Who are we?

The Animal Defense League of Washington County was established in 1982 by 8 concerned members of the community. They rallied to have the current shelter built (the CC Porter Animal Shelter dedicated in 1986) and made great strides toward animal welfare in this county. By 1995 the group had become fairly inactive, but still sponsored yard sales to help spay and neuter animals in the community and pay for emergency surgery for those in need. In November of 1999 a public meeting was held and the ADL was reinstated.
About us

What do we do?

Pet Overpopulation

Millions of adoptable but homeless dogs and cats are euthanized annually in the U.S. because of the pet overpopulation problem. In Southwest Virginia alone, 2,376 animals brought to area shelters were euthanized in 2018. Pet sterilization is the ONLY way to stop the senseless killing of these loving creatures.

Spay/Neuter
Assistance

Providing assistance to and promoting the use of the Margaret B. Mitchell Spay/Neuter Clinic, in Bristol, VA; a reduced-cost facility serving our region.

Barn Cat Placement

ADL has beautiful, healthy, sterilized, vaccinated cats in need of new outdoor homes. These cats make ideal residents for farms, stables, barns, garages or other suitable locations with outdoor shelter possibilities.

Our Programs

Spay & Neuter

The Animal Defense League offers financial assistance for the spaying or neutering of pets for qualified, low-income residents of Washington County and surrounding counties or for persons adopting a cat or dog from the C.C. Porter Animal Shelter.

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Trap, Neuter, Release

ADL supports and practices TNR. Simply put, community cats are humanely trapped and taken to the local clinic or veterinarian to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated. After their recovery, the cats are returned to their 'colony' or outdoor home.

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Take Action.

The Animal Defense League of Washington County, Virginia is an entirely volunteer run organization. All of your kindness goes towards aiding animals in your local community. Please consider becoming a member to support us!

Our monthly meetings are open to anyone wishing to join the Animal Defense League. Membership meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 6:30pm at The Washington County Public Library, located at the intersection of Oak Hill and Valley Streets in Abingdon.




Do you want to support the Animal Defense League directly? It's easy. Complete the membership form, pay the membership dues, and come join us at the next meeting!