Vaccines Offered To Pets, People In Alexandria's Chirilagua Area

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Animals and their humans alike could get vaccinated at a Community Care Clinic Saturday in Alexandria's Chirilagua neighborhood.

The Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington hosted the event in Four Mile Run Park for Alexandria and Arlington residents. While animal welfare organizations' veterinarians provided free vaccinations for cats and dogs against rabies, distemper and parvovirus, human clients could receive free COVID-19 vaccinations from Neighborhood Health staff. Nearly 20 people received vaccinations, and 209 vaccinations were provided to pets.

"Our goal is to be a resource to our community, and by connecting with people near where they live, we were able to better serve attendees, both human and animal," said Stella Hanly, executive director of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Amy Schindler, the chief operating officer of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, added, "People and the pets they love belong together. By providing resources directly in the community, we are able to provide support that extends beyond our brick-and-mortar facility."

The event wasn't limited to vaccinations. Pet owners could receive pet food, preventatives, dewormer and other animal supplies as well as shelf-stable groceries from the nonprofit ALIVE! There were also representatives of Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center; the Domestic Violence Intervention Program; Four Mile Run Conservancy Foundation; Inova; InspireLit; Liberty’s Promise; Nueva Vida; Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities of Alexandria; Senior Services of Alexandria; and Virginia Cooperative Extension to give information about health and nutrition, support services, local recreational opportunities, free books and more. The event was also supported by PetSmart Charities and the Del Ray North/Mount Vernon Shopping Center.

"By connecting with people and their pets at the same time, we have the opportunity to make our community a healthier and safer place for all of its residents," said Joanna Fortin, director of community programs at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

For more information about services, visit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and Animal Welfare League of Arlington websites.