Important Information
Lost and Found
If you lose your pet or find a lost animal, please contact your county Animal Control office. If you are a resident of Charlotte County, please contact Animal Control at (941) 833-5690 or the Animal Welfare League at (941) 625-6720.
Our shelter's lost and found program provides an essential service in reuniting hundreds of pets with their owners each year.
If you have lost a pet, it is important that you come to the shelter to identify your pet, since one description can match many animals. You are the only one who can positively identify your pet. If your pet is not here at the shelter, you will be able to file a lost report; you can also bring a picture.
If you find an animal, call us immediately to check if the owner has contacted the shelter looking for their pet. Often times the owner will call the shelter first to report their pet missing.
Please note: All stray animals picked up by Animal Control in Charlotte County are brought to the Animal Welfare League and held for five days in order for their owner to locate them. After five days they are evaluated as to their suitability for adoption.
Depending on your location, you should also contact:
| Sarasota Animal Services | (941) 861-9500 |
| Sarasota Humane Society | (941) 955-4131 |
| Suncoast Humane Society | (941) 474-7884 |
| City of North Port | (941) 426-3111 |
| Lee County Animal Services | (239) 533-7387 |
| Gulf Coast Humane Society | (239) 332-0364 |
Microchipping
AWL is now offering microchipping for your pets.
This simple procedure provides pets with a permanent source of identification. The $30.00 cost, which includes registration of the chip, is modest when compared to the possibility of losing your pet forever.
Appointments are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Please call the shelter at (941) 625-6720 to schedule your appointment.
Also, please check our calendar of events for upcoming Microchip Clinic specials.
Canine Manners
AWL offers free obedience training to all dogs adopted from our shelter.
Our Canine Manners program is held on the first and third Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM at the shelter. The program is run by Birenda Russell. Please contact us at (941) 625-6720 to register for these classes.
This month, the Canine Manners Program will be held on February 4th and 18th at 9 AM at the shelter.
Dog Training
Southwest K-9 Academy offers a 10% discount on training for any dog adopted from the AWL. Click here to visit their website.
Peace River Dog Fanciers also offers obedience training, and more. Click here to learn more about Peace River Dog Fanciers.
Dog Parks
Dog parks are a great place for your dog to run, play, and socialize with other friendly canines. In Charlotte County, you can visit these parks:
Paw Park: Fenced-in park with small dog alternative.
Location: 22410 Bayshore Rd, Port Charlotte.
Directions: Take Rt. 41 to Edgewater Drive, turn onto Bayshore Rd. Entrance to the park is at first street on the left.
Hounds on Henry: Off-leash park with separate area for small dogs. Picnic benches, water, fully fenced.
Location: Henry and Shreve Streets, Punta Gorda.
Directions: from Rt. 41 go west on Henry St, cross Shreve St. Park is on the right.
Please note: All dogs must possess a current rabies vaccine and license before entering the park. The license tag must be worn on the dog's collar or harness at all times when inside the park. Dog owners are responsible for their dogs at all times and for cleaning up after their pets.
Unconditional Love
Love your pet?
Then you will love this story by Don Landy.
Please click here to read about Sabrina, and learn how a dog's love is nothing less than unconditional.
