Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Awarded $600,000 Grant
PetSmart Charities Investment Will Expand Veterinary Care and Pet Support in Alexandria's West End
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (July 8, 2026) — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a $600,000 PetSmart Charities® Incubator Grant—the largest grant in the organization’s 80-year history—to expand access to veterinary care and pet support services for families in Alexandria’s West End.
The three-year grant builds on a $100,000 planning grant awarded in 2025 that allowed AWLA to work directly with residents near the Mark Center to better understand the challenges they face in caring for their pets.
Community-Driven Solutions
After a year of community outreach and listening sessions, AWLA identified the greatest needs as:
- Affordable pet food and supplies
- Vaccinations and preventive care
- Behavioral training
- Grooming services
- More pet-inclusive housing
The new funding will help AWLA expand community wellness events offering vaccinations, microchips, flea and tick prevention, nail trims, and other basic veterinary services. The organization will also provide pet food distributions, educational workshops, behavior support, and grooming training through community partnerships.
“We’re building this program to support entire pet families through accessible, community-focused resources,” said Joanna Fortin, AWLA’s director of community programs.
Building Stronger Community Partnerships
The initiative will continue to strengthen partnerships with organizations including ALIVE!, William Ramsay Recreation Center, Communities in Schools, the West End Food Pantry, and other local organizations working to improve the well-being of people and their pets.
“The future of animal welfare is rooted in community,” said Stella Hanly, CEO of the AWLA, “and this grant reflects the AWLA’s commitment to that future — expanding access to support, services, and resources for the people and pets who need them most.”
Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities, praised AWLA’s community-first approach, noting that the organization has built trust by listening to residents and developing services based on their priorities.
Have you or someone you know ever struggled to access affordable veterinary care? We and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria want to hear from you as it expands services to help keep pets and families together.
Learn More
Community members interested in AWLA’s pet support services can email [email protected] or call 703-746-6001 for more information.
