Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Alexandria’s Veterans Day ceremony planned Wednesday amid holiday closures

Published November 10, 2026 at 9:15AM

America’s 250th anniversary flag in Old Town (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

Alexandria will mark Veterans Day on Wednesday (Nov. 11) with its annual ceremony and various schedule changes and closures.

The city and Friends of Rocky Versace will host the Veterans Day ceremony at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue). The one-hour indoor ceremony will include patriotic music, a name reading of Alexandria’s 68 Vietnam War fallen servicemembers, and recognition of Gold Star families and military veterans attending. Qualified veterans can also receive the DoD Vietnam Era Veterans Lapel Pin.

Around Town

From Lee Street Halloween to Paws in the Park, here is what’s happening in Alexandria this weekend

By Emily Leayman

Published October 30, 2026 at 2:45PM

Halloween on S. Lee Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Spooky season culminates this weekend in Alexandria with an array of Halloween happenings.

Lee Street Halloween, a popular trick-or-treating event organized by neighbors, is one of the highlights of the weekend. The next few days will also bring St. Elmo’s CatRad Halloween Eve, Lee-Fendall House’s Pumpkin Palooza, Alexandria Fall-O-Ween, a Halloween bar crawl and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s rescheduled Paws in the Park.

Around Town

Old Town Oyster Week, Paws in the Park lead packed weekend of Alexandria events

By Emily Leayman

Published October 9, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated October 11, 2026 at 4:45PM

Paws in the Park (via Duane Rogers for AWLA)

It’s shaping up to be another busy October weekend in Alexandria.

There are plenty of festivals going on, including the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Paws in the Park with its largest Rescue Row yet. For those looking for a shucking good time, Old Town Oyster Week returns starting with an oyster shucking competition.

News

Indigenous Peoples’ Day brings schedule changes in Alexandria Oct. 12

By Emily Leayman

Published October 8, 2026 at 10:00AM

Escalators at the King St-Old Town Metro station (staff photo by James Cullum)

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognized on the federal Columbus Day holiday, will bring an array of closures and schedule changes to Alexandria.

The holiday falls on Monday, Oct. 12, which will mean a three-day weekend for some employees and students. The City of Alexandria has recognized the holiday as Indigenous Peoples’ Day since 2019 and has shared the history of Indigenous peoples in the city on its website.

Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: Aries Ann would thrive in a calm home

By Emily Leayman

Published October 2, 2026 at 1:45PM

Aries Ann (via AWLA)

Meet Aries Ann, a 1-year-old at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria simply looking for a home to match her sweet nature.

It may take a bit of time for Aries Ann to warm up to new people. But once she does, her fun-loving nature will come out.

Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: Bonnie will bring her social energy to your home

By Emily Leayman

Published September 18, 2026 at 9:15AM

Adoptable Bonnie (via AWLA)

Meet Bonnie, a dog whose zest for life and love for people doesn’t go unnoticed.

This 3-year-old confident and social dog from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is ready to make a new family her own. She has moved past the puppy stage but still has plenty of energy for runs, hikes and other adventures. After playtime, she’s happy to settle into cuddle time.

News

AWLA’s Paws in the Park returns in October with largest adoptable animal section to date

By Emily Leayman

Published September 17, 2026 at 3:45PM

Paws in the Park (via Duane Rogers for AWLA)

As the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, its fall festival will be bigger than ever.

Paws in the Park will return to Oronoco Bay Park, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. The annual event celebrates all things animals, with vendors, adoptable animals, live music, and entertainment for kids and adults. The first 1,000 attendees will get a swag bag.

Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: AWLA’s longest stay pet seeks forever home

By Emily Leayman

Published September 11, 2026 at 1:45PM

Long stay resident Bruno is seeking a home (via AWLA)

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is hoping to find a landing place for its longest-stay pet.

According to AWLA, 5-year-old Bruno is an easygoing dog weighing about 46 pounds with a white and brown coat. He can be a shy guy at first when meeting new people and will warm up to them slowly before revealing his gentle nature.

Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: A sweet older girl looking for a best friend

By Emily Leayman

Published September 4, 2026 at 3:45PM

Stallings, an adoptable dog from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

Meet Stallings, an older lady who wants nothing more than a new best friend to chill with.

This 8-year-old girl adores people, treats and a calm home. Stallings has a gentle nature and will do a sit trick for a prompt treat reward.

News

Labor Day weekend prompts closures and schedule changes around Alexandria

By Emily Leayman

Published September 3, 2026 at 10:00AM

Sunny day in Old Town (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Residents will unofficially bid farewell to the summer season during Labor Day weekend, which will also bring some closures and schedule changes to services in Alexandria.

Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7, resulting in an extended holiday weekend for many employees and students. All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed for the Labor Day observance on Sept. 7.

News

Alexandria pet adopters step up to ease strain on nearly full AWLA shelter

By Emily Leayman

Published August 31, 2026 at 2:45PM | Updated August 31, 2026 at 4:39PM

The Vola Lawson Animal Shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue (via Google Maps)

Pet adopters stepped up to help the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria over the weekend as the animal shelter was near capacity.

On Friday (Aug. 28), AWLA reported that the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter (4101 Eisenhower Avenue) was “very full and nearing capacity” and it had more anticipated animal surrenders on the way.