AWLA Gives 40K Pounds Of Supplies To Pet Owners In 2020

ALEXANDRIA, VA — During the pandemic, the Animal Welfare League hasn't just facilitated increasing adoptions. The animal shelter responded to record requests for assistance from pet owners through its community pet pantry.

In spring 2020, demand increased by more than 400 percent over previous months, largely due to pet owners who had lost jobs or had to reduce their hours to provide child care. AWLA responded to this community need by providing more than 40,000 pounds of pet supplies and food in 2020, helping animals and pet owners in the region.

"40,000 pounds sounds like a lot, but each pound of it is just a meal for an animal in need," said Joanna Fortin, director of community programs at AWLA. "It’s peace of mind for a loving pet owner. It may be a little at a time, but with the support of our community, it adds up to make such a huge difference!"

By providing these supplies, AWLA seeks to help pet owners who face the decision of buying food for their pet or themselves, or consider surrendering their pet. Staff work with pet owners in the community to see what supplies and assistance they need. Thanks to a network of individuals and businesses willing to help, AWLA can provide this assistance.

"So much of the supplies we provide are actually donated by the community," said Demetrius, Jackson, community programs coordinator for AWLA. "We’re often just a conduit for one neighbor helping another."

The pandemic isn't the only time in recent history AWLA has stepped up for pet owners. When government workers were furloughed during the government shutdown in 2019, many reached out to AWLA for canned food, kitty litter, dry food and more supplies.

The pet pantry is one of a few community programs to assist pet owners. Another program is AniMeals, offered in partnership with Senior Services of Alexandria to provide pet food and supplies to seniors and homebound recipients who receive Meals on Wheels. AWLA has also run pet care fairs at Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority locations to provide vaccines and pet supplies directly to areas with limited access to pet resources. More recently, AWLA started collaborating with ALIVE! in the monthly food distributions, offering pet supplies to pet owners with limited budgets.

AWLA also partners with area nonprofits to provide food, supplies, equipment and more in under-resourced communities in Virginia and West Virginia. The shelter will often take in animals from these overcrowded facilities as well to find them homes.

For more information on AWLA's work, visit alexandriaanimals.org.