Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
The AWLA's kittens are ready to compete...for your heart!
The holidays are a time for generosity, connection, and celebrating the people (and pets) we love. At the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, your holiday gift can double as a thoughtful gift for a loved one AND provide safety, comfort, and second chances for animals who need them most.
This holiday week, AWLA is open:
- Monday, Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Wednesday (Christmas Eve): 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Thursday (Christmas): Closed
- Friday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
This year’s AWLA Holiday Gift Guide is filled with impactful ways to give. Whether you’re shopping for family, honoring a loved one, or looking for a meaningful alternative to traditional gifts, every option below helps save lives and strengthens our community.
1. The perfect gift for that person who shares funny animal content: The 2026 AWLA Calendar
A Gift That Celebrates the Pets Who Inspire Us
The 2026 AWLA Calendar is no longer available for online purchase, but you can still grab one in person at the AWLA shelter! This year’s edition is more special than ever. Inside, you’ll find 165 pets who participated in our annual Calendar Contest—beloved companions from across our community who help make this fundraiser so meaningful.
Thanks to the incredible support behind these entries, the contest raised more than $52,000 to help provide shelter, medical care, and compassion to animals in need.
The AWLA Calendar is a thoughtful holiday gift for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, and anyone who loves celebrating animals all year long.
Calendars are available for purchase at the AWLA shelter for $25 each, while supplies last.
Visit us to purchase yours in person.
2. The perfect gift for trendsetters: AWLA Apparel
Feel-Good Gifts for Everyone on Your List
Our online shop features cozy, animal-themed apparel that makes for perfect holiday gifts. From long-sleeve tees and hoodies to limited-edition holiday designs, every item purchased helps animals receive the care they deserve.
This year, we’ll also be releasing a special holiday collection—perfect for gift-giving or treating yourself.
3. The perfect gift for that person with a heart of gold: A Kennel Sponsorship
Honor Someone Special With a Gift That Provides a Safe Haven
An AWLA Kennel Sponsorship is one of the most impactful ways to support animals throughout the year. Your gift places a personalized sign on a dog kennel, cat room, or cat condo for twelve months, honoring your loved one while providing food, shelter, and essential care to pets in need.
Sponsorship Levels:
- Dog Kennel Sponsorship: $2,400 or $200 per month
- Cat Room Sponsorship: $1,500 or $125 per month
- Cat Condo Sponsorship: $900 or $75 per month
Kennel sponsorships are meaningful holiday gifts, memorials, or tributes for anyone who cares deeply about animals.
4. The perfect gift for young animal lovers: A Kids CARE Club Membership
Inspire Compassion and Curiosity in Young Animal Lovers
The Kids CARE Club (Creating a Responsible Environment) offers children ages 4–10 a full year of hands-on learning, animal-related activities, and community-building experiences. A membership is a heartwarming gift that encourages caring, responsibility, and a lifelong love of animals.
Each membership includes:
- Exclusive access to our 2026 member party
- AWLA Youth Programs T-shirt
- AWLA backpack
- Stuffed kitten or puppy
- Kids CARE Membership pin
- Activities, stickers, and more
This gift is perfect for children, grandchildren, and families who value learning, kindness, and animals.
Each Kids CARE Club Membership is $50.
Purchase a Kids CARE Club Membership
5. The perfect gift for the person who hates gifts: A Tribute Gift
A Heartfelt Way to Honor Loved Ones
A tribute gift is a touching way to celebrate someone who has made a difference in your life. Whether you’re honoring a beloved person, remembering a cherished pet, or marking a special milestone, your gift provides hope and care to animals in need.
To make your tribute even more personal, AWLA will send a handwritten card to the recipient, letting them know a meaningful gift was made in their honor.
Tribute gifts are especially thoughtful for the holidays, memorials, birthdays, or anniversaries.
Your Holiday Gift Makes a Lasting Difference
When you give through the AWLA Holiday Gift Guide, you help ensure that animals in our community receive the shelter, medical treatment, love, and second chances they deserve. Your kindness creates real change—and brings comfort and joy to pets and people all year long.
Thank you for including AWLA in your holiday giving.
