Adopt a Pet

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) is the county’s primary shelter and animal services organization, and it runs one of the most community-oriented adoption programs in the region. Whether you’re ready to bring home a dog, cat, rabbit, or small animal, the AWLA’s adoption process is thoughtful and staff are genuinely invested in making good matches. Beyond adoption, volunteering here is one of the most rewarding ways to spend time in Arlington — from dog walking and cat socialization to event support and foster hosting. Foster families in particular are always in need, as fostering opens up critical shelter space and gives animals the home environment they need to thrive before permanent placement.

If you’re not ready to adopt directly through the AWLA, both Petco at Lee Harrison Shopping Center and the pet adoption partners along Langston Boulevard near George Mason Drive regularly host adoption events in partnership with local rescue organizations. These more casual settings can be a great lower-pressure way to meet adoptable animals and find a match. Whether you go home with a new family member or simply give a shelter dog a good walk on a Saturday morning, plugging into Arlington’s animal welfare community is an act of care that ripples outward in all the best ways.