Loyal Companion Closing 11 VA, DC Stores After Bankruptcy Filing

VIRGINIA ? The Loyal Companion pet store chain will close all 11 locations in Virginia and Washington, D.C., by the end of the month after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week.

Loyal Companion operates stores in several East Coast states, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.

The chain's Virginia stores include locations in Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington, Fairfax, Vienna, Herndon and Ashburn.

"With a heavy heart, we want to inform you that we've made the tough decision to close our Loyal Companion stores. We have loved serving the community and supporting you on your pet wellness journey," the company said in an announcement this week. "Our stores will be open through the end of February. We will be offering liquidation discounts and we encourage you to take advantage of these great offers to get all the supplies you need."

Closing stores started inventory liquidation Feb. 3 continuing into late February, the company said.

"For those stores that are closing, and for markets we will no longer serve, we will do everything possible to try to find buyers for these locations so our pet parents can continue to be served," a news release said.

Loyal Companion's parent company, Independent Pet Partners, operates stores in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois under the Chuck & Don?s and Kriser?s names, and those will remain open, according to the bankruptcy filing.

The Loyal Companion brand is offering a FAQ for customers who have purchased services from the store, like pet grooming.