Public park self-service dog showers are moving into pet shops as businesses recognise the benefits of communal bathing on passing trade. In October 1998 entrepreneur Lynn Badger opened the first private off-leash dog park [Dog Wood Park] in the U.S. in Gainesville, Florida. In 2000 Lynn added a new building which housed a do-it-yourself dog wash facility. Dirty dogs who had never before seen the inside of a grooming parlour flocked to the park for their first bath in years.

State legislation and public concern about hygiene has ensured a growth market in private and public dog parks in the U.S. The addition of innovative facilities such as public pools and showers has helped establish the social benefits of communal bathing in the minds of the dog walking public.

And local pet shops and pet superstores are beginning to catch on.

Pet Supplies "Plus" ([PSP]) is a U.S. chain of 135 franchised and 29 company owned pet stores. Last month saw its first franchisee to open an in-store self-service shower facility. Carol Kalvelage, spokeswoman for the chain, said: "There are other self-serve dog washes, including some in the chain, that offer a tub with a sink or a hose. But this is the first self serve wash that we know of that features actual shower stalls with ramps, shower heads, and other amenities for the pets comfort". "There are 4 shower stalls, separated by glass partitions. The stalls all have slip proof tiles installed. The showers are located in the front of the store, enclosed in a glass 'area' so others can watch as the pets get washed".

And it is not just dogs that come in for a wash and brush-up. In Wilkes Barre in northeastern Pennsylvania, the manager of the PSP store which has just installed the showers, Jeff Ruddy, said: "There have been skunks, ferrets and cats washed in the showers as well".

Was this a big investment for the franchisee, how long would the facility take to pay for itself?

Carol Kalvelage went on: "The showers were not a big investment or were not measured to take in a large amount of income. They are really another part of Pet Supplies "Plus" commitment in offering the ultimate in customer service. The showers were built in a remodel so the cost is not measured as an extra. It is not a primary business. Yes, the showers have drawn more customers because it gives them another reason to come back in addition to the personal service attention, low prices, and wide selection of products".

And what about the reactions of other customers in the shop?

"The customers really enjoy it. There's nothing quite as humourous for pet lovers as watching a pet taking a shower or bath. Especially if the pet happens to be a skunk", she said.

The shop charges around £5 for use of the basic facilities (shower, blow-dry & towels). Shampoos and conditioners are of course available from the shop!

Those Who Groom, Groom

I suggested to the owners of some grooming parlours that their business would be adversely affected by the installation of such facilities in their local pet shops. Surprisingly they seemed unconcerned. One groomer said: "Those who groom, groom. Those who don't, don't".

It would seem that they regard this service as quite different from their full service salons.

Carol Kalvelage for PSP said:

"The showers are a basic canine hygiene practice that owners would be more likely to do at home rather than take to a shop. The showers offer the convenience of a large washing area, versus a smaller bath tub or sink, plus the clean up at the showers is much easier".

"Grooming is more of a professional service that includes things like shaving pads, clipling nails, working on glands and ears. The 'competition' for this service would be more the at home bathing experience, not necessarily professional grooming".

In fact it may be an opportunity for local groomers to raise their profiles.

Some of the dog park facilities and other pet shops with public showers have groomers in attendance to provide some basic grooming services. Others invite local groomers along to give tips and advice to pet owners.

Stand Alone

If the market for self-service washes opens up, there will also be opportunities for contractors to specialise in in-store shower installation. Dave Grass has written a book for those hoping to set up stand-alone facilities exclusively for self-serve washing/grooming. More information is available here.

Copyright 2007 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved