Alaqua Animal Refuge

Alaqua Animal Refuge Alaqua is the Southeast’s premier no-kill 501(c)3 animal refuge and sanctuary located in Freeport, FL Alaqua’s new home isn’t just for animals.
(1999)

OUR WORK
A recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy, Alaqua has become the “go-to” organization to help animals of all kinds including from domestic, exotic, farm, and equine. Committed to providing shelter, safety, and care to all types of animals in need, we also offer an adoption center, on-site veterinary services, educational outreach, and community progra

ms that extend far beyond our geographic location. Initially providing shelter to 38 animals, Alaqua has placed tens of thousands of animals into loving homes and environments and helped countless others through partnerships and community outreach. Alaqua’s work has been recognized nationally through National Geographic and their Nat Geo WILD TV series “Animal PD,” highlighting Alaqua and their unique partnership law enforcement agencies in removing animals from situations such as abuse, neglect, hoarding, puppy mills, and dog fighting rings. Additionally, Alaqua has been featured on the Hallmark Channel’s TV series “Tails of Joy” and the CW Channel’s “To the Rescue” series; has been covered by multiple media outlets including VIE Magazine, Thrive Global, Nashville Live Radio, 30A Review, Portfolio Magazine, VIP Destin Magazine; and most recently, Alaqua Founder Laurie Hood launched “Animal Passion” – a podcast series to spotlight different makers across the globe who have dedicated themselves to protecting animals’ rights and their overall safety and well-being. OUR NEW HOME
Alaqua is in the midst of relocating and building a one-of-a-kind shelter and sanctuary—the first in the United States—on 100 acres of donated land. The new facility increases the Refuge’s sheer land space tenfold where we will have the ability to serve more animals, conduct safe educational tours, host larger community educational programs, and provide an educational and training center for animal welfare advocates were people from all over the country and world can come to visit and learn from us. During the practice of healing thousands of abandoned and abused animals, we realized that we could also help people through the powerful effects that interactions with animals have on the human spirit and body. Alaqua is destined to become a place like no other in the country, transforming the shape and social culture of animal refuges and sanctuaries in Northwest Florida, our country, and around the globe. Our new home redefines “sanctuary” for animals and people alike, and will represent a renewal of life, a restored hope, and a second chance for all. We will continue all of the important work that is done now but will also be a destination and a place to inspire, empower, and educate others to make change in our society. FUNDING
As a non-profit organization, Alaqua operates solely on funds that are raised through private donations and fundraising. Currently, our organization does not receive any state or federal funding for any our services, programs, or staffing. We are ever thankful and fortunate to have a community of supporters and volunteers that are constantly going the extra mile and putting in countless hours throughout the year to help us with our efforts.

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} The love from an animal is unconditional and unmatched. Come by and find the connection that will chan...
08/29/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} The love from an animal is unconditional and unmatched. Come by and find the connection that will change your life for the better. We are grateful for your support and visits. Together, we shape a brighter future for shelter animals.

We are open Tuesday through Sunday, 11-4pm.

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} What an incredible day at the refuge! We had lots of adoptions, three lucky dogs headed out for a Dogg...
08/28/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} What an incredible day at the refuge! We had lots of adoptions, three lucky dogs headed out for a Doggy Day Out, and so many visitors stopped by with smiles, pets, and plenty of love to share. Days like this are exactly what we hope for—busy, happy, and full of animals getting the attention and second chances they deserve. We’re so grateful for everyone who made today such a special one!

Come visit us Tuesday through Sunday 11-4!

“You are our only hope.”Those were the words in a plea for help we received yesterday.In rural Alabama, a woman was livi...
08/28/2026

“You are our only hope.”

Those were the words in a plea for help we received yesterday.

In rural Alabama, a woman was living in a 22-foot travel trailer with no electricity or running water. Inside with her were 12 large dogs and 24 cats. None had ever been outside.

The dogs were tethered inside, many covered in wounds from fighting in such a confined space. Twenty-four cats lived in the bathroom. It had become too dangerous to even open the door, so food and water were being pushed underneath it.

A local advocate had spent months trying to help. She brought food. She sought help from local and national organizations. The county simply did not have the resources to handle a crisis of this magnitude.

Eventually, officials needed to intervene for the woman’s safety. But what would happen to the animals? There was nowhere for them to go. Until the call reached Alaqua.

We knew these animals might be severely traumatized. We knew some might be difficult, or even impossible, to rehabilitate. We knew saying yes could mean months of medical care, behavioral work and expense - or seeing animals who were too far gone to save.

But we also knew something else: We could not know they were there and do nothing. So we went.

Today, 36 animals are safe. They are frightened, shut down and covered in the evidence of what they have endured. Even grass, fresh air and open space are foreign to them. We don't know what the outcome will be for every one of them, but we are going to give each one a chance.

And this is about more than one rescue. Across rural communities, shelters, animal control agencies, law enforcement and advocates are overwhelmed and under-resourced. People care deeply, but too often there is simply nowhere left to turn. Increasingly, Alaqua is becoming the call made when every other option has been exhausted.

