The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has won the largest grant in its 80-year history as it continues an initiative to improve access to veterinary care.
AWLA announced today (July 8) that it was awarded $600,000 from the PetSmart Charities Incubator grant program over the next three years. It marks the second phase of the Incubator grant, following $100,000 provided to AWLA in July 2025.
According to AWLA, the new grant will support ongoing work to reduce barriers to veterinary care and animal care services for the Alexandria West neighborhoods off N. Beauregard Street near the Mark Center.
“The future of animal welfare is rooted in community, and this grant reflects the AWLA’s commitment to that future — expanding access to support, services, and resources for the people and pets who need them most,” said Stella Hanly, CEO of AWLA. “It reflects our evolution as we move beyond our walls and deeper into the community, helping keep people and pets together.”
The first $100,000 grant was geared toward identifying the greatest needs from the community — pet food and supplies, vaccines, behavioral training, grooming and pet-inclusive housing. The next phase will put AWLA’s program into action.
Joanna Fortin, AWLA’s director of community programs, said the program will provide services like pet food and supply distributions, educational sessions on pet care, rabies and distemper vaccines, microchips, flea and tick prevention, nail trims and other pet care. AWLA is also forming a partnership with Pawsh Dog Wash to provide grooming training classes and explore options for behavior support similar to the drop-in library sessions AWLA staff have offered.
“Our goal is to help keep pets healthy, supported, and together with the families who care for them,” Fortin said.
AWLA is also continuing to advocate for pet-inclusive housing policies, which can be restricted in apartments by landlords and property managers.
The animal shelter operator says it has also strengthened partnerships with organizations like ALIVE! and new ones with William Ramsay Recreation Center, Communities in Schools (for its monthly food distribution events at Hammond Middle School) and the West End Food Pantry.
