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A Northern Virginia café that began as a small wine, beer and cheese shop has grown into a regional restaurant network closely connected to an animal rescue that finds homes for thousands of dogs and cats.
Ross Underwood and Pam McAlwee opened the first Lost Dog Café in Arlington’s Westover neighborhood in 1985. The casual restaurant developed a loyal following with its pizzas, sandwiches, salads and craft beer selection.
The business later expanded to McLean, Dunn Loring and Alexandria. Its restaurants are known for an informal, dog-friendly atmosphere, with some locations offering outdoor seating for customers accompanied by well-behaved pets.
Underwood and McAlwee founded the nonprofit Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in 2001, formalizing rescue work that had started with a small number of shelter dogs. Its mission is to move homeless pets into loving homes while working toward a future without neglected, abused or homeless animals.
The foundation operates the 63-acre Lost Dog Ranch in Sumerduck, where rescued dogs can exercise, socialize and prepare for adoption. A Rescue Care Center in Falls Church supports animal intake, care and adoptions.
Volunteer foster families house many of the animals while they await permanent homes. The organization also holds weekly adoption events at area PetSmart and Petco stores, contributing to more than 2,000 adoptions in some years.
Its adoption process includes same-day placements and trial periods intended to help animals and families adjust. Through the “Dogventures” program, volunteers can take adoptable dogs on walks, hikes, meals and other outings that provide socialization and greater community exposure.
The cafés support the rescue mission through fundraising, public awareness and community partnerships. Employees, volunteers and customers also participate in adoption events, charitable campaigns and animal-welfare outreach.
The restaurant business has faced setbacks. A Columbia Pike location closed in late 2025 after declining sales during construction disruptions. The remaining cafés continue operating in Westover, McLean, Dunn Loring and Alexandria, maintaining a connection between neighborhood dining and the rescue work that grew alongside it.