Shop History

The shop was started by Vincent "Vinny" Santomarco in 1978 when he purchased the building at 272 Bay Ridge Ave. It had previously been a notoriously loud & raunchy biker bar called the Snake Pit. After many modifications, including removal of the stripper pole and replacing the bar with a sales counter, the store was opened for business in the spring. The original business plan was to establish a place where he could surround himself and brother Harry with their favorite pastime, racing homing pigeons, and maybe make a few bucks to support that hobby. Not only did the pet shop become a place where local pigeon fanciers came to buy feed and have a cup of coffee, but they established themselves as a force to be reckoned with during the pigeon races. Pet Shop Loft flew racing pigeons from 1978-2004 and won hundreds of races. Offering little more than pigeon supplies Vinny's Pet Shop slowly began to integrate canaries, parakeets and a couple of dog & cat products into the mix.
Sadly in 1990, Vinny passed away. With sorrow and pride, Harry and his wife Carmela, took over operation of the business. Maintaining a friendly atmosphere and a growing selection of products the store began to prosper. It didn't take long for their youngest son, Mike, to begin to help manage the shop's daily operations while Harry occupied his time with his beloved pigeons. Unfortunately, like his brothers, Harry was taken from us far too young and passed on in 1992.
With son Mike and Carmela at the helm, the store continued to expand beyond pigeons and bird supplies. By annually increasing dog and cat products the store was flourishing.
"Little Mike," whom had always cherished weekends spent with his grandparents at the store, started helping out after school in 1998. And after a short stint away for school, he returned and assisted his grandma and uncle while attending college.
In 2005, the Santomarco's decided to sell the pre-1900s building and move a couple blocks west to the current location at 451 Bay Ridge Ave.
With the new building emerged a new approach, new products and new help. Son, brother and father, Frank joined the rest of the crew in 2006 after retiring from the commercial moving business.
The family takes a lot of pride in how the store began, where it is currently and is excited for the future. We are always humbled by the support of the community and strive to cater to your family's pet for life. It is gratifying to know we offer THE BEST food, supplements, supplies, advice and service in Brooklyn. We currently stock near 30 brands of cat food, over 25 dog foods and continue to keep a full line of bird supplies. In 2007 alone, we introduced 9 new foods including Raw Frozen foods. And just days into 2008 are proud to say our next 2 are already lined up.