There was no grant waiting for these 36 animals. No funding attached to the plea for help. There was simply a choice:
Do we go, or do we leave them behind? We went.

If you believe, as we do, that knowing means we have a responsibility to act, please help us continue to be the place that can say YES when there is nowhere else to turn.

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/brewtonal-neglectcase

{Foster Friday}Meet Arlo, a sweet, affectionate, and goofy new tri-pod who loves being near his people. At 8 months old ...
08/28/2026

{Foster Friday}

Meet Arlo, a sweet, affectionate, and goofy new tri-pod who loves being near his people. At 8 months old and over 70 pounds, his favorite things are snuggling, belly rubs, and chewing on his favorite bones and toys.

Arlo is recovering well from surgery and is adjusting impressively to life on three legs. He can walk and even run short distances, but he tires more quickly and needs plenty of rest. Because of this, a single-level home would be ideal. He can manage a few steps going up, but going downstairs is difficult for him, so his adopter will need to be mindful of his mobility.

Arlo is still working on house-training and will need continued patience and consistency. He does well on a leash and in the car and settles into his crate with some encouragement and a good chew toy. He is comfortable with gentle handling and loves attention.

Arlo is a wonderful companion with a big heart. He would thrive with someone who wants a loving, snuggly dog and is willing to give him the patience and care he needs as he continues to heal and build his strength.

Interested in adopting this amazing boy? Click here to apply:

https://alaqua.org/adopt/find-a-pet/dogs-puppies/ &page=shelterluv_wrap_1602782408758%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2FALAQ-A-43962

Spend your fall Saturday at Alaqua's Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Festival presented by Cafe Thirty-A! 🎶🍂Join us on Saturda...
08/28/2026

Spend your fall Saturday at Alaqua's Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Festival presented by Cafe Thirty-A! 🎶🍂

Join us on Saturday, November 14, for a day filled with live bluegrass music, family-friendly fun, local vendors, delicious food, and unforgettable moments at the Refuge. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season while supporting the animals who call Alaqua home.

Thank you to our event sponsors:
Presenting - Cafe Thirty-A
Main Stage - Mercantile ~ Seaside, FL
Signature - The Crane Center McNeese Title, LLC, The Rosemary Beach Inn
Community - First Security Bank Santa Rosa Beach
Media - Hobbs Plumbing Inc., Authentic Walton, HWY 331, Grayton Beer Company

Visit https://secure.givelively.org/event/alaqua-animal-refuge-inc/animore-weekend-2026-bluegrass-barn-jam-fall-fest to purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} The rain may have made for a gloomy day, but it couldn’t take away from the joy of seeing our animals ...
08/27/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} The rain may have made for a gloomy day, but it couldn’t take away from the joy of seeing our animals find their forever homes. Every adoption marks the beginning of a beautiful new chapter and reminds us why these moments mean so much. We’re incredibly grateful to every family who opens their heart and home to an animal in need.

Come visit us Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

Leave a legacy that lasts for years to come. 💚Honor a beloved pet, celebrate someone special, or commemorate an importan...
08/27/2026

Leave a legacy that lasts for years to come. 💚

Honor a beloved pet, celebrate someone special, or commemorate an important milestone with a personalized brick at Alaqua Animal Refuge. Every engraved brick helps support the animals who need us most.

Learn more and reserve your brick: http://bricksrus.com/donorsite/Alaqua

Some days are meant to be remembered. Spend November 14 at Alaqua’s Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Festival presented by Cafe...
08/26/2026

Some days are meant to be remembered. Spend November 14 at Alaqua’s Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Festival presented by Cafe Thirty-A, where the sounds of live bluegrass mix with laughter, family fun, good food, and the beauty of the Refuge. 🎶💚

Dance along to the music, let the kids run through the fall activities, meet some of Alaqua’s animal residents, explore the trails, and make memories together.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Visit https://secure.givelively.org/event/alaqua-animal-refuge-inc/animore-weekend-2026-bluegrass-barn-jam-fall-fest to grab your tickets or become a sponsor.

Thank you to our event sponsors:
Presenting - Cafe Thirty-A
Main Stage - Mercantile ~ Seaside, FL
Signature - The Crane Center, McNeese Title, LLC, The Rosemary Beach Inn
Community - First Security Bank Santa Rosa Beach
Media - Hobbs Plumbing Inc., Authentic Walton, HWY 331, Grayton Beer Company

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} After all the work that went into getting our new bunny bungalow ready, today was finally the day we c...
08/26/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} After all the work that went into getting our new bunny bungalow ready, today was finally the day we could let the residents loose!

The gates opened and suddenly we had a whole lot of little noses, twitchy whiskers, and very busy feet investigating their new surroundings.

We even got some of the other animals to join in the celebration with their own pair of bunny ears!

This project truly took a community to make happen and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part.

Come visit them Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

Address

155 Dugas Way
Freeport, FL
32439

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+18508806399

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Alaqua Animal Refuge posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Alaqua Animal Refuge:

Shortcuts

Share