrender?”

Alexandria Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304. Before visiting, confirm current public hours, adoption hours and whether your service can be handled in person that day.

Before you go: bring identification, proof of ownership for lost-pet reclaim, a carrier for cats or small animals, a leash plan for dogs if instructed, and any adoption or rehoming information you already completed.

Official Alexandria Animal Shelter links

Official homepageAnimal Welfare League of Alexandria
Contact and visitOfficial contact page
Adoptable petsAnimals for adoption
Adoption informationAdoption programs
Lost pet helpFinding a lost pet
Rehoming helpRehoming a pet
Animal servicesAlexandria animal services
Official YouTubeAWLA YouTube channel

Nearby official animal shelter resources

If you live outside the City of Alexandria, your correct animal control, licensing, lost pet or surrender route may be different. Always use the official jurisdiction for your address.

Fairfax County Animal ServicesUse Fairfax County resources if the animal issue belongs to Fairfax County rather than Alexandria City.
Arlington shelter resourcesNearby Arlington residents may have a different shelter and animal services route.
Washington, DC sheltersDC residents should use DC’s official animal services and shelter routes.
City of Alexandria resourcesUse City pages when your question is licensing, city code, public safety or animal service routing.

Common mistakes that slow Alexandria shelter visitors down

Going on WednesdayAWLA is closed Wednesday, so do not plan an adoption visit that day.
Arriving before noon for adoptionAdoptions begin at noon on open days, even though general operation hours may begin earlier.
Using the wrong AlexandriaAlexandria, Virginia is different from Alexandria, Louisiana and other Alexandria locations. Verify the address.
Checking only one lost-pet sourceCall AWLA, update microchip records, search physically and check found listings repeatedly.
Assuming fees never changeAdoption specials and fee-waived events may change. Confirm the current fee for the exact animal.
Rehoming without calling firstAWLA has specific rehoming guidance and eligibility rules. Contact the shelter before making a final plan.

Alexandria Animal Shelter FAQs

The official local shelter people usually mean is the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter.

The main AWLA shelter number is 703-746-4774. Animal Control & Emergencies are listed at 703-746-4444, available 24/7.

AWLA is located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304.

Adoptions begin at noon every open day. AWLA is closed Wednesday. Adoption hours are Noon–7 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and Noon–5 PM Saturday and Sunday.

No. AWLA lists Wednesday as closed.

Fees and specials can change by animal and event. AWLA lists Seniors for Seniors and Pets for Patriots programs; confirm the current adoption fee for the exact pet before visiting.

Call AWLA at 703-746-4774, provide a detailed description, update microchip contact details, check found pets repeatedly and prepare proof of ownership.

AWLA’s lost pet guidance says lost pets remain on its list of found pets for up to ten days.

AWLA says rehoming through the shelter requires City of Alexandria residency or having adopted the pet from AWLA. Contact rehome@AlexandriaAnimals.org or 703-746-5651 for help.

Yes. AWLA lists Animal Control & Emergencies at 703-746-4444, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

AWLA has stated in its content that it does not euthanize for space or length of stay. Always use AWLA’s official materials for the current wording of its policy.

AWLA’s licensing page says Alexandria City Code requires dogs and cats over four months old to be licensed.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official AWLA website is AlexandriaAnimals.org.

Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer

Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Animal Control & Emergencies in Alexandria: call 703-746-4444. Pet poisoning: call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; a fee may apply. Crisis for the handler or owner: call or text 988. For emergency vet or urgent animal help, use a qualified emergency veterinarian, municipal authority or Animal Help Now where appropriate.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, not animal control, not an emergency dispatcher, not a shelter, not a humane society, not an SPCA, not a veterinarian, not a wildlife rehabilitator, not a microchip registry, not a pet poison hotline, not police, not a federal regulator and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, animal availability, service-area rules and emergency instructions with the official organization.

Final summary

For Alexandria Animal Shelter help, use the official Animal Welfare League of Alexandria website, call 703-746-4774 for shelter questions, call 703-746-4444 for animal control and emergencies, and confirm hours before visiting. If you plan to adopt, remember that adoption hours begin at noon on open days and the shelter is closed Wednesday.

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Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

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Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

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This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

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Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

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Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

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This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

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Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.