Animal Welfare League Of Alexandria Grant To Address Vet Care Access Barriers

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A grant provided to the Animal Welfare League Of Alexandria will help address veterinary care barriers pet owners face in the city.

PetSmart Charities provided the $100,000 grant to support veterinary programs in historically excluded communities. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria says it will use the grant in neighborhoods near the Mark Center off North Beauregard Street. According to the organization, barriers to veterinary care in underserved communities may be due to cost, geographical location and systemic inequities.

"Equitable access to veterinary care is a foundational need for healthy pets and families," said Joanna Fortin, director of community programs at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. "Together with community members, we will create and shape pathways for accessing veterinary care that don’t currently exist in these neighborhoods. These solutions will help foster healthy pets, empower and support families, and strengthen the community by providing services that meet the needs of those who live here."

The organization, which runs the city's animal shelter, already provides a range of services to pet owners in Alexandria. One of its services is emergency veterinary assistance to low-income residents as funding allows. The organization has also held Pets and People Community Wellness events to provide basic exams, vaccinations, pet supplies and more.

Residents may learn more about Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's services by contacting community@AlexandriaAnimals.org or 703-746-6001.