Things You'll Need
- Bathtubs
- Spray nozzle for shower head
- Hair catcher for drain
- Shelving
- Dog brushes and combs
- 2 hooks per washing station
- Dog shampoo
- Dog conditioner
- Flea shampoo
- Towels
- Pet dryers
- Nail clippers
Instructions
Set up a portion of a dog grooming business or pet store as a dog-wash station. The size depends on the number of dogs you want to serve at one time. For each dog, you will need to install one elevated tub, which makes it much easier to reach the dog. You also can add removable steps so that owners of larger dogs can use the steps to get their pet into the tub.
Hook up a sprayer in each tub to make it easier to wash the dog. Place a hair guard over the top of each of the drains. The drain and bath should have accessible plumbing, preferably just underneath the bath. That way if a ring or dog tag goes down the drain, it is possible to undo the plumbing and retrieve it. Also, it is a good idea to be able to open the drains in case of hair blockages.
Install shelving on either side of the dog tub. On the shelves, put dog brushes and combs so that people can brush their dogs before and after washing them. Put dog shampoo and conditioner and towels on the shelves as well. It's also helpful to attach hooks so that people can leave such things as a purse or a dog's leash.
Install a self-serve pet dryer and a basket for wet towels away from the water and bathtubs. These pet dryers quickly remove water from a dog's coat. Human hair dryers are too hot for a dog and can cause coat damage and dehydrate a dog. The area around both the baths and the dryers should have nonskid floor mats so people do not slip on wet tiles.
Create a grooming station beside the dryers. Stock it with brushes and a wastebasket for pet hair. Add extra grooming supplies, such as nail clippers. This is for pet owners who want to go an extra step to keep their dogs looking good.