Our Mission
The Animal Welfare League of Frederick County (AWLFC) is an all-volunteer, no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization. We promote the humane treatment of all animals through education, advocacy, and collaboration with other humane organizations.
Our Vision
We envision a future with no more homeless pets in Frederick County, MD.
Our No-Kill Philosophy
Our philosophy is that every animal deserves a loving home, and that euthanasia is neither an acceptable nor humane form of managing animal populations.
A Non-Profit No-Kill Animal Rescue
The AWLFC was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2001. What began as a grassroots group of concerned animal lovers has grown into the county’s largest all-volunteer, no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization. In October 2009, the AWLFC opened our first adoption center and office at 1202 East Patrick Street, Suite 13A, in Frederick, MD. This office serves as the headquarters for AWLFC activities, including cat and dog adoptions, education and training sessions, and fund-raising events.
Our Core Programs to Reduce Homelessness and Euthanasia Rates
Founded on the philosophy that every animal deserves a loving home, and that euthanasia is neither an acceptable nor humane form of managing animal populations, the AWLFC has four core programs designed to reduce pet homelessness and euthanasia rates in the region.
- In collaboration with local shelters, other rescue organizations, and concerned citizens, the AWLFC provides foster care for cats and dogs and then places them in a permanent home via our adoption process.
- AWLFC provides financial assistance to pet owners who need help getting needed veterinary treatment for their cat or dog. If you need assistance, email info@awlfc.org
- Working with property owners and concerned citizens, the AWLFC coordinates a Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) program in Frederick County, Fixing Frederick’s Felines (FFF). TNR involves the humane trapping of feral and free-roaming cats, sterilization, and vaccination, followed by release back to a committed care-giver who provides food, shelter, and necessary medical care. TNR is the only humane way to manage feral and free-roaming cat populations.
- The Friends Helping Felines (FHF) 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 the Animal Welfare League’s foster program is filled to capacity. FHF participants will have access to reduced rates for routine veterinary care, including spay or neuter and rabies vaccination. And, AWLFC helps people get the cats adopted into forever homes.
* Please note: Some of these programs are currently suspended due to lack of funds and/or volunteers. Please email info@awlfc.org if you are in need of help with strays and ferals.