Our philosophy is that every animal deserves a loving home, and that euthanasia is neither an acceptable nor humane form of managing animal populations.
1000+
Animals Rescued
100+
Adoptions Annually
50+
Dedicated Volunteers
10+
Successful Outreach Programs
AWLFC Story
The Animal Welfare League of Frederick County was established in 2002 with a vision to create a community where every pet is a wanted pet. We have since been actively involved in rescuing and finding homes for thousands of animals. Our organization is committed to promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring their well-being.
The Animal Welfare League of Frederick County is an
all-volunteer animal rescue and welfare organization.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
AWLFC currently has seven programs designed to reduce pet homelessness and euthanasia rates in the county:
CAT ADOPTION
AWLFC offers cat adoptions to the public. All of our adoptable animals are listed on Petfinder.com. The available animals are either at our adoption center or living with a foster family. Each person or family interested in adopting will complete an adoption application that is reviewed before a final decision is made. Our philosophy regarding adoption is based on the simple goal of placing a cat in its forever home. To this end, we strive to match the right cat with the right individual or family, taking into account the temperament of the animal and the nature of the prospective home environment.
DOG ADOPTION
AWLFC offers dog adoptions to the public. All of our adoptable animals are listed on Petfinder.com. The available animals are either at our adoption center or living with a foster family. Each person or family interested in adopting will complete an adoption application that is reviewed before a final decision is made. Our philosophy regarding adoption is based on the simple goal of placing a dog in its forever home. To this end, we strive to match the right dog with the right individual or family, taking into account the temperament of the animal and the nature of the prospective home environment.
FOSTER CARE
In order to save the lives of as many cats as we can and due to the limited space at the adoption center, the organization relies on foster volunteers. Foster volunteers provide a temporary loving home to the animal. Each foster volunteer must complete an application for review before becoming a foster volunteer.
Further, they must agree to participate in AWLFC’s adoption events and processes. AWLFC pays for all veterinary care, food, and litter, and provides foster care training.
TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN (TNR)
AWLFC offers one of the few official TNR programs in Frederick County. The TNR program known as Fixing Frederick’s Felines began in 2001. The program involves the humane trapping of feral and free-roaming cats, sterilization, vaccination, and release back to a committed caregiver who provides food, shelter, and necessary medical care for the colony. AWLFC works with several local veterinarians who provide reduced rates for sterilization and vaccinations. Further, AWLFC will either assist in the humane trapping of the cat or will provide training to clients on safe trapping procedures.
FRIENDS HELPING FELINES
(FHF)
This program was created to help give people the means to spay and neuter homeless cats and kittens and place them in forever homes at those times when AWLFC’s foster program is filled to capacity. FHF participants agree to pay for all medical needs as well as to provide a foster home until the cat is placed for adoption. Each FHF participant has access to reduced rates for routine veterinary care, including spay or neuter and rabies vaccination. Participants bring the cat to AWLFC adoption events to enable us to find the cat a forever home.
PET FOOD BANK
This is a program developed to provide free food for pets living with families facing serious financial difficulty. AWLFC solicits voluntary donations of food for the food bank. Those needing food for their animals only need to show up to our office and request assistance for their pets. Food is provided on a “no questions asked” basis.
VOLUNTEER
As an AWLFC volunteer, you have the opportunity to help educate pet owners about responsible pet care, including the importance of neutering and spaying to end overpopulation. You have the ability to provide love and care for needy cats and dogs through our foster care program. You have the ability to help Frederick’s residents to get access to proper and affordable veterinary care for their pets. You are presented with these and many other opportunities to give of your time, energy, and talents to support the AWLFC’s mission. Get started by and apply now!
Thank You to ALL who love our foster pets:
