It’s no surprise that dogs have been called man’s best friend. They come in wide varieties of colors, sizes, and temperaments so anyone can find their perfect pup. Plus, they’re simply adorable. From the largest Great Dane to the smallest Pomeranian, every dog deserves a loving home. However, some of these animals wind up in shelters for various reasons, unable to find a permanent place to live. Luckily for us, Arlington offers several humane animal shelters that make it easy to adopt rescue dogs.
First and foremost, it’s important to address why one might adopt from a shelter as opposed to a breeder or pet store. It’s much more affordable to get a pet from a shelter, as most of them are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated. You can also rest assured that the dog isn’t from an inhumane puppy mill. Furthermore, it’s a common misconception that shelter dogs behave badly compared to their pet store counterparts, but in reality, they are likely as well behaved and have experience living with humans. Most animal shelters are willing to help new owners through the adoption process to ensure a better outcome for both the owner and the dog.
Our first shelter is synonymous with a local restaurant: the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF). Founded as a passion project by the owners of the Lost Dog Cafe, the LDCRF specifically takes in homeless dogs. These vulnerable strays are taken to the Lost Dog Ranch, or the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Care Center, where they are provided with adequate space and care from committed volunteers. In fact, just last year, the LDCRF won the award for Best Pet Care in Northern Virginia Magazine. Each week at specific PetSmart locations (which can be found on their website), the LDCRF hosts adoption events where potential owners can see the dogs, talk with adoption counselors, and even take a dog home on that same day.
Next on the list of outstanding shelters is the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA). It has been a pillar of our community since 1944. Their facility located in South Arlington is home to around a dozen dogs waiting to be adopted, with more currently in foster care. Their unique take on getting to know your future dog is with Pawjama Parties. For a fee of $50, you can take a dog home for two weeks to spend time with it and get to know its personality. If bringing a dog home isn’t your thing, AWLA is a great place to rack up some service hours. Youth volunteer programs are available for 16-17 year olds, and it’s an option for Senior Experience for the diehard animal lovers out there.
You may have seen a large truck with the words “Lucky Dog Animal Rescue” on the side. Sure enough, that’s the name of our next shelter. However, they don’t have a location in our area. The animals are from their facility in South Carolina, where they were rescued from abuse, neglect, or overcrowded shelters. Their specialty is their efficient and humane transportation, offering a program where you can adopt a pet right out of the truck as it makes its way to D.C. and its surrounding districts. They have recurring annual events such as a Casino Night with a live auction and a Halloween Costume Contest to dress up with your pup, along with adoption events on Saturdays and Sundays at PetCo and PetSmart locations.
These dogs are beautiful and kind and through no fault of their own, have ended up without homes. Thankfully, There are a plethora of ways to save a dog in Arlington. If you’re not able to adopt a dog permanently, all of these locations allow for fostering, and volunteering at these shelters is a surefire way to get some service hours for those who need them.
