Animal Intake Procedure

The Washington Animal Rescue League is a limited admissions shelter, meaning that we do not take animals if we do not have space for them and we are not contracted by the District of Columbia to take in strays or perform animal control functions.  We do not take cats from the public; our cats come from the Washington Humane Society and other local open admission shelters.  All animals, regardless of the source, are evaluated individually and the decision to take an animal into our shelter is based on adoptability and space in the facility or availability of foster homes. 

Owner Surrenders

The Washington Animal Rescue League makes a commitment to serving the community and may take dogs from owners who can no longer care for them.  Guardians may bring dogs to the League for surrender Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at which time they meet with training or the above-mentioned personnel in order to evaluate the dogs.  Owners who are surrendering the dog(s) fill out paperwork and discuss any behavioral or medical issues they have experienced.  They should bring photo ID and the animal’s veterinary records.  A brief evaluation for aggression is performed on the animal prior to intake.  The League does not accept animals it considers aggressive.  There is a $25 per dog surrender fee.