Shop Mom and Pop: The Backbone of the Community

It should be evident that the post pandemic era has crushed local businesses all across our beautiful island. Combined with the onslaught of E-commerce, the Mom and Pop shops that built our communities, continue to be challenged. Thank goodness, there is a shimmering light, as many continue to muster up the strength to keep fighting for their place in local markets.

Selmer’s Petland has been Long Island’s favorite pet destination for eighty-two years, making them the oldest family-owned of its kind in the U.S. It all began when Bruno and Helen Selmer moved to Huntington, into a small house on two-lane, Jericho Turnpike. In 1941, Bruno decided to enclose the front porch of their home and start selling a small selection of pets and supplies. He even renovated the garage and created a space for breeding dogs and birds too.

After World War II, families began to migrate to Long Island and as communities grew, so went the demand for Selmer’s Petland. Before long, Selmer’s added another building to the front and side of the house. As business flourished from the Long Island boom, Selmer’s became known for carrying the finest and healthiest pets and supplies around.

Today, owner Al Selmer (son of Bruno and Helen), along with his daughter Jessica, take pride in carrying the traditions of this successful family-owned business. “As the headquarters for all things pet-related, we enjoy serving and meeting the needs of our customers. Our three floors are fully stocked with merchandise that is designed to meet the demand of both our live-stock and supplies,” says Al.

After 80 years of serving customers in Nassau and Suffolk County, Selmer’s has become the most trusted source in the business. Whether you are coming in to add a new member to your family, or visiting to shop for food and supplies, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Selmer’s is eager to please. From the finest birds, fish, puppies, reptiles, and small animals to the best grooming services, supplies and more, Selmer’s will not disappoint.

Selmer’s has a wide selection of American Kennel Club, American Canine Association as well as designer crossbreeds, all of which come from legitimate breeders. You can be assured that the staff at Selmer’s has been professionally trained in pet socialization and provide daily exercise routines to keep their pets in excellent health. This includes grooming and health checks to ensure the well-being of all dogs. To be sure you get your new puppy off on the right track, Selmer’s partners with licensed veterinarians and offers full packages to make certain that your puppy gets the proper care from the very beginning.

Selmer’s carries just about every kind of pet imaginable including outdoor and indoor freshwater and aquarium fish, hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, mice and gerbils. If you are looking to bring more thrill and excitement into your life, you can check out their full floor of reptiles: snakes, bearded dragons, lizards, iguanas, chameleons, geckos, tortoises, frogs and more.

So, it is likely that Selmer’s Petland served your grandparents and now it is your turn. Awarded Long Island’s First Place-Best Pet Store six years in a row, at Selmer’s, they are committed to serving families across Long Island and are here to assist you in finding the perfect family pet.