Alaqua Animal Refuge

Alaqua Animal Refuge believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need. Alaqua is a full-service animal adoption center serving as a peaceful, proactive animal welfare advocate through educational outreach and community programs. You can now watch Alaqua Animal Refuge in action on Animal PD, Saturday nights 9 pm Central on National Geo Wild. 

Alaqua Animal Refuge, an independent, nonprofit organization located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, advocates the general welfare and humane treatment of animals by providing shelter, adoption services and prevention of pet overpopulation.

Located down a winding gravel road on a picturesque, 10-acre farm in Freeport, Fla., once homeless, lost and abused animals run and play in sun-soaked pastures, swim in cool, clean ponds, relax on breezy screened porches and graze in lush, green fields.

Alaqua Animal Refuge was founded in 2007 by Walton County, Fla.-resident Laurie Hood when she discovered that countless animals were being euthanized due to the lack of a no-kill shelter/adoption organization in the area. Since that time, Alaqua Animal Refuge has helped find homes for thousands of animals. Currently, up to 100 animals are adopted per month from this unique shelter and adoption center, which serves as a true refuge for more than 250 animals at any given time.

Providing programs to the community is also central to Alaqua Animal Refuge’s mission. Since 2008, the shelter has offered S.N.A.P., the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program, providing low- or no-cost spay and neuter procedures to more than 2,000 animals per year. Alaqua staff and volunteers have helped find homes for more than 15,000 animals. 

The facility, which underwent an expansion in 2009 due to significant capital-focused grants, is comprised of several independent buildings, including barns for the equine center, multiple canine and cat cottages, two quarantine buildings and an infirmary. The facility will soon move to a 100-acre facility nearby, thanks to the generous donations and support of our community. 

Currently, it costs $80,000 per month to operate the refuge, which is entirely dependent upon private donations. Fund raising is a continual effort, with a focus on special events, memberships, planned giving and grants. Learn about their Rescuer Monthly Giving Program.

Moving forward, Alaqua Animal Refuge is positioned to further increase its services to include additional educational and community services through strategic and innovative outreach programs. The refuge will also continue to expand its role as a regional leader in animal-welfare advocacy.

As Alaqua grows and develops their facility and operations, they will adhere to our guiding purpose: To give neglected, lost and abandoned animals a chance at life.

Giving To Alaqua Animal Refuge

There are so many ways you can help Alaqua help the hundreds of homeless and abused animals that arrive at the animal refuge every year. From monetary gifts to time and talents, Alaqua truly appreciates every gift that helps them fulfill their worthy mission. You can also help by sponsoring an animal. There are endless opportunities to help, including fostering an animal. 

Alaqua Animal Refuge is open 7 days a week, except major holidays. Tours our given daily from 12 p, to 5 pm, everyday. Please note, the last tour starts at 4:30 pm.  To schedule a tour please call 850-880-6399. Please review the Alaqua Animal Refuge website for more information. You can also get real time updates by following them on Twitter or Facebook.