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Neil Padron of Petland Discounts Dies at Age 74

Pet Age Staff//January 16, 2019//

Neil Padron of Petland Discounts Dies at Age 74

Pet Age Staff //January 16, 2019//

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Press release: Petland Discounts

New York pet store Icon Neil Padron, owner and founder of Petland Discounts, has passed away at 74 years of age after his battle with bladder cancer.

Neil was the pioneer of the largest privately owned pet store chain in the New York Tri-state area and at its peak had 118 locations. Petland Discounts began in September 1965, when Neil opened his first store in Queens. Its name was originally used as a concept of a tropical fish store, selling various aquatic merchandise. The company now offers a full line of pet supplies, as well as live fish, birds, small animals and reptiles.

Neil has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for North Shore Animal League, The Humane Society and other smaller shelters. He was an original outlet for being a huge help with animal adoptions. The company had just celebrated its 54th year in business. Neil was a well-known fixture in the Tri-state area, often recognized for his years of self-featured commercials. Slogans most recognized would be “Petland Discounts, At Petland we care” (late 1980s–early 1990s) and “Petland Discounts, For the best care a pet can get” (Early 1990s–2000s).

He is survived by his wife Joan and daughters Amy and Lisa. Donations can be made to Memorial Sloan’s Kettering in his name. He will be missed.