Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I wash my dog at a dog wash?
What is the Frequent Bathers Club?
I've never done this before. Can you help me?
My dog barks a lot. Is he welcome at your shop?
My dog is aggressive. Is he welcome at your shop?
How do I get my big dog into your raised tubs?
Do you allow animals other than dogs?
Can I bring my own supplies?
The shampoo doesn't lather much. Is it getting my dog clean?
Will you clip my dog's toenails for me?
How does the dryer work?
What if my dog is afraid of the dryer?
There is water on the floor. What should I do?
Will you wash my dog for me?
When is the best time to visit so I don't have to wait?

Why should I wash my dog at a dog wash?
Because once you try it, you'll be hooked. Here's why:

• less stress for your dog
• no mess for you to clean at home
• less expensive than paying someone else to do it
• no supplies to buy
• one quick stop rather than two trips to a groomer
• no appointment necessary
• no aching back and sore knees from your bathroom tub
• no more hair-clogged drains at home
• professional facilities make the job easier

What is the Frequent Bathers Club?
The Clean Dog Club is a frequent bathers reward system. After every 8th paid bath, you'll receive your 9th bath free.

I've never done this before Can you help me?
We are happy to offer advice and bathing suggestions, but if you'd like us to do the job for you, please call ahead to book an appointment with our groomer.

My dog barks a lot; is he welcome at your shop?
We're afraid not. Disruptive dogs, this includes excessive barkers, will be asked to leave the shop or use a muzzle. We aim to make the shop a comfortable environment for everyone, including our neighbours.

My dog is aggressive; is he welcome at your shop?
If your dog is not friendly to others, please call to make a special appointment outside regular business hours. There is not an extra charge for this.

How do I get my big dog into your waist high tubs?
Each of our five raised tubs has solidly built wooden stairs. Our sixth wash area is a 5 foot shower stall base that is close to the floor. This area is perfect for especially tall dogs or older dogs who cannot walk up stairs and are too heavy to lift.

Do you allow animals other than dogs?
Yes, but not during regular business hours. Small domestic pets are welcome. Call ahead to make an appointment during off hours. Our goal is to keep the peace and make the shop safe for everyone.

Can I bring my own supplies?
Yes. We have all the supplies you need to clean your dog but you are free to bring along anything you'd like from home.

Do regulate the water temperature?
Each tub has both cold and very warm water feeds. The warm feed does pass through a temperature regulator in order to put a cap the water temperature. There is no chance of scalding.

The shampoo doesn't lather much. Is it getting my dog clean?
Yes! Bio-Groom professional grooming shampoo is specifically formulated for pets. It accomplishes a deep clean without drying out the coat. Bio-Groom is safe for puppies and kittens and it contains no harsh additives that build up. Professional grooming shampoos do not lather like human shampoo, nor do they need to. Lather is nothing more than air bubbles. It is the shampoo ingredients that get the dog clean, not the bubbles.

Will you clip my dog's toenails for me?
When you bring your dog in for a self serve bath the fee for nail clipping is $10. The fee for nail clipping is $14 when you come in for the clip alone.

How does the dryer work?
Our 2-speed dryers are made especially for pets. They offer a high-velocity, forced air stream that literally "blasts" the water out of the dog's coat. They have no heating element so they dry even heavy-coated dogs without drying out the coat or skin. The dryer output is approximately 60 degrees above room temperature, so the temperature will vary slightly during the day, and will run warmer when the dryer has been used for prolonged periods of time. Because of the noise level and high velocity of the airstream, the dryer nozzle should never be pointed directly at the dog's eyes or ears. Use a towel on these sensitive areas.

What if my dog is afraid of the dryer?
Most dogs don't particularly like the dryer but are willing to tolerate the process if you are gentle and encourage them to be calm. Dogs that are sensitive to noise can usually be calmed by putting cotton balls in their ears to dampen the sound of the dryer. If you don't want to use the dryers, we are happy to supply all the clean towels you need to get the job done, but the dryer is definitely quicker and more efficient.

There is water on the floor. What should I do?
Notify a staff member as soon as possible; we will mop up for you. Please do not use the white pet towels on the floor. If your dog is hanging his head or legs over the side of the tub (the most usual reason for a flood), the tub tie-down you are using is likely too long. Ask a staff member for a shorter one.

Will you wash my dog for me?
Yes! By appointment our groomer will tidy your pooch. Grooming prices are listed here.

When is the best time to visit so I don't have to wait?
With six tubs we hope you will not have to wait for a free tub. But if you do, it would definitely be on the weekend. Visit during the week to beat the rush.