The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has hit a record for the most adoptions in one day.

The local shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue said that it hit the record with 22 animals adopted on Sunday, Aug. 20.

“We had a record-breaking day for adoptions yesterday (22 animals went home — woo hoo!)” The shelter said on social media. “Thank you to everyone who visited and added a furry friend to their family!”

We had a record-breaking day for adoptions yesterday (22 animals went home)! All of the cuties pictured have their paws crossed that today is another great day for adoptions. #alexanimals #alexandriava #alexandriacats #alexandriadogs #dogsofalexandriava #novacats #novadogs pic.twitter.com/CK3qAOCGyJ

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) August 20, 2023

The AWLA said there are still dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs available for adoption at the shelter, though.

“All of the cuties pictured have their paws crossed that today is another great day for adoptions, as they’re all still searching for homes,” AWLA said. “If you’ve been considering adding a dog, cat, rabbit, or Guinea pig to your heart and home, please come visit us today from noon until 5 p.m.”

The AWLA has a full list of animals available for adoption online.

The next big event for the shelter is Paws in the Park, an annual animal lovers festival at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street). The event is scheduled for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15.

The AWLA has also been contending with a rise in neglected animal seizures over the last few years.

Photo via AWLA/Facebook

Ready to add a furry companion to your family?

Say hello to Nina, a 1-year-old brown brindle with white markings who is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!

Nina loves to entertain and run around with all her toys, especially plush toys, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“They’re her absolute favorite — she enjoys playing fetch, tug, and just slinging them around,” said Shackelford. “She can entertain herself with toys alone.”

This girl is a hoot and enjoys water! Splashing around in a kiddie pool is the highlight of her day.

Nina is still very young and would do well in a home where she can go on long walks or runs. She also has lovely house manners, so being left on her own for a few hours is no problem.

Nina would also do well in a home as the only pet — she wouldn’t want to share her pup cup with anyone!

To start the adoption process email [email protected] or stop by the AWLA during business hours to meet her! And don’t forget to check out her entire profile!

Alexandria has seen an increase in neglected animal seizures over the last few years, including animals rescued from hoarding situations and one confiscated alligator.

This year, 11 animals have been legally seized due to animal cruelty/neglect investigations, versus two animals seized in 2022 and eight in 2021, according to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (4101 Eisenhower Avenue).

Most recently, on July 11, a man brought a cat into the animal shelter that he found in an apartment in the unit block of E. Linden Street near Hoofs Run. The Alexandria Police Department then responded to a call for service and found the home “filled with large amounts of trash and clutter and had a bad odor of feces throughout the residence,” according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.

“Officers on the scene reported they did not believe the residence was suitable for habitation,” according to the search warrant affidavit.

Three cats were taken from the home and AWLA, with help from the City Attorney’s office, was granted custody of all three cats by the General District Court on August 3. Police later found that the woman had been convicted of animal care violations for hoarding 36 cats in Henrico County, Georgia, according to the search warrant affidavit.

“The cats were very dirty with feces and urine embedded in their fur, but were otherwise in good nutritional condition,” said Tony Rankin, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s chief of animal services. “We do not plan on filing any charges at this time. The case info was forwarded to Adult Protective Services in the hopes that (the former owner) can receive assistance.”

The number of animal abuse calls for service remains steady, with 174 calls reported from Jan. 1 to July 31 this year, 175 calls for service for the same period in 2022, 138 calls for service in 2021 and 93 calls for service in 2020, according to AWLA.

Animal Services received 3,382 calls for service in 2022, 3,252 calls in 2021 and 2,218 calls in 2020. Rankin said that a vast majority of those calls are for wildlife complaints related to barking dogs, aggressive dogs and dog bites, while about 10% are for stray animal calls.

Who’s at the shelter now?

There are currently 55 animals available for adoption at the animal shelter, and 89 animals in the building (47 dogs, 30 cats, a ferret, six rabbits and five hamsters). Sometimes the shelter also has tropical birds.

Many of the animals are surrendered by owners who couldn’t take care of them.

“All the hamsters with Marvel names are surrenders,” Rankin said. “They started out with two and then they had 20 on their hands… So, Groot, Pepper Pots, Natasha, Valkrie, and Shuri were all surrenders.”

AWLA is open every day for adoptions from noon to 7 p.m.

Alright, but what about the alligator?

Last summer, a three-foot-long alligator named Daryl was brought into the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter (4101 Eisenhower Avenue). Daryl had been living in a five gallon fish tank in a small apartment in the West End.

“The owner got it at a roadside place in Florida,” said Rankin. “The only reason we got it was because he made his girlfriend mad and she called him out for having an alligator in the apartment.”

The former owner lost an appeal for custody of Daryl with the Alexandria General District Court, and AWLA then worked with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to find him a new home at a wildlife enter in Lexington, Virginia.

