Facing Eviction, Veterinarian Posts Notice to Help Ex-Customers Obtain Records

Local veterinarian Messaoud Nezar, the owner of Westfields Animal Hospital, has posted a notice on the front door of his closed clinic, leaving instructions on how former customers can obtain records for their pets.

The records have been transferred to an acquaintance of Nezar and customers can call (703) 222-0818 to retrieve them, according to the sign. The sign also said Nezar was closing the business.

Susan Jones, branch chief of the county’s Consumer Affairs Department, said the county has also been advised that Nezar was routing clients through the acquaintance. The county has no complaints on file against Nezar, Jones said.

The veterinary records, which last week were clearly visible through the front window of the clinic at the Sully Station Shopping Center, have all been removed. Miscellaneous veterinary and office equipment were still inside the clinic and could be seen through the window on Thursday.

Nezar had been negotiating with his landlord, JBG Rosenfeld Retail, of Chevy Chase, Md., for an extension to Friday’s eviction deadline. Neither Nezar nor representatives for the landlord returned calls for comment. However, shop keepers on either side of the clinic on Thursday said they had not seen the veterinarian in recent days.

The closing of the vet clinic represents a sad ending for the business, which has been a longtime fixture in the community. It was established about 30 years ago by previous owners; Nezar has owned the animal hospital for the past five years.

Nezar fell behind in rent because he left the country in June to care for his sick mother and became ill himself while overseas. His three-month absence created a crisis for the business, which closed in late July under the weight of mounting unpaid bills. Nazar had just returned to this country last week.