Dogs on the North Fork are getting birthday cupcakes, bedtime stories, FaceTime calls and even artisanal ice cream.

As Americans continue spending record amounts on their pets, local businesses are catering to increasingly devoted dog owners with everything from luxury boarding suites and private play sessions to organic baked goods and canine-friendly treats.

And six years after the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the relationship between people and their pets, many in the industry say separation anxiety remains a two-way street. It’s all part of what has become a $158 billion industry in the U.S., according to the American Pet Products Association.

Comforts of home, away from home

Call The Hydrant Hotel on Raynor Avenue in Riverhead — a dog-only retreat — and a barking and howling dog greets you on the phone as the witty voicemail message asks, “Let me know what we can fetch for you … day care, grooming, doggy training?”

There’s a long list of services there to spoil and coddle the anxious dog, the senior dog and the high-energy pup.

“For anxious dogs, we sit with them, use a calming spray, which helps them relax, and that goes along with massage therapy. They enjoy that,” said Jessy SanFilippo, managing director at The Hydrant.

Staff also read the pups animal stories from their iPhones. They used to read from actual books, but according to SanFilippo, the dogs thought the pages were a treat or a toy and began gnawing at the books, so the staff switched to their phones.

“Reading to them seems to give them a good sense of security. It feels more homey to them.”

For elderly dogs, it’s a low-energy stay, including private one-on-one play with a staff member and massage therapy. On the other end of the pooch spectrum — the high-energy guest — there’s a special package that includes playing with a flying Frisbee, running around in the outdoor Astroturf-covered, fenced-in yard, jumping in and out of the pool and then sitting in the shade once they’re done with playtime.

Easing separation anxiety

Like many people in the pet industry, SanFilippo sees owners and dogs experiencing what they call separation anxiety.

“When pet parents drop off their dog and go on vacation, it can be hard. During COVID, people spent so much time at home with their animals. Now they can’t be anywhere without them. Even I experienced that with my dog. I have the most anxious dog in the world!”

So The Hydrant Hotel came up with FaceTime calls to help ease that separation anxiety.

“It helps the owner and dog connect and the owner feels more comfortable when they see their dog running around and having fun.”

Another add-on is the ability to post pictures on Instagram for pet parents to see how their dogs are enjoying their canine vacation.

For those who want to take the coddling a step further, there’s private playtime with a staff member. Or group playtime if the dog is more sociable.

“Every dog is different,” she added. “Some just want treats and hang out by themselves.”

And then, for the cherished family member, there are decadent doggy treats.

Top dog treats

In her kitchen in Southold, Beth Wineberger creates organic baked goods for dogs. When her veterinarian told her that her beloved Pedro, a Chihuahua, had congestive heart failure and only a year to live, she started her company, East Coast Barkery.

“I cut out salt and started baking him organic treats and he lived another four years.”

Using all kinds of doggy shapes, out of her oven come personalized Happy Bark Day cupcakes, cookies and cakes, which are sold online and at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.

Doggie ice cream

Dog owners’ indulgence also includes ice cream created just for dogs.

Do you want a cone or a cup?

Stephanie Paraboschi, co-owner of the Salty Paws ice cream truck, might ask her canine clients. But in this case, the recipient can’t answer. His or her owner has to do the talking.

Her franchise is the only one in New York, and after COVID — and having four dogs herself — she saw a seismic change in the relationship people have with man’s best friend.

“During 2020, pets became more a member of the family. They were always by your side because we couldn’t hang out with people. And when people had to stop working remotely, that led to a lot of depressed dogs out there.”

Her experience serving organic, lactose-free ice cream to dogs is that people and pets formed an especially close bond during the pandemic.

Her truck, with a gigantic golden retriever on the side, makes the rounds of festivals, craft shows, wineries, breweries and even restaurants on Long Island, with demand kicking off in April.

Credit: Stephanie Paraboschi

“One of the most amazing things is everybody is so happy when they’re giving their dog ice cream. You see the best side of people and the dogs are thrilled.”

Of the six flavors she offers, maple bacon and peanut butter are favorites among the mutts, hounds and purebreds.

“You have to taste it … and we do! And it’s less sugar than ice cream for humans.”

Salty Paws also offers a dehydrated ice cream that pampering pet parents can make at home for their dogs.

‘One of the most amazing things is everybody is so happy when they’re giving their dog ice cream. You see the best side of people and the dogs are thrilled.’ Stephanie Paraboschi, co-owner of the Salty Paws ice cream truck

Wineberger said most dogs love the flavors of pumpkin and peanut butter in her baked goods. She also caters to brides, fastening bow ties and bandanas on dogs that are part of the wedding party.

“Brides today like having their dogs walk down the aisle with the flower girl because they’re like family.”

Wineberger has also seen owners who experience separation anxiety, an emotional remnant of COVID. She takes care of one such dog.

“People are super attached to their dogs; they take them everywhere now. Some of the dogs I sit for have anxiety and I have to stay with them for several hours while their owners are working.”

A second home for four-legged guests

As many as 45 dogs are dropped off for daycare five to seven days a week at The Hydrant. The number rises to about 75 when overnight guests are included.

“We have eyes on them all the time and it’s cheaper than a pet sitter,” said SanFilippo.

It’s like a second home for them; the luxury suites include a bed, fireplace and TVs.

Danny Spring of Hampton Bays admitted he’s one of those anxious owners.

Handing over his 7-year-old dog to SanFilippo for his first sleepover, he said, “I might be more nervous than he is about staying here. I might have to come visit him.”

He’s boarding the dog because he and his wife are staying for a week at his mother-in-law’s house and she can’t have a dog in her home.

When Tony Sica of Hampton Bays came in to pick up Duke, a 17-year-old shih tzu mix, and Roxy, his 8-year-old shepherd mix rescued from Puerto Rico, he had just gotten married that weekend.

“I couldn’t get anyone to watch them because all my friends were at the wedding!”

He said that Duke has a girlfriend at The Hydrant and that they pal around every Saturday.

Dog lovers are even using social media to seek out playmates for their constant companions.

Dog Date Afternoon, a new app, is a takeoff on online dating for people. Owners create their pooch’s profile and, according to a recent article in the New York Post, can set up puppy parties, chat with matches and use a dog-friendly map of New York City to pin favorite dog-friendly spots, including stores and restaurants.

No pet sitter? No problem

At Hotel Indigo on West Main Street in Riverhead, one of only a few dog-friendly hotels on the North Fork, only service animals are allowed in the restaurant and pool area. The hotel does, however, allow leashed dogs in its outdoor gazebos.

“A lot of our guests are here for weddings on the weekend and pet sitters are expensive, so they’d rather bring their dogs with them. I have also experienced separation anxiety,” Christina Medaglia, manager of marketing and events, explained.

“My dog is my baby. I bring her everywhere.”

Hotel Indigo charges a $50 pet fee per night to cover the cost of deep cleaning, stains and damage.

They were sold out during the U.S. Open, she said.