Selmer's Pet Land – Huntington Landmark – Closes after 84 Years

By Samantha Carey

“Long Island’s Favorite Pet Store” has closed its doors, after 84 years of continuous business in Huntington.

Selmer’s Pet Land, on Jericho Turnpike, just off New York Avenue-Route 110, made the announcement of their closure of their small business in early December, and closed their doors forever on December 18th.

Selmer’s was founded in 1939. The Selmer family lived and grew up in Huntington, and founded the pet business to serve the then-growing community of Huntington and Huntington Station.

The population of the entire Town of Huntington was only 30,000 in 1939, when the Selmer family founded their pet store. That population would more than double to 60,000 in the next 12 years, and rise to over 200,000 by 1970.

What started as a small selection of pets and pet supplies and dog and bird breeding, became a long-standing family business and a community landmark. Thousands of local families and children adopted their puppies, dogs, kittens and cats from Selmer’s.   

They sold birds, fish, puppies, reptiles, small animals, grooming, and supplies to the Long Island area. They were also awarded First Place as “Long Island’s Best Pet Store” for six years in a row. 

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances and the difficulties of being a small business, we have had to make the difficult decision to close our doors,” stated the Selmer family. “We want to express our deepest gratitude for your loyalty and support throughout our 84 years open on the island.”

Even after closing, the Selmer family promised that the “beloved pets” still at the store will still be cared for – “until they find their forever homes.”