I discovered the West Georgia Animal Welfare League about eighteen months ago after I picked up a dog in the middle of the road one night.  I had recently adopted a dog, who was having some adjustment problems, and I wasn’t prepared to take on another new animal, so after searching around for a while I discovered the West Georgia Animal Welfare League.  I contacted WGAWL, told them I would be willing to foster the dog and asked if they could help me find a home for him.  Martina Hemming, the President and Executive Director of WGAWL, met with me and the dog, and graciously agreed to help me find him a home.

The West Georgia Animal Welfare League was formed in 2004 by a group of volunteers at the Douglas County Animal Shelter and achieved non-profit status in April 2006.  WGAWL relies on volunteers to execute its mission of helping homeless animals get a second chance at a great life.  WGAWL operates an independent, licensed non-profit Pet Adoption Center in Douglas County which offers fully vetted adoptable pets. 

WGAWL assists local County shelters by:

• Pulling special needs animals, such as pregnant and nursing pets, older pets, and pets with medical needs, who need a little bit of help and time to get adopted.
• Photographing county shelter pets for PetFinder.com
• Providing information to the community about pets currently available for adoption at the shelter, rabies control, feral cat control and care, free and low-cost spay and neuter programs, pet care, non-profit
• Assisting residents to place homeless pets
• Managing a spay and neuter fund and a LifeSaver Fund in coordination with the Atlanta Animal Alliance.

WGAWL maintains a close working relationship with the Douglas County Animal Control Shelter.  This relationship has effectively reduced the euthanasia rate in Douglas County through increased adoption rates – The Douglas County Animal Control Shelter currently boasts one of the highest adoption rates of any animal shelter in the Atlanta metropolitan area!

You can get involved with the WGAWL in several ways:

Adopt a Pet

There are many advantages to adopting your next pet from the WGAWL.  All of the pets are fully vetted and the animal’s temperament has been assessed.  The WGAWL will work with you to match you with the best pet for your lifestyle and family situation.  Many of the pets are already housebroken and have received some basic obedience training.

Become a Foster home for homeless pets

If you’ve ever attended any of the “meet and greets” at the local pet supply stores you may have met some of the wonderful pets that are awaiting permanent homes.  If you would like to give a shelter dog or cat the luxury of some space and time to find a perfect home, think about opening up your home and fostering a homeless pet.  Call 678.213.2143 to learn more about the program.

Volunteer your time

WGAWL offers many volunteer opportunities in areas such as fundraising, grooming, caring for orphaned puppies or kittens, working at adoption and other special events, animal transportation, veterinary care, and walking dogs.  If you are interested in volunteering some time to WGAWL, you can complete the volunteer information form on WGAWL’s website or send an email to volunteer@wgawl.org.

Donate Supplies or Money

WGAWL welcome donations of every kind:

• PayPal donations can be made online through WGAWL’s website
• Gift cards from grocery stores, office supply stores, home improvement stores, super stores and pet supply stores
• Gift certificates from KV Vet Supply are used for flea treatments, dewormers and other medications.
• Supplies, such as clean towels, blankets, comforters, dog beds, etc. (You can email martina@wgawl.org to arrange a pickup of the items you wish to donate).

Participate in WGAWL programs

PetMeds purchase program:  Use the WGAWL code at checkout whenever you purchase pet medications and vitamins from PetMeds either online (http://www.1800petmeds.com) or through phone order (1-800-738.6337), and 10% of the total cost of your order will be donated to WGAWL.

Inkjet & laser cartridge recycling program: WGAWL recycles used inkjet and laser cartridges to fund its spay / neuter program and to provide medical care for pets. You can arrange for your used cartridges to be picked up by emailing martina@wgawl.org.

Please consider volunteering your time and money to this worthwhile organization.

Contact Info

West Georgia Animal Welfare League
phone: 678.213.2143
fax: 678.213.2144
e-mail: info@wgawl.org
website: www.wgawl.org

Please Note: WGAWL is currently relocating its Pet Adoption Center. Look for an announcement in August of their new location.

Add’l Resources

Douglas County Animal Control
1755 County Services Rd.
Douglasville, GA 30134
phone: 770-942-5961
website: www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA299.html

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