RAWL's Mission

Our mission is to rescue unwanted, abandoned, abused, or neglected dogs in our county; to do whatever is necessary to relieve any suffering; and to help each animal become healthy, sterilized, well-adjusted, and happily re-homed. Our mission is difficult and costly, and we need all the help we can get.

RAWL believes that no animals should be homeless.  Our goal is a world where there are no unwanted pets.  This is possible through a continuing spay/neuter program and loving people like you who adopt our animals.

Methods Used

RAWL is based on the private/public partnership created between itself and Rappahannock County. The county is obligated to fulfill the state requirement to provide care and shelter to all stray dogs for a limited period of time, and RAWL is committed to rescuing and re-homing these strays.

Within the delegation of responsibilities, Rappahannock County employs the animal control warden, provides and maintains an accessible kennel and office on county property, and pays RAWL a fee to operate the facility. From that point, RAWL assumes the balance of the responsibilities: staffing, management, daily care, supplies, veterinary trips, innoculations, arranging the reclaim of lost animals and coordinating adoptions.

RAWL has a hardworking staff of dedicated employees and can never have enough volunteers to assist in all aspects of its activities.