Pets fill our lives with more joy than we can wag a tail at. Our dogs treat us like heroes when we walk in the door, even if our workday leaves us feeling like zeroes. Cats have a reputation for being aloof, but your kitty’s sweet purrs and nightly lap snuggles prove otherwise.
Yet, sometimes, life takes us elsewhere — and we can’t bring our pets. Maybe you landed a new job that requires longer hours and doesn’t leave time for you to circle home for a lunch break walk and cuddle. Or, perhaps you’re headed over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house, except she’s allergic to all things furry.
These times call for pet care — but you want more than a professional who can pass a sniff test. You want someone who can meet the tall task of (nearly) filling your shoes. When it comes to pet care on the North Fork, these pros walk the talk.
North Fork Pet Sitting, 631-377-0317
Arthur and Judy McCleery’s pet-sitting journey began as a favor, when they watched a friend’s lab named Cody in 2011. Their friends dropped them another line a decade later, when a puppy named Nell needed a place to stay for three weeks. The long-time dog parents didn’t hesitate to say yes. As they watched Nell play with their pack, the McCleerys got inspired — what if they regularly opened their doors to dogs? Since 2022, that’s precisely what they’ve done. Additionally, the pair makes house visits up to three times per day for dogs, cats and even small caged animals like bunnies and guinea pigs.
Dog Town NY, 40385 County Road 48, Southold, 631-765-8844
Dogs can indeed go to town at this multi-purpose spot in Southold. Grooming, daycare and training services are among the offerings to wag a tail at — and if your skittish pup doesn’t consider a manicure “pampering,” seasoned professionals are there with gentle hands. Team members can also provide in-home care. They also say, “we do” to accompany you and your dog to special events, like wedding photo shoots and ceremonies.
Posh Paws and Pads, 516-448-3663
Posh Paws and Pads offers elevated services — literally and figuratively. Let’s start with the latter. Deanna Andes is a certified professional pet sitter (CPPS), which requires people to attend annual classes on topics like behaviors, first aid, parasites, safety and first aid. It gives peace of mind to pet parents put off by the lack of industry regulation for pet sitters. Literally, Posh Paws and Pads members offer in-flight nanny services, such as for newly-bought or adopted pets who need to take flight before reaching their final destination: Your home. Wedding night and pet-sitting services are also available. Posh Paws and Pads services are available from Batting Hollow to Mattituck.
Brittany’s Pet Services, 934-242-7619
Brittany Wish Schneider is mom to pups Stanley and Maggie and began pet sitting in 2007. Stanley even attended her wedding. Understanding how important it is to have your furry family member involved during a big day (and the photos that serve as memories), Schneider began offering to accompany dogs for ceremonies and pictures. She says it’s been one of the most popular services over the last two years. She also provides dog walking, full and half-day daycare, drop-in visits, transportation (including to Starbucks for a puppuccino), overnight care and home boarding (located in Mattituck), to name a few of her other offerings. Discerning pet parents feel safe leaving their fur-kid in Schneider’s care — she’s CPR-certified, licensed and insured.
All Dogged Up, 25 W Neck Road, 631-749-0702
All Dogged Up in Shelter Island Heights specializes in giving dogs some TLC. The groomer is more like a doggie spa, with groomers ready to lend a gentle hand to pets nervous about brushing, bathing and clipping. As for boarding, it’s not your grandma’s kennel — in fact, it’s not a kennel at all. Pets get their own beds, aren’t kenneled (ever), and have access to a one-acre fenced-in fun zone. Since roaming and socializing are part of the fun, dogs must undergo a complimentary temperament evaluation before their humans book a stay.
Hydrant Hotel, 845 Raynor Ave., Riverhead, 631-740-9359
This spot is a one-stop-shop for numerous dog services — boarding, daycare, grooming and even training with Joseph Secreti, who boasts more than three decades of experience educating dogs (and their humans). The facility boasts indoor and outdoor space for playgroups, and dogs who aren’t up to snuff on a temperament test can still get one-on-one fun time. As for boarding, an upgraded experience spoils pooches with a real bed and TV (the accommodations might rival the ones you booked for yourself). Male dogs must be neutered, and females must be spayed to partake in playgroups.
