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Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, Inc.

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About Us

For over half a century, the AWL, a non-profit 501(c)3 established in 1965, has stood as a beacon of compassion, serving Virginia’s Northern Neck: Lancaster, Northumberland, Westmoreland, and Richmond counties. We are 100% volunteer run and receive no government funding.

Our Mission

To prevent animal cruelty and promote the humane treatment of animals through education, spay-neuter programs, veterinary care, and adoption.

Our Vision

For the Northern Neck to be known as a humane community where animals are respected and treated with compassion.

Our Commitment is Multifaceted

  • Free spay/neuter for dogs or cats adopted from a NNK county shelter
  • Free or reduced spay/neuter for NNK dogs or cats with application from owner
  • Fostering/ Adoption and/or rescue with transport to another facility
  • Veterinary care for dogs and cats in the Lancaster Animal Shelter
  • Emergency veterinary care for dogs or cats that are injured or ill when their owner is unable to cover the cost
  • Food for needy pets distributed at our thrift store, to owners of cat colonies on private property and NNK food pantries through our FEED ME, TOO! program.
  • Community involvement to support humane education and disaster relief


Your support is the driving force behind our mission. Whether through financial contributions or contributions to the thrift shop, or by becoming a dedicated foster or volunteer, your involvement empowers us in creating a more humane community.

AWL Annual Newsletter

Take a moment to explore the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck’s 2026 Annual Newsletter.

Inside, you’ll find stories that reflect the many ways our community comes together to support animals across the Northern Neck. From spay and neuter assistance and pet food support to volunteer efforts and rescue success stories, this year’s newsletter highlights the people, programs, and partnerships that make AWL’s work possible.

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors, AWL continues to provide vital services that help animals and the families who care for them. We invite you to learn more about the impact of your support and the lives being changed throughout our community.

AWL Board of Directors

Barb Dietz – President
Susan Timpano – Vice President
Marianne Disney – Treasurer
Peny Gallogly – Secretary
Lynn Wright
Sue Ann Dale
Kim Bolster
Sarah Lex
Wanda Little

Back Row (left to right): Lynn Wright, Wanda Little, Susan Timpano, Sarah Lex | Front Row (left to right): Peny Gallogly, Barb Dietz, Marianne Disney, Kim Bolster | Not Pictured: Sue Ann Dale

Your Donations at Work

Through the generous donations we receive, along with sales from our Thrift Shop, AWL funds veterinary services (including medical expenses, vaccinations, emergency and foster care, and spay/neuter) to local animals in need and donates much needed dog and cat food to local area food banks. Click on the graphics below to view some monthly statistics of how your donations are funding our work to positively impact and care for the local animals in our community.