Founded in 1963, AWL is a non-profit organization that provides temporary home, medical services, and caring attention for countless dogs, cats, and other animals. The shelter exists solely due to the generous contributions of citizens, businesses, and the community.
We are a non-profit corporation [Sec. 501 (c) (3)] dedicated to the alleviation of pain and suffering of animals.
Our animal shelter provides safe refuge, nourishment, and love to hundreds of homeless animals each month.
The shelter accepts all animals brought in by Charlotte County residents and Animal Control. Approximately 5,000 animals are received each year
We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express for donations, adoptions fees, and return-to-owner fees.
Our Vision
Achieve a community void of homeless animals
Our Mission
Advocate animal protection and welfare
To achieve our vision and accomplish our mission, our goals are:
- Protect, care for, and nurture homeless and abused animals
- Help eradicate the need for euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats
- Promote responsible pet ownership
- Support legislation and regulatory changes that benefit animals
Our Past & Future
Since 1963, the Animal Welfare League has served the community of Charlotte County, Florida by providing a temporary home, medical services and caring attention to thousands of dogs, cats and other animals.
The Animal Welfare League was incorporated in 1964. Prior to this, a small number of Charlotte County residents were concerned enough about lost and homeless animals in the community to take them into their care and search for permanent new homes for them. The number of dogs and cats needing help grew as the county did. It soon became clear that a permanent facility was needed. Under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy and Carol Stevens, the Animal Welfare League was established in 1973 when the first shelter building was constructed on Drance Street.
In the Fall of 2005, through the generosity of our donors, we broke ground for construction of a new 10,000 sq. ft. building, which opened early in 2008. This additional space increased our capacity to care for our animals and is helping us toward achieving our goal of ending the euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets.
The new building, our Adoption Center, includes two cat colony rooms, indoor/outdoor dog runs, six outdoor exercise runs, an educational and conference center, a spay/neuter surgical suite, and an on-site licensed veterinarian.
“Animal shelters are not solely in the business of taking excellent care of animals. They are also in the business of meeting the humane needs of the communities that they serve. This is exactly what the AWL strives for each and every day. We encourage you to share your thoughts about innovative ways to better serve the needs of homeless animals and our community.”
Sincerely,
Sharon Thomas
Executive Director