In 2023, approximately 356,000 stray cats and dogs entered shelters in Florida alone. Nationwide, the number of stray animals has soared to more than 70 million — nearly equaling the population of owned pets.
Although the exact figure remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the number is staggering. In the early 2000s, Walton County faced an even more significant challenge — there was no safe haven for these animals at all.
That is, until Alaqua Animal Refuge began. What started as a 10-acre facility nearly two decades ago has expanded into an incredible 100-acre refuge that houses hundreds of animals of all species, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, bunnies, emus and more. For some, it feels like Alaqua has always been a staple of our community, but like anything, it took time to evolve into what it is today.
The story of Alaqua starts with Laurie Hood, a Freeport native and animal lover who serendipitously happened to live on a back road that was a popular spot for people to “dump” their animals. In other words, people would frequently drive to her street, let a dog or cat out and drive away. Hood and her neighbors noticed the pattern and helped as much as possible by either adopting the animals themselves or trying to find a good facility for them. Unfortunately, this proved more challenging than anticipated. In the early days, Walton County did not have a proper shelter for lost animals, so the primary option was to drive them to holding facilities or places where the animals would be taken for up to seven days until they were claimed. If an animal was not claimed after seven days, it was often euthanized to make room for more.
Upset by this discovery, Hood decided to take things into her own hands. At first, she would take in and try to find homes for as many animals as she could from her own home, but as things grew, she decided it was time to build a proper shelter.
“I had to say ‘no’ more than I could say ‘yes,’ and so I decided I had to get going quick,” she remembered.
All photos courtesy Alaqua Animal Refuge 
She and her husband purchased 10 acres across the street and, after county approval, began building the shelter themselves. With the help of one other volunteer, they created the first cages on their own.
“I tried to make them as nice as I could, but those early days were tough,” she said.
As they grew, they began to accept not only cats and dogs but also other farm animals, some with complex backgrounds. In fact, Hood said, almost all farm animals at Alaqua were once victims of animal cruelty. Seeing these animals’ conditions as they came in, Hood tried to submit reports to local law enforcement. Officers informed them of the difficulty of prosecuting animal abuse cases and suggested they work together to develop a better system. Using her experience, Hood hosted a training event where she taught local animal control, law enforcement and 170 prosecutors across four counties what they needed to arrest perpetrators. Through this work, Alaqua was able to set the standard on the importance of these cases and why they need to be prosecuted.
“If you can get a charge against them on an animal, you might be able to prevent it from happening to a human. It’s always more than just one case,” she offered.
While things were rapidly growing, so were the vet bills. As a result, fundraising efforts began. Foreseeing their expansion needs, Alaqua acquired 100 acres about eight years ago and started slowly building their new facility. Given the importance of providing the best environment possible for the animals, they had to wait until the right moment to relocate the animals and open their doors. Eventually, and entirely through donations, they built several facilities on the property. In 2023, the Jumonville Family Welcome Center opened its doors.
Moving so many animals is a huge undertaking, but it was well worth it. A small city itself, Alaqua Animal Refuge has a comfortable place for any type of animal you can think of. Each is well taken care of with more than 400 active volunteers, including a veterinarian who lives on the property in a fully operational clinic.
Aside from the welcome center and the vet clinic, Alaqua offers a Cat Courtyard & Cafe, Puppy Condos, Dog Adoption Center, Barnyard Friends, Quarantine Houses and cottages for visitors and volunteers. However, they aren’t finished yet. Soon, they will also have an aviary, and they have exciting future updates planned to use their land to its maximum potential.
You don’t have to be looking for an animal to visit Alaqua; in fact, it is open to visitors daily. Having experienced dark and dreary shelters in the past, it was important to Hood that they create a welcoming environment for people and animals.
“I wanted to make a place where the animals were happy, and you could come even if you weren’t adopting a pet,” Hood said. “A happy place, a heaven on earth for animals.”
And, they achieved just that. We visited the property during their annual Fall Fest, a busy day with live music and autumn-centric activities for both people and animals. Despite the hustle and bustle, Stacey Salatich took the time to meet and give us a tour of the refuge. Salatich began at Alaqua as a dog walker, one of the many tasks volunteers can help with. After falling in love with two dogs and the refuge itself, she committed herself to being the director of philanthropy.
Salatich discussed Alaqua’s fundraising efforts to keep the doors open. Aside from Fall Fest, Alaqua also has a bluegrass festival, Christmas activities, the annual 100 Point and Cult Wine Dinner and several smaller events throughout the year. All proceeds benefit the refuge, with updates shared on their social media.
From its inception, it’s clear that Alaqua was what the community needed, and over the years, it has been well-received and supported by Walton County residents and beyond. Even the smallest donation helps them and the many smaller businesses they support. Through grant partnerships and working with non-profits like Greater Good Charities, they are able to provide food and supplies to any shelter that wishes to apply.
It’s not a competition,” Hood said. “We just need to empower one another.” | alaqua.org
