Owning a dog is hugely commonplace here in the United States, something that is very much backed up by the data that has been gathered on the subject. This data shows that as many as 75 million pet dogs can be found throughout the country, meaning that well over 36% of all households will own a dog at any given point. In some cases, a household will even own more than one dog at a time. And there is no doubt about it that dogs make up an important part of the family in many cases – so much so that over 40% (around 45%, to be just a bit more exact) of all dog owners actually even let their dogs sleep in their own beds, instead of confining them to a dog bed or other such alternative.

But there is also no doubting the fact that dogs are in need of a great deal of care. After all, they are typically thought to be as smart as your typical two year old child – which is quite smarter than many people might realize. Dogs need stimulation and play in order to be happy and healthy, and this can sometimes prove difficult for owners who are busy with work throughout the course of the day. Fortunately, specialized puppy care and dog care exists in many spaces. Daycare for pets is becoming more and more common and can be ideal for you if your dog needs more socialization and care than what you are able to provide during the working hours of the week.

Finding the right dog daycare, however, is key. For one thing, you will need to look at the ratio of dogs to their handlers. Ideally, you will find a ratio no greater than 10 dogs to every one handler. And if the daycare for pets in question is largely held in an outdoor space, the ratio can be a big larger – but not by much. No more than 15 dogs should be present for every one handler.

In addition to ratio, the size of the daycare space is also, as you might have guessed, very much important. Dogs need to be able to move around and play, and proper spacing allows for this. When looking for a dog or puppy daycare, make sure that the daycare you choose a space that provides at least 1500 square feet for every group of 15 dogs. This is quite a good deal of space – but it is clear to see how much dogs need it. After all, the typical dog will need at least 30 minutes, a full half of an hour, of exercise each and every day.

And in addition to making sure that your dog is socializing enough and getting enough exercise, your pet will have a variety of other needs. For one thing, many dogs – particularly those that have long coats of fur – will need to visit the dog groomer on a regular basis. Visits to the dog groomer will help to ensure that your dog’s fur does not become matted and uncomfortable. For dogs with curly, long fur, a dog groomer can make a world of difference in overall appearance as well. A dog groomer is also ideal for summer months, as the typical dog groomer will be well versed in shaving dogs to help them stay cool. For many pet owners, taking their dog to the dog groomer is even viewed as something as a special treat for the dog, as many dogs even enjoy the attention that a dog groomer provides. Much as with dog boarding and daycare places, not every dog groomer and dog grooming company will be the same. But reading reviews and looking further into an establishment in question will help you to get a better sense of the work that they do.

Ultimately, dog ownership brings joy to many throughout the country. It is important to understand, however, that owning a dog is also a huge responsibility – and certainly not one that should ever be taken lightly. At the end of the day, dogs are well worth this, though, as many can attest to.