A “membership-first” veterinary practice opened its doors in McLean for the first time today (Monday).
Transparency and convenience are the ideas behind Small Door Veterinary, which settled on Chesterbrook Shopping Center for its first Virginia location.
“With state-of-the-art facilities, after-hours telemedicine and transparent pricing — no surprise bills — our members can access seamless, stress-free pet care at every step,” Small Door co-founder and CEO Florent Peyre said.
Founded by Peyre, Josh Guttman and Dr. Jamie Richardson, now the company’s head of veterinary medicine, Small Door began with a practice in New York City’s West Village and now has 12 locations in New York, Boston and the D.C. area.
An Old Town Alexandria location was also reported to be in the works, though it’s unclear when that will open.
A Small Door public relations representative now tells FFXnow that the site is “still being considered, but not imminent.”
Initially announced in 2023 and expected to launch last year, the McLean practice is led by Dr. Victoria Hensel, who obtained her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London, according to a press release.
At all of its locations, Small Door offers a variety of veterinary options, ranging from preventative care to surgery, nutritional services and pet behavioral consultations.
But its biggest draw — in comparison to traditional vets — is its membership option. While anyone can book an appointment, customers who become members receive a free annual exam for their pet, priority appointment bookings and access to 24/7 telehealth services.
Memberships cost $179 annually, with a discount of $149 for the first year.
“Our modern, personalized approach to veterinary care aligns perfectly with this community’s needs,” Peyre said. “We’re excited to provide McLean’s pets and pet owners with a warm, convenient, and high-quality veterinary experience.”
Located at 6224C Old Dominion Drive, Small Door is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Small Door is the latest addition to the shopping center, which currently features the likes of Safeway, Starbucks and Call Your Mother Deli, among others. The restaurant Sorn Thai and custom picture framing store Framebridge also opened at Chesterbrook earlier this year.
Also ahead for the shopping center is Sassanova, a women’s clothing store that was slated to open in the first quarter of 2025 but appears to have missed that target. It will be located next to fellow fashion boutique Apricot Lane.
There are indications that Sweetgreen is planning to open a location at Chesterbrook, but neither the restaurant nor the shopping center’s property owner have confirmed a lease. The fast-casual eatery asked Fairfax County late last year whether the former Truist Bank’s drive aisle could be used as a pick-up lane, and plans for a renovation of the building were submitted to the county in early May.
