A group of eight animal-loving residents of Hot Springs Village gathered together to form an Arkansas nonprofit animal welfare corporation in 1991. Initially, the organization provided volunteers and small amounts of funds to help the Property Owners Association Animal Control, but later grew into a vibrant rescue group. In 2013 the League expanded its mission to reflect its enhanced presence in the Village and surrounding areas. As a result, AWL, as a No-Kill, has multiple programs to help homeless animals in need of care and love as well as those humans who value and love companion animals.