FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From the Ashes in Matawan to a New Beginning in Audubon: Garden State Pet Center Celebrates Resilience and Community

Eight years in business, four years since rebuilding—anniversary celebration runs November 13–15, 2026

AUDUBON, NJ — Garden State Pet Center will host its fourth anniversary sale and celebration November 13–15, 2026, at 226 S. White Horse Pike in Audubon. Featuring special savings, a prize wheel, basket raffles, brand demonstrations, refreshments, and animal rescue participation, the event celebrates four years since rebuilding in a new location—and eight years of serving pets and their families.

For owner Victor Santucci Jr., the anniversary represents a journey that began with Feather Fabulous Birds in Matawan in 2018. In April 2022, a devastating fire destroyed that store, bringing an abrupt end to a place built through years of dedication to animals and their owners.

Later that year, Santucci started again. Garden State Pet Center opened in Audubon in November 2022, carrying forward the original business’s passion for animal care while expanding its focus to serve a broader community of pet families.

“Eight years ago, we started with a passion for animals and a commitment to helping the people who love them,” said Santucci, owner and Certified Clinical Pet Nutritionist. “The fire changed our path, but it did not take away that purpose. This November marks four years since we rebuilt in Audubon, and we would not be here without the people who believed in us and supported our new beginning.”

A Community Helped Make the Next Chapter Possible

The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize longtime customers who remained connected after the fire, South Jersey neighbors who welcomed the new store, vendor partners who supported the rebuilding effort, and the team members who help serve customers every day.

“Every visit, recommendation, purchase, and word of encouragement has mattered,” Santucci said. “To our customers, community, team, and vendor partners: thank you for helping us rebuild more than a business. You helped us rebuild hope.”

Today, Garden State Pet Center offers dog and cat food, treats, supplements, pet supplies, birds, reptiles, and small animals. Its focus on holistic pet nutrition includes raw, freeze-dried, and gently cooked food options, supported by personalized guidance and customer education.

The store also provides grooming and boarding for birds, reptiles, and small mammals, along with avian testing services. Community involvement includes support for animal rescue organizations and local police K9 programs.

Three Days of Savings and Celebration

The November 13–15 anniversary event will bring customers, vendor partners, and rescue organizations together for shopping, education, and celebration. Planned activities include:

• Special anniversary discounts and brand promotions.

• A customer prize wheel and basket raffles.

• Brand demonstrations and pet care education.

• Animal rescue participation and information.

• Food, drinks, and additional activities.

Specific offers, participating brands, rescue organizations, and activity schedules will be announced through the store’s website and social media channels as details are finalized.

The celebration also highlights the relationships at the heart of independent pet retail: customers who turn to familiar faces for guidance, vendor partners who help stores educate pet owners, and local businesses that give back to the communities supporting them.

“We want this weekend to be a celebration of everyone who helped us reach this milestone,” Santucci said. “Whether you knew us in Matawan, discovered us in Audubon, or are visiting for the first time, we would love for you to join us.”

Event Details
Garden State Pet Center Fourth Anniversary Sale & Celebration
November 13–15, 2026
226 S. White Horse Pike
Audubon, NJ 08106
Event updates: www.GardenStatePetCenter.com

About Garden State Pet Center
Garden State Pet Center is an independent pet store in Audubon, New Jersey, owned by Certified Clinical Pet Nutritionist Victor Santucci Jr. The business began as Feather Fabulous Birds in Matawan in 2018. Following a devastating fire in April 2022, Santucci rebuilt in a new location, opening Garden State Pet Center in November 2022. The store focuses on holistic pet nutrition, personalized service, customer education, and products and services for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals.

Media Contact
Victor Santucci Jr.
Owner | Certified Clinical Pet Nutritionist
Garden State Pet Center
Phone: 856-617-6871
Website: www.GardenStatePetCenter.com

Interviews and photos documenting the Matawan store and the Audubon location are available upon request.