AWLA Community Pet Care Fair

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AWLA

An Alexandria bulldog receives a free rabies vaccination

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) will hold a free Pet Care Fair on Saturday, April 27, offering rabies vaccinations and other services at no cost for pets in Alexandria’s underserved communities. 

The Pet Care Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the courtyard in front of the Ruby Tucker Family Center at 322 Tancil Court in Old Town, Alexandria. For the first time, the Pet Care Fair will also offer free vaccines for parvovirus and distemper, dangerous diseases that can cause discomfort, pain and even death in cats and dogs. Residents can also take advantage of basic grooming and nail trims, pet food, behavioral advice and more. Dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be transported in carriers; both items will be available on site for those who need them.

“The AWLA is pleased to assist the animals and pet owners in our community once again with this event,” says AWLA’s Chief Operating Officer Stella Hanly. “We are so grateful to the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority for their support and for hosting us again, and we're hoping to be able to help even more people and pets than our last event.”

The most recent Pet Care Fair served 90 animals and their owners, not only providing vaccinations and supplies but also forming a lasting relationship with the AWLA should they need future support or guidance.  This third Pet Care Fair is held in coordination with the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Virginia Department of Health in an area pinpointed as one of high need, based on calls to AWLA’s Animal Services and animal surrenders to the shelter.  The AWLA plans to target other underserved communities for future Pet Care Fairs.

The AWLA continues to expand upon its mission to keep pets with their families when appropriate, and these Pet Care Fairs are part of a larger community outreach initiative, along with a Pet Food Pantry at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, AniMeals for seniors participating in Meals on Wheels and a behavior hotline for assistance with pets, regardless of whether they were adopted from the AWLA.  For the first time, the Pet Care Fair will also offer activities for children in attendance while they wait for their pets to be seen by veterinary professionals.

Media are invited to attend, and photo opportunities will be possible with the permission of attendees.  AWLA’s Chief Operating Officer Stella Hanly will also be available for interviews. For questions, contact Regina Hardter using the media contact information above.