by Barbara Pash

You love your dogs and cats. They’re part of your family and you take darn good care of them. In 2013, the most current figure, pet-owners around the country spent almost $56 billion for food, vet care and meds, grooming, supplies and services. Carroll County has numerous pet groomers, walkers, sitters and services. Among them:

Bark ‘N Bathe Bistro, in Hampstead, has self-serve dog wash in private rooms, professional dog grooming, dog bakery (special order birthday cakes) and dog boutique (toys, leashes, “fun” items). www.barknbathebistro.com

Groom on the Go, by Eldersburg resident Theresse Haislip, is a mobile dog grooming service for big and small dogs and for “dogs with issues.” www.groomonthego.biz

jiffy mart pet wash, located at the Airpark location of Jiffy Mart. 24-hour pet wash facility that includes wash, pet vacuum and dryer in a climate controlled building. www.jiffymarts.com

Lionheart K9, based in Westminster, offers puppy boot camp, dog training camp, dog obedience school and dog behavior specialists at various sites throughout the state. www.lionheartk9.com

Maryland Mobile Veterinary Clinic is run by Dr. Nancy Powell, a Carroll County vet. She makes house calls for dogs and cats in her fully-equipped van in Carroll and nearby counties. www.marylandmobilevet.com