Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
We are a non-profit organization, No-Kill Animal Shelter with a 98% save rate in Charlotte County. We promise that any animal that enters our doors and can be made adoptable through veterinary care and/or training will have a roof over its head, food, enrichment, and the love of our staff and volunteers for as long as it takes for each and everyone to find their new home. Help us save more lives by showing your love in heartfelt tribute with our beautiful Companion Pathway, paving the grounds of our Adoption Center.
Services
We are an award-winning, 501(c)3 non-profit organization fully devoted to the well-being of homeless pets. Until they find their forever homes, all animals in our care receive shelter, food, enrichment - and the love of our staff and volunteers. We also provide veterinary care, training, and socialization to improve adoptability and quality of life. We do what it takes, for as long as it takes, for every animal that enters our doors.
The AWL is here to find the best match possible between adopters and the animals in our care. Keep in mind that a pet's personality is way more important, and it's best to try to find a pet that will fit into your lifestyle. It's best to allocate at least 30 - 45 minutes for the counseling process, but it can take longer if you need to schedule a meet-and-greet with your current pet(s).
We highly recommend that you list your pet up for adoption on our website on the Community Pets page. If we could help resolve your reason for surrendering the pet, would you be willing to keep him/her? Please make any comments on your pets behavior or any other important information not stated above that will help us find your pet the best suitable home possible.
As soon as you realize your pet is missing contact Charlotte County Animal Control, the Animal Welfare League, and other area shelters. All animals picked up by Animal Control are brought to the Animal Welfare League. By law, stray animals become our property after 5 days and they may be placed for adoption.
Reviews (10)
Write a Review
Brandon Kline
Jun 14, 2022
Beautiful non-profit, no kill shelter. I have signed up to volunteer here and will be partaking in that very soon! The grounds are as clean as a massive animal shelter can be. The staff I met thus far are exceedingly friendly and all the little beauties are well cared for.
Private Ryan
Jun 06, 2022
I have volunteered here for a few months and i can say these animals are taken care of amazingly. The staff here go above and beyond to ensure the animals will be placed in the right home, and all needs are met. They have their own vet staff as well to ensure all animals medical needs are met. They are on top of each and every animal that enters the facility and know the animals like they are family. I adopted a cat here and am so happy with my decision. Shots were up to date and my cat is happy and healthy thanks to AWL.
Linda M.
May 27, 2022
Hi. I've adopted two pits here. They are great dogs. I have also donated AND brought in a dog because on call animal control was useless. I'd like everyone to read this-please. Each person has the right to leave an ACCURATE review. But listen-if your issue is with any staff or volunteer, do what you need to do to point them out and get them out. Encouraging people to stay away from here is only punishing THE ANIMALS!

Think before you post. These animals have already been betrayed by "humans" Please look. You'll find great animals. And yes-you do need to be patient, kind, and teach the animals to fit into your family. It's not their fault. Remember that pets are for life. Shame on people who dump their animals due to age or health or "no time". My name is Linda and I will ALWAYS adopt. Please be fair in posting reviews. Thanks.
Sharon Siwicki
Mar 13, 2022
I set up an appointment last Saturday to meet a little guy named Sarge, a 4 yr old Chihuahua mix and when they brought him out it was love at first sight! I adopted him! Any questions that I had they answered to the best of their ability. I couldn't be happier! I would definitely go through them again! They are all nice people and it is obvious they love all the animals they take in!
Laury Couture
Feb 09, 2022
You never really know a place like this until you spend some time there. Even though I've adopted from the AWL in the past, it wasn't until I began volunteering here on a regular basis that I really got to see and experience first hand what an amazing place this is. Everyone I've worked with shows a real and true love and value for all the animals in their care.

From the cleanliness and upkeep of the outdoors to the individual care given to every animal living there, this place is top notch. Every effort seems to be made to treat any medical needs the animals may have, they are fed good wholesome foods, their kennels are kept clean and the dogs are walked and exercised at least twice daily. Although Covid has made things difficult, i.e., the need for appointments and outside meet and greets, they consistently find homes for the animals. I may seem biased since I do volunteer there, but I feel I have pretty high expectations (sometimes a little too critical) but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place.
Kyle Ward
Feb 08, 2022
We adopted our beautiful senior Doberman, Chase, from them. They were wonderful. The process was easy, and they care so much for all of the animals in their care. When we signed the paperwork, they announced on the intercom that Chase was going home, and they came out to wish him off. We lost him to heart disease a few months ago, but when we are ready for another great addition to the family, we are definitely coming to see them.
Lisa Hamm
Jan 31, 2022
I recently adopted a beautiful girl. I named her Wolfi and she's doing great. Animal Welfare League were very nice and the place is really clean. Thank you. She's adjusting well with Rebel girl.
Marie Barbe
Jan 21, 2022
Awesome people to assist and deal with there. Have adopted my dog and several cats. Donations are always appreciated.
Jason Christerson
Sep 23, 2021
Hello to all, I ended up taking in this little pregnant stray, and everyone up there has helped me through it. They are also going to be taking her and her kittens in today, so please go see them. They are all awesome! Lil' Mama: She is special, meaning she is considered a special needs cat. She is very young, very affectionate and needs someone to love her.

I just can't have a cat in my current situation, and this is causing me a lot of agony handing her over. But I know someone out there will see what I see in her, and help. She does not jump, she goes limp when you love on her and will fall to floor, she runs sideways.it will be different in so many awesome ways. She is ready to love and be loved. Thank you.
Lauren Granroth
Sep 20, 2021
My 17 year old cat passed a few days ago, I went to the animal welfare league to see if I had a connection with any of the cats (I believe cats pick their owners) the people there were very nice and very honest about each and every cat. I ended up taking home bob who is just the sweetest boy and he is settling in nicely!