PITTSTON — Bill Pambianco always wanted to open a pet store in Pittston.
He had the chance to do just that in 1985 when, along with his wife Michele, he opened the doors of The Pet Zone on Main Street, specializing in freshwater fish, birds, ponds and installations. In the early 90s, the business began offering saltwater fish.
The store, well received by pet lovers of the Greater Pittston area, has continued to grow and provide a valuable resource to customers.
In the mid 90s, Bill’s son, Bill Jr., about 7 years old at the time, took an interest in reptiles, and soon lizards and bearded dragons started appearing at the store.
In response to customer request, the business branched out to lizards and snakes, including Kingsnakes, Milksnakes and Cornsnakes.
In 2004, the store moved several blocks to Oak Street to a location that provided opportunity for growth.
The additional space made it possible to provide a special area entitled “the cave,” which is available for education and other events, including birthday parties.
The “cave” — described as a mini-zoo — features several venomous snakes and lizards, large fish and two American alligators, Buster and Cupcake.
The store also sponsors an open house about once a month to provide a chance for customers, especially younger customers, to become familiar with the animals it carries.
In the front of the store, a variety of bright fish are displayed in large aquariums.
In another area of the store, snakes and reptiles are displayed in well-kept habitats.
The store doesn’t offer dogs and cats, but does sell dog and cat supplies, with staff available to answer questions about them.
Bill Pambianco Jr., who now works besides his father and shares his love for animals, said youngsters often take to a variety of potential pets.
Both father and son said, for those who are squeamish about some of the more unusual ones, education is the key.
For example, snakes can be quite friendly and most are not poisonous.
The benefit of being a small, family owned and operated business, Bill Sr. said, is that it provides a chance to develop relationships with customers.
Not only does the business provide pets and supplies, but the Pambiancos also offer advice on how to make it possible for those pets to live a healthy and happy life.
The store carries products for dogs, cats, rabbit, hamsters, snakes, lizards, Stillwater and freshwater fish and other pets, including pigs.
Pambianco Jr. an expert on reptiles, is always on hand to provide information about reptile and reptile supplies.
The Pambiancos said being named as a “Best of Greater Pittston” business reflects their positive relationships with the community they serve.
