by Holly Weatherwax, Staff Writer
If you’ve visited Lake Anne Plaza in the past decade, chances are you’ve paused to watch the cats playing in the window of the Just Cats Clinic. More recently, you may have noticed the clinic’s expansion to the building (11401 North Shore Drive) that anchors the front of the parking lot.
Dr. Elizabeth Chapman, the clinic's owner and primary veterinarian, serves cats and their owners from all over the D.C. Metro area. She began her career at a feline clinic in Arlington, but after years of commuting from Reston, she realized many of her cli
ents were making the same commute from Reston and Herndon. Recognizing a local need for specialized feline care, she opened Just Cats Clinic in Reston. While many clients come from the immediate area, some travel from as far away as Winchester, Warrenton, and even Baltimore.
In the 10 years since opening her original location at Lake Anne Plaza, the practice has grown steadily. Dr. Chapman initially envisioned having three or four practitioners. Today, the clinic has six full-time veterinarians, including Dr. Chapman, and they are continually on the lookout for more doctors and staff who share their passion for feline care.
The original location, still under lease, is now used primarily for boarding and for the clinic's partnership with the Feline Foundation of Greater Washington, supporting local cat adoption efforts.
With a singular focus on cats, Just Cats Clinic strives to ensure a calming environment for both pets and owners. The clinic takes special care with the physical treatment of the cats and the atmosphere in which they’re treated. The new facility features large windows in every exam room, allowing natural light and a view of the outdoors to help keep the cats relaxed. The doctors dedicate extra time to each patient, conducting thorough exams and diagnostics.
Currently, the clinic performs about three surgeries per day. The new space is designed to accommodate more surgeries daily, with improved preparation and recovery areas for cats, though they are limited by available staff and doctors. In addition to regular services such as dental care and spay/neuter procedures, the clinic offers specialized treatments like acupuncture for pain management and arthritis, and laser therapy to reduce inflammation. The new facility also includes space for a complementary practice, featuring a reception area and two consultation rooms.
Dr. Chapman’s long-term vision for the clinic is to evolve into a 24-hour care facility for cats, offering services similar to those at the Hope Advanced Veterinary Center and VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center.
The Just Cats Clinic celebrated the grand opening of its new location with an Open House on Sept. 7. The event featured public tours of the examination suites, surgery rooms, dental suite, and cat condos for preparation and recovery. Attendees had the chance to make their own cat ears, play bean bag toss, use a photo booth, and enjoy snacks and cake.
Just Cats Clinic is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), meeting more than 900 standards for high-quality medical care and safety. They also are certified as a Cat Friendly Gold Standard clinic, ensuring the best possible care from the start to the end of each visit.
Dr. Chapman and her staff are thrilled about the clinic's expansion and look forward to continuing to care for the cats of Reston and beyond. "We’re excited about the new facility and are grateful for the incredible support from the Reston community!"
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit justcatsclinic.com.
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