“He wanted his alligator back,” Rankin said. “But he lost his appeal.”

Image via Google Maps

Meet Champ, a 1-year-old dog up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!

Full of energy with a silly and very much lovable personality, this young pup loves his playtime and will gallop around with toys, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“He can be a little shy meeting new people, but warms up quickly,” said Shackelford. “Once he does, he’s an affectionate dog who will make an excellent companion.”

Champ is very active and would love a family in need of a walking, running or hiking buddy. He’s up for any adventure!

This guy would also make a great buddy for another dog. He plays well with others — canine and human. You can see how well here!

To start the adoption process email [email protected] or stop by the AWLA during business hours to meet him! And don’t forget to check out his entire profile!

Are you looking to add to your family?

Say hello to Colby, a 1-year-old pup who is available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This guy is still young — a very happy puppy who is active and playful, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“He loves playing with toys and will chase them around the yard for as long as you’re willing to throw them,” said Shackelford. “He has some work to do on his leash manners, but he works for treats!”

Colby knows to take treats gently and how to sit.

As one energetic pup, Colby wouldn’t mind having another pup for a friend. Colby would make a wonderful furry companion and a great addition to any family!

To learn more about Colby, you can read his entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Meet Gunther, a 3-year-old tricolored dog up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This beautiful boy is looking for a family to shower with love.

Gunther was a bit shy at first, but is growing in confidence, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Gunther loves to go on walks with our staff and volunteers — he loves to sniff, smell and sight see,” said Shackelford. “Gunther also enjoys a good game of fetch — not only will he chase it, he will bring it back to you, too.”

Do you love food? Well, so does Gunther and he is very food motivated.

This sweet dog will make a fantastic companion for any family!

To learn more about Gunther, you can read his entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest of the person who left out what appeared to be bait to seriously injure dogs on Duke Street.

On Friday, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) said a person walking their dog near the intersection of Duke Street and Ingram Street found a piece of sausage with a fish hook embedded in it.

“Our Animal Services Officer responded and arrived at the scene at 9:50 a.m. and searched the area around this intersection, finding a total of nine pieces of sausage with fish hooks embedded in them,” AWLA said. “Our officers did canvas the area and spoke with several residents with security cameras in the area asking them to review any footage they may have in the hopes that a suspect might be identified.”

On Sunday, AWLA said a community member put up a $5,000 reward for information.

Update 7/9/23: Thanks to a member of our community, we are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible. If you have any info or video from the area, contact us at 703.746.6000 or [email protected]. pic.twitter.com/R1Etoi7AOx

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) July 9, 2023

AWLA asked that anyone in the vicinity review their security camera footage for clues. The investigation is ongoing and all information or tips can be sent to the Animal Services team at 703 746 6000.

Strangely enough, while Alexandria is known for being a dog-friendly city, this isn’t the first time someone has tried to harm dogs in Alexandria this year. Del Ray resident John Romano pled guilty earlier this year to trying to poison his neighbor’s dogs.

Say hello to your new best friend, Benji!

This 5-year-old guy has the biggest heart and body. Benji is a sweet, gently pup looking for a best friend to spend his life with.

Benji is very well behaved and knows a few tricks, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“He enjoys leisurely walks and has superb leash manners — no pulling, which is good, because he is a strong boy,” said Shackelford. “He enjoys time outdoors in our play yards, sniffing, exploring and chewing on a few toys here and there.”

This gentle giant would make a great affectionate and easygoing companion!

To start the adoption process email [email protected] or stop by the AWLA during business hours to meet him! And don’t forget to check out his entire profile!

Enid is a lovely 8-year-old American Foxhound up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This purebred lady would make the best furry companion, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Given her breed, Enid loves to follow her nose on walks and can sniff out a pocketful of treats in no time,” said Shackelford. “And let me tell you, Enid loves snacks!”

Enid is very much snack motivated!

This lady loves to bask in the sunlight and can split her time between going on walks and laying around the house. Enid has plenty of energy for adventures and is ready to find a loving home.

Enid’s adoption fees have been paid. To learn more about Enid, you can read her entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Meet Connie and Pearl, a bonded pair of 1-year-old guinea pigs up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

These two inquisitive girls are searching for their forever home! Connie and Pearl are both friendly and calm, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“They’ll both eat tasty treats from your hand and like to be pet once they’re comfortable, said Shackelford. “Of course, they love to munch on hay, but they enjoy some yummy veggies like celery, lettuce, carrots, and a berry now and then.”

Connie and Pearl are tons of fun! They love running around their cage and zipping into their pigloo.

This duo loves to entertain and would love to find their forever home.

Read Connie and Pearl’s entire profile to learn more. Schedule a time to meet them by emailing [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.