After announcing its impending closure last month, The Dog Store on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray has had its lease extended to January.
Owner Paul Haire confirmed to ALXnow that Ray Mahmood, the new owner of 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue, extended the pet shop’s lease to Jan. 6, 2027. Even though his rent is going up significantly, Haire credited former Mayor Bill Euille and Del Ray Business Association members Gayle Reuter and Bill Blackburn with convincing Mahmood to extend the lease.
“They called me and said, ‘Can we do anything?'” Haire said. “I said, not unless you can talk to Ray [Mahmood]. And so they went and talked to Ray.”
On social media on July 27, Haire wrote, “We are happy to announce that The Dog Store will remain open at least through the end of the year! Your dog’s favorite store is still waiting on you!”
Euille said he’s known Mahmood for decades and had no problem reaching out. The details of the building sale have not yet been released. Mahmood also owns multiple commercial properties and blocks on Mount Vernon Avenue through his real estate firm Potomac West Realty.
“Paul is a dear friend, and I’ve known Ray for many, many years,” Euille said. “It was easy to make contact with Ray to stress how important this was not only for Paul but for all of Del Ray and for me personally, as well.”
The Dog Store has been on Mount Vernon Avenue since 2014. In 2024, the Del Ray Business Association awarded the store its Heart of Del Ray award. Last year, Haire opened a second location in the Belle View Shopping Center in Fairfax County.
Haire is looking for a new storefront in Del Ray but says there’s not a lot available or affordable.
“Staying in Del Ray isn’t cheap, and it’s extremely difficult finding a new space,” he said.
If he can’t find a new space by the time his lease expires in January, Haire plans on moving the operation to his dog boarding facility Your Dog’s Best Friends at 2000 Richmond Highway.
