No more bathrooms turning into swimming pools after washing your pet. More and more French cities are installing this particularly innovative and practical system, in places we would not have imagined.
Washing your dog at home is often more complicated than it seems. We fill the bathtub, we try to keep the dog in place… But as soon as he shakes himself off, the water and shampoo transform the entire bathroom into a disaster zone. Soaked paws slip, jets of water fly in all directions, and very often, the animal tries to escape while it is still full of foam. In short, to make it clean, you should expect to do a good cleaning of the floors right after the bath session.
To allow owners to wash their pet without getting it everywhere or going through the “groomer” box, more and more French cities have adopted a new type of service, particularly innovative and practical. These are self-service dog washing stations called Dogwash, which are already established in around 150 towns in France. And the places are most often astonishing…
Indeed, the concept is simple, but surprising: you go to a Dogwash station, which can be installed in places that you don’t necessarily think of. They are found for example in service stations such as Total, or in supermarkets like Leclerc, but also at Jardiland or, more logically, near pet stores like Tom&Co or Animalis. “Generally located near car wash stations, Dogwashes are now being established in the heart of cities, in laundromats, veterinary practices, pet stores and even supermarkets.” specifies Dogwash France.
How does it work? Concretely, owners find hot water and suitable equipment (hose, shampoo, dryer, etc.) to wash and dry their dog, which is placed on a platform specially designed for them. An express wash, which only lasts 10 minutes and is suitable for all dog breeds: whether large or small dogs, short or long haired. Just like washing your car, simply insert a coin into the machine and start the washing cycle by choosing the most suitable option (shampoo with hot water, detangler, anti-parasitic, rinsing, drying, etc.).
The advantage? In addition to having a dog that smells good and doesn’t make messes all over the house, this system straight from Australia and the United States is practical and accessible: the self-service dog washing stations are open 24 hours a day and therefore, without an appointment. A good reflex before going there: remember to bring a towel for the final drying, especially if your dog has a dense coat. And for him to have this experience well, it is better to start gently, let him sniff the place and reward him afterwards.
