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.
(1996)

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.

Content Warning: The following references animal cruelty and neglect. Some images or details may be distressing.⸻In one ...
06/01/2026

Content Warning: The following references animal cruelty and neglect. Some images or details may be distressing.



In one of the most severe cruelty cases we’ve seen, Alaqua Animal Refuge has taken in 85 animals from a single property in Calhoun County with many found living in unimaginable conditions.

Dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, chickens, a horse, a donkey, and wolf hybrids were discovered malnourished, injured, and in urgent need of medical care. Tragically, not all survived. But for those who did, their second chance has begun.

One of those survivors, a pregnant shepherd mix now named Foxy, gave birth to nine puppies just days after rescue. Foxy and her puppies are now safe, cared for, and no longer forgotten.

This is the reality of animal welfare. And it’s why Alaqua must always be ready to respond; immediately and without hesitation when cases like this arise.

If you’ve ever wondered where your support goes, this is it.

Your donation ensures that when the next call comes—and it will—we are ready. 👉 https://secure.qgiv.com/for/calhouncrueltycase-2026

Together, we can turn moments of cruelty into stories of rescue, healing, and hope.

Today, we welcomed a sold out Puppies & Pilates class in Angel’s Arena, and what an incredible morning it was! 🧘‍♀️ 🐾 ...
05/31/2026

Today, we welcomed a sold out Puppies & Pilates class in Angel’s Arena, and what an incredible morning it was! 🧘‍♀️ 🐾 

A huge, thank you to our amazing instructor, Aly Gray of Chemical Fitness 30a, for donating her time, energy, and talent to make this event possible. The workout was definitely challenging, but every stretch, plank, and pose was made better by the adorable puppies running, playing, and stealing hearts all around us.

While participants worked hard, the puppies worked even harder! They nibbled ears, played tug-of-war, chased each other around the arena, greeted guests, and made sure everyone had plenty of puppy love throughout the class. It’s safe to stay they can completely stole the show!

The puppies will sleep well tonight … and we have a feeling the participants will too!

We were especially thrilled to see so many new faces at the refuge today. After class, many guests stayed to enjoy the live music of Rescue Me and spend time exploring everything Alaqua has to offer.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unique experience and helped make it such a memorable day. 

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} What a day at the refuge! Adoptions, amazing new friends, delicious bites from SOOSH Plus, Sunday Sess...
05/31/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} What a day at the refuge! Adoptions, amazing new friends, delicious bites from SOOSH Plus, Sunday Sessions brought it all. Thank you to everyone who came out, said yes to rescue, and made this day unforgettable.

Welcome to our Alaqua Adopter Family. Here's to second chances, good vibes, and the community that makes it all happen.

Come visit us Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

We had quite a few new visitors to Alaqua Animal Refuge today, and what a joy it was to welcome you!The best part? Some ...
05/30/2026

We had quite a few new visitors to Alaqua Animal Refuge today, and what a joy it was to welcome you!
The best part? Some of our favorite long-time cats found their forever homes—together, no less! And several wonderful dogs went home to new loving families who are already head-over-heels for them.
Days like this remind us why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who came out, opened their hearts, and said yes to rescue. Welcome to the Alaqua Adopter Family! 🐾💙

Love doesn’t end at adoption day—and neither do we. 🐶💜Alaqua’s new Lifelong Love Experience was created to give adopters...
05/30/2026

Love doesn’t end at adoption day—and neither do we. 🐶💜

Alaqua’s new Lifelong Love Experience was created to give adopters the tools, support, and peace of mind they need long after bringing a pet home. From wellness care to training help and trusted resources, we’re committed to keeping families together for life.

Your future best friend is waiting. Come experience adoption the Alaqua way.

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Beautiful day at the refuge. The sun is out, the animals are happy, and hope is in the air. Everyday i...
05/29/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Beautiful day at the refuge. The sun is out, the animals are happy, and hope is in the air. Everyday is a good day to find your forever friend.

Come visit us Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

Small items, big impact. 🛒From treats and toys to essential care supplies, every item on our Amazon Wishlist helps us ca...
05/29/2026

Small items, big impact. 🛒

From treats and toys to essential care supplies, every item on our Amazon Wishlist helps us care for the animals who call Alaqua home. Your generosity keeps tails wagging and hearts healing. Thank you for supporting their journey. Shop now at https://alaqua.org/how-to-help/wish-list/

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Every visit to the refuge holds the possibility of something truly special. A new friendship, a fresh ...
05/28/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Every visit to the refuge holds the possibility of something truly special. A new friendship, a fresh start, and a beautiful adventure could be waiting right around the corner!

Come visit us Tuesday through Sunday 11-4pm!

Alaqua Animal Refuge is looking for fosters for cats and kittens (and all types of animals)!  Its so rewarding to be abl...
05/28/2026

Alaqua Animal Refuge is looking for fosters for cats and kittens (and all types of animals)! Its so rewarding to be able to care for animals and literally save lives.

Fostering is easy, free (we supply everything), and rewarding!

Fill out an application here:
https://alaqua.org/how-to-help/foster-an-animal/

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Every day at Alaqua matters, whether it's filled with adoptions or just filled with care. Our team sho...
05/27/2026

{REFUGE ROUND-UP} Every day at Alaqua matters, whether it's filled with adoptions or just filled with care. Our team showed up, our animals were loved, and somewhere out there, the right family is getting closer.
Rainy days don't dim hope—they just give us time to hold it a little closer. 🐾💙
We are open 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

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