Washington Animal Rescue League

At its newly renovated animal rehabilitation facility and medical center, WARL adopts hundreds of homeless animals, provides free spay and neutering and affordable veterinary care for the low-income community.

How do you help people in my community?

At the League, providing support systems to people is just as crucial as caring for abandoned and abused animals. We offer a variety of programs to help people keep their animals healthy and to keep pets in their households during tough financial times.

Medical Center
Our veterinary hospital provides free and heavily discounted services to low-income residents of the Washington, DC community. We are the only animal hospital in the area able to provide such affordable services, all funded by private donations. We are especially proud and committed to our free spay and neuter and vaccination clinics for pit bulls and feral cats. Though most of our medical services for the public targets low-income District of Columbia residents only, these special clinics serve anyone from anywhere. The hospital is available five days a week to the public.

Project Rescue
In 2009, we instituted Project Rescue to assist those pet owners most deeply affected by the economic crisis, including the newly unemployed. The Washington Post said of our work, “People who say they’ve never asked for a handout are streaming through the doors of the pet clinic at the Washington Animal Rescue League.” Expanded services include a pet food and supply bank, weekly low-cost vaccination clinics, free animal behavior consultations, and a Safe Haven program to house animals while their humans are living in transitional housing or fleeing from domestic abuse.

Humane Education
An essential component of the League’s mission is to educate the public on the needs of companion animals and to inspire people to treat all living beings with care, compassion, and respect. The Humane Education curriculum was developed to teach children in third through eighth grades about animal overpopulation, spaying and neutering, proper care for companion animals, the role of animal shelters, and co-existence with wildlife.

Training Classes
The League offers a range of positive reinforcement dog training classes—everything from basic manners to agility skills—for all dogs. Class tuition is deliberately kept affordable to encourage people to train their dogs using the most modern, humane, and effective methods.

Why do you need my support?

All donations are greatly needed and appreciated at the Washington Animal Rescue League, regardless of their size. We also have a “wish list” of appliances, tools, and pet care items. The donations directly fund the day-to-day operations of the shelter and Medical Center. The community education, animal rehabilitation, and veterinary care assistance programs are made possible through donations, and it is because of donors’ willingness to help that we have become one of the foremost animal shelters in the country.

 The League was founded in 1914, and after almost a century, our outreach continues to grow, providing unique support and care for companion animals and the people who love them.  Our newly renovated facility promises that we will be able to fulfill our mission well into the future.  The young veterinarians that the League’s Medical Center trains will work to keep animals healthy and safe for years to come. Humane education ensures that this generation of DC’s young people learns more about treating animals ethically and appreciating their companionship.

Because we do not receive public funds, our generous donors make it possible for the Washington Animal Rescue League to continue its work. Donations of all sizes are needed to ensure the welfare of DC’s companion animals and their guardians every day and for years to come.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The Washington Animal Rescue League does not receive any government funds—local or federal. We also rely heavily on volunteers and engage them in all departments, resulting in a relatively small full-time staff. Additionally, the League is audited annually, and the audits are available on our public Guidestar profile online or via request to the League. Our 2009 annual report may be viewed at: www.warl.org/annualreport. In 2009, the League spent over 70% of its budget on program and operational expenses and only 29% on administration and development.

Can I Volunteer? How?

The League is not currently accepting new applications as we are improving and revamping our highly popular volunteer program. However, if you wish to become a foster care-giver to a dog or a cat by giving them a temporary place to stay in your home, please email the volunteer manager at allison.schwartz@warl.org.. The League is always looking for committed, compassionate, and reliable foster guardians.