Table of Contents
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Dog Store is closing its storefront at 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray at the end of June, the business announced, citing circumstances beyond its control. The last day of in-store sales at the Mount Vernon Avenue location will be Saturday, June 27.
In a letter to customers signed by owner Paul Haire, the business said it is temporarily moving off the Avenue but intends to return. "Rest assured that as soon as we can find a suitable location, we will fully reopen on the Avenue," the letter reads.
In the meantime, customers can continue to shop and place special orders by phone at 703-685-9166 or online at thedogstore.com. The business also has a Belle View location at 1612A Belle View Boulevard and a daycare facility at 2000 Richmond Highway. Free delivery will be available.
The Dog Store, which also operates Your Dog's Best Friends boarding and daycare, won the 2024 Heart of Del Ray Award from the Del Ray Business Association — a recognition determined by public vote for the business that best represents the heart and soul of the neighborhood. The business was among past winners that included Del Ray Farmers' Market, Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, and Taqueria Poblano.
The closure comes after a difficult stretch for the business. In July 2025, a then-employee, Kevin Malik Sanders, was arrested and charged with felony animal abuse following the death of a dog named Abigail at the Your Dog's Best Friends facility on Richmond Highway.
City property records show the 2301 Mt. Vernon Ave. building was previously owned by Haire, who transferred it to Matt Kasap in May 2022 for $0. The building is now held by K & B Management LLC, a Maryland-based entity. The roughly 4,600-square-foot mixed retail building, built in 1940, is assessed at $1.16 million.
