Self-Service Dog Baths — What To Know Before You Go
DIY dog baths are popping up everywhere from your local pet supply store to the car wash and even freestanding wash boxes. They look intriguing, but how does it all work? Is it safe? Will you and Fido be a soggy mess when you’re all done? Here’s the inside scoop on what to expect.
What It Is
A self-service dog bath provides a dedicated space set up for washing dogs. At a minimum, the facility includes a standing-height wash basin, ramp, a gentle spray hose, a dryer and non-slip floor mats. Some facilities also provide shampoo, aprons, towels, grooming mitts and ear cleaning kits.
Why Use One?
Why would I want to bring Rocky to a dog wash instead of just dropping him off at the groomer or bathing him at home? Lots of reasons.
Comfort
Unlike your bathroom, the dog wash is designed for one purpose only — washing dogs. You can stand up while you wash your pooch instead of hunching over a bathtub or trying to contort yourself and Dakota into a shower stall.
Safety
The dog wash is an enclosed facility. The water temperature is constant — not too hot or too cold. The wash basin has a leash hook. Rex can’t bolt off and run through the house covered in shampoo.
Cleanliness
All the dirt and hair that come off Bailey during her bath stay at the dog wash and don’t clog your bathtub drain. The dog wash facility is also rinsed down between pooches.
Convenience
While some DIY dog washes require appointments, most are available on a drop-in basis. It’s easy to work a visit into your schedule.
Cost
We all want the best for our canine companions, and it adds up quickly. The American Pet Products Association estimates that dog owners spent $10.3 billion on services like grooming in 2019. Pet MD shows life spans for some dog breeds are increasing to beyond 16 years. Ameritrade estimates that Americans spend an average of $1201 per year on their dogs. Visits with a groomer every 1–3 months can start to be costly.
Self-serve dog washes at Petco, Tractor Supply and independent operators charge between $10-$20 for 10–25 minutes. The fees are based on the duration of the wash, a dog’s weight or combination of these factors. This is considerably less than a session with a groomer, which can run between $40-$100 or more.
There are times when your dog needs a full-service grooming, but if Fifi just needs a bath, a DIY dog wash is a great alternative.
Taking the Plunge
You’re sold on the idea of a DIY dog wash. What do you need to do to get yourself and Princess ready?
Check Out the Facility
Take a quick scouting trip to the dog wash without your precious pup. Bella is going to be super excited and rambunctious when you bring her to the dog wash. If you have an idea of what to expect at the dog wash ahead of time, it will make the big day that much less chaotic.
Things to Consider
-What’s the parking situation like?
-What are the operating hours?
-Do I need an appointment?
-Is there anyone on site in case there are questions or issues during the dog wash?
-Does the facility seem clean and well-maintained?
-What amenities are provided and what do I need to plan on bringing
- Shampoo, aprons, grooming mitts, towels, etc.
-How much time do we get for the initial cost?
-Does it make sense for me to bring someone to help wash the dog?
-How do I pay for the dog wash?
- Credit card, cash, coins, special tokens?
On the Big Day
Plan on wearing something that’s easy to move in and that you don’t mind getting wet dog hair on. Even if the dog wash provides aprons, this is no time for your favorite sweater or a silk blouse.
Gather whatever you’ll need for the dog bath trip in a tote bag. It’s easier to have everything in one place and it frees up your hands.
Give Daisy’s coat a thorough brushout to get any loose dirt and snags worked out.
Take her for a nice long walk. This will give her some nice exercise and a chance to pee and poop before heading in for a bath.
At the Dog Wash
Remember to keep everything calm and matter-of-fact. Max is going to take cues from you, so the more straightforward you can make this new experience, the better.
Set out shampoo, towels, etc. before you start. Identify where the water sprayer and blow dryer are and how to use them. You’ll want to be able to reach for everything quickly and easily when you need it.
Secure Buddy’s leash to the safety hook and start his bath. Give him lots of reassurance and praise for being such a good dog during all of this. Be extra careful around his eyes and ears. Make sure to rinse the shampoo out of his coat thoroughly.
When you’re finished with the bath, give the basin and floor a quick rinse to get rid of the soap suds and dog hair.
Unhook his leash from the safety hook and help him down from the basin. Get ready — he’s probably going to shake!
Blot Tucker’s coat with a towel to get out as much water as possible and then blow dry his fur. Remember that he might not like the dryer sound so much, so he might need to air dry for a bit.
Gather your supplies back into your tote bag. Take one last look to make sure you have everything, and you’re all done!
Keep telling Rover what a good boy he is, and enjoy that clean dog smell.
Now, wasn’t that easy?
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