How We Started

In 2017, a group of  West End pet businesses came together to create a way to help the Alexandria community celebrate its love of pets. They worked with the Mayor and City Council to declare the first annual Alexandria Love Your Pet Day and then hosted a block party to commemorate this announcement. 

The inaugural event engaged 30+ local businesses and a dozen non-profits, attracting over 300 attendees with 100+ dogs who enjoyed a variety of food truck fare and children's entertainment. 

Since the beginning, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has played a role in the event. In 2019, the AWLA became the host and benefactor of the event.

Over the years, the event has grown bigger and better. In 2021, Alexandria Love Your Pet Day welcomed over 60 vendors and more than 1000 attendees. In 2022, the name of the event was changed to Paws in the Park.

Last year in 2023, we hosted more than 4,000 event attendees.

Whether through renovation or innovation, it is a most exciting time for the Alexandria Library. We are rising to the challenge of balancing the traditional user and the nontraditional user. We remain committed to having books and the types of programming that people have come into libraries to use for years, while we are committed as well to those users who are very tech savvy, who primarily want to use the Library through our website. Our resources allow us to provide excellent customer service for those people who are coming into the libraries and to extend our services for those people who are accessing us online.

Since 1946, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has been a resource for our community and a shelter for homeless animals. Through adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education, community service and outreach, the AWLA plays a key role in promoting responsible pet care across Northern Virginia. The AWLA has worked with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, protection and sheltering services since 1989. We operate the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission facility accepting any and all animals brought to us from within the jurisdiction. We have made a commitment to help animals in need with the help of our amazing and animal-loving community.

Looking for a place where your four-legged family member will receive five-star treatment? Look no further! Dogtopia is an open play dog daycare, boarding facility, and spa. Basically, we’re your one-stop shop to spoil your dog! Our friendly and knowledgeable team is highly trained in providing both dogs and their parents with a safe, healthy and fun environment.

The area's only dog gym, Frolick Dogs provides a friendly, safe and positive environment where owners can exercise their dogs year-round to keep fit, have fun, strengthen their bond, and reinforce good behavior. This family-owned business offers a range of services including gym memberships, day boarding, agility classes, wellness seminars, and hosting doggie birthday parties or other special events. Drop into the gym to exercise your pup on the agility course, dog treadmills, and balance equipment -- our staff will show you how!  

Where your canine companions come to be pampered and loved!  Pinnacle Pet Spa & More offers professional grooming services for all breeds, lengths and techniques as well as cage-free day and overnight boarding services. Pick up and drop off services are available.  New clients welcomed!

Shelley Castle is a lifestyle pet photographer based in Old Town Alexandria whose photography specializes in fun, fresh, modern pet portraits that defines your pet's spirit and captures their imprint on your heart. From canines to equines, Shelley photographs pets and their families in the Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC area.

At VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, we've helped pets live long, healthy and happy lives since 1942. We work hard to deliver the best medical care for your pets, as well as the best experience for you, the pet owner. Our veterinarians, technicians and other pet-friendly support staff are trained to the highest standards. Their thorough knowledge of the latest procedures and medicines ensures that all our patients get the best in prevention and healing care.

Wholistic Hound Academy is Alexandria’s premiere, state-of-the-art canine training and learning academy! Clean and bright, with professional, highly trained, certified and experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching people how to communicate effectively with their puppies and dogs, prevent and solve behavior problems, and build a lifelong relationship and stronger bond with their dog. We use the most up to date, science based positive reinforcement methods and techniques that are extremely effective and get results.  

Special Thanks to the following businesses for participating on our Communications & Vendor Outreach committees…