A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Serve Pet Wash Stations: Features, Trends, and Business Benefits
By Meline Beach
With nearly 80 per cent of Canadian households owning at least one pet, demand for pet services is on the rise. According to Statista, Canadians owned an estimated 7.9 million dogs in 2022, making them the second most popular pet after cats.
As pet ownership increases in Canada, so does demand for convenient pet care options. Industry leaders, including All Paws Pet Wash, iClean Dog Wash, and Furever Clean Dog Wash, are meeting this need with innovative, easy-to-install, self-serve pet wash stations. These solutions are ideal for convenience and gas (C&G) and carwash retailers looking to attract pet-owning customers and boost revenue.
Features and Technology
Self-serve pet wash stations give businesses a practical way to address the demand for accessible pet care. These high-performance, low-maintenance stations are a user-friendly amenity for pet owners.
All Paws Pet Wash units, for instance, include ADA-compliant controls, temperature controls for heated water and heated interior, six wash cycles, a groomer-grade blow dryer, large basins, a double filtration system, and a vending machine for treats. “We market to pet owners seeking convenience and affordability, as well as to business owners looking to invest in the pet care industry,” says Keith Caldwell, president of All Paws Pet Wash. The company, largely based in the United States, has a few locations in Canada, with plans to expand further north.
iClean Dog Wash emphasizes customer engagement, with 11- and 22-inch touchscreens that offer multi-language support and celebrity-voiced instructions. “The idea is to make dog washing enjoyable, both for the pet and the owner,” says Phillip Cooper, president and CEO of Dog Wash USA.
Furever Clean’s K9000 model offers durability and ease of use. “Our stainless-steel stations are built for high traffic and can be installed indoors or outdoors,” says Evelyn Rutherford, director of Furever Clean Dog Wash Inc., whose stations include a two-speed variable dryer and an efficient hair-catching system that requires minimal maintenance, such as occasional refills and cleaning.
Various payment options, such as tokens, cash, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, accommodate diverse preferences. Customizable branding options allow businesses to integrate their visual identity with decals, LED-lit logos and laser cut LED kick panels with remote-controlled colours.
Installation and Maintenance
The design of pet wash stations makes installation and maintenance straightforward, requiring only water, drainage, and power connections.
“We provide self-serve dog wash stations that are affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly,” Caldwell says. “Our stations feature eco-conscious products and come fully assembled, requiring only water, electricity, and drainage hookups.”
Cooper adds that iClean Dog Wash units install easily with a cold-water line and a 110V outlet. For businesses in colder climates, insulation options are available to support year-round operation.
Maintenance is minimal. Furever Clean suggests cleaning drain traps twice a week and wiping surfaces to keep units in top shape. Similarly, iClean Dog Wash units require routine cleaning of a triple hair filter and occasional polishing with a stainless-steel cleaner.
User-friendly maintenance guides, demonstration videos, and customer support help business owners keep their stations running smoothly.
Market Trends and Customer Demand
With more Canadians prioritizing pet wellness, convenience stores, gas stations, and carwashes are incorporating pet wash stations to generate revenue. With pet ownership rising and consumers seeking high-quality, accessible services between grooming appointments, this market is expected to grow steadily.
For example, Klassic Car Wash operates two year-round self-serve pet wash stations in Barrie and Wasaga Beach, Ont. “Pet owners need a dedicated spot to wash their dogs, which is why we added the pet wash,” says Shiv Mehta, executive assistant at Klassic Car Wash. “We recognized the demand in our area, particularly with many pet owners nearby.”
“The pet wash station is just as busy as the bays are for cars and boats,” says Walker, who sees an average of 10 dogs a day. In an effort to appeal to a more respectful clientele, Walker raised his prices from $3/5 minutes to $5/5 minutes and upgraded features, such as a new heated pet air dryer hose, epoxy flooring, and anti-slip Seadek on stairs and in the tub. He also changed the hours of operation from 24/7 to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with an automatic door locking system. Walker cleans his pet wash station two to three times daily and added a sign for customers to take their garbage, which has reduced his waste collection, prevented vandalism and deterred garbage picking.
Profitability and Return on Investment
Many businesses report a return on investment (ROI) within 18 months or less. Klassic Car Wash, for instance, saw costs recovered in about a year. Mehta advises other C&G retailers considering a pet wash station to assess local demand and develop a solid marketing plan.
Cooper highlights the additional revenue generated by pet wash stations. “We see strong interest from carwashes, gas stations, and retail spaces looking to diversify services,” he says. The operating cost for a 10-minute wash is about $1.20, with businesses charging between $10 and $40. “Pet parents wash their dogs twice a month between grooming appointments,” Cooper adds. “With groomers in short supply, owners of our dog washes report increased traffic, and dog owners spend more money during each visit.”
Cooper highlights the ease of upselling additional products. “Most businesses see customers spending another $15 or more per visit on things like dog treats or toys,” he notes. The quick ROI and minimal maintenance make these stations a smart long-term investment.
Many suppliers offer financing options for retailers interested in testing the concept. “We work with companies like Ascentium Capital and NewLane Finance,” says Cooper. All Paws Pet Wash also offers financing through Gordon Flesch Company, Inc.
Marketing and Customer Engagement
Effective marketing is crucial to attracting pet owners. Furever Clean and iClean Dog Wash both offer tailored strategies to help retailers boost visibility.
Rutherford recommends collaborating with local shelters or hosting pet-friendly events to raise awareness. “Businesses can hold free wash days, which build community relationships and encourage repeat visits,” she says. Social media is also vital for driving new customers.
Cooper suggests LED signage and sandwich boards to catch the attention of passersby. “One of our customers averages 60 dogs per day with two units,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of visibility.
Caldwell recommends leveraging social media is a powerful way to boost awareness and connect with your community. “It’s an excellent tool for engaging with customers and building relationships,” he says. “Use it to promote your dog wash with content like tutorial videos on how to use the station, and photos of happy pets and satisfied customers.”
Walker leverages social media, such as Facebook and Google ads to promote his pet wash station. He also appreciates positive Google reviews, which serve as excellent word-of-mouth promotion. The launch of a customer loyalty program, with a 10 per cent discount offering on reloadable cards, also encourages repeat business.
The Future of Pet Wash Stations
Self-serve pet wash stations offer a profitable and practical solution for C&G retailers aiming to diversify their service offering and attract pet owners. With customizable designs, easy installation, and minimal maintenance, these units are ideal for C&G retailers and car washes.
Cooper is optimistic about future innovations, noting that new software features will continue to enhance user experience. “We’re constantly updating our models to keep them state-of-the-art,” he says.
Investing in a self-serve pet wash station can increase revenue and build stronger relationships with pet owners, ensuring customer loyalty and profitability.
Meline Beach is a Toronto-based communications practitioner and frequent contributor to Convenience and Carwash Canada. In addition to freelance writing, Meline provides communications and public relations support to businesses across Canada. She can be reached at www.mlbcomms.ca.
