7 DIY Dog Bath Tubs You Can Make Today (With Pictures)
Washing your dog at home instead of taking them to the groomer every time they need a bath can save time and money! It can also be a bit of a pain. Since you’re likely washing your dog in the same bathtub you use, the tub has to be scrubbed each time your pup gets a bath. So, why not build your favorite four-legged pal a bathtub of their very own?
A DIY dog bathtub might seem like an arduous task, but there are several ways to create a place to wash your pup, and some are simpler than others. We’ve gathered plans for some of the best DIY dog bathtubs and wash stations that range from being semi-easy to requiring some serious handyman skills. No matter your skill range, you can find a plan below that you can pull off seamlessly!
The 7 Great DIY Dog Bath Tubs Ideas
1. PVC Dog Washer - Self Standing
| Materials: | Corner connectors, T-connector, pipes, hose adaptor, PVC cement (optional), tape (optional) |
| Tools: | Drill, 1/16” bit |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This plan isn’t a bathtub, but it is a shower and works equally as well! In fact, it makes washing your dog a breeze and involves no clean-up afterward. As far as dog bathtubs/washers go, this one isn’t too difficult to put together (and there are not only written instructions but video instructions if that’s more your style). You’ll simply be drilling a few holes in pipes and then connecting the pipes to form a rectangle. Then, you'll install a hose adaptor and put the hose on.
The most challenging aspect of this plan will be getting your dog to stay still!
2. Dog Pool
| Materials: | Tarp, plywood, screws, duct tape |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
While this plan is technically for a dog pool, it can easily double as an outdoor dog tub. Best of all, it’s so easy to put together! You’ll only need a few materials you might already have lying around to build this box tub. The size will vary according to how big or small your dog is. Once the box is built, line it with a tarp to keep water from soaking through the wood, and you’re finished! Now, you have a bathtub that’s perfect for your pup.
This plan should take a few minutes at most.
3. Outdoor Dog Washing Station
| Materials: | Trellises, stake, string, pea gravel, river rock, hooks |
| Tools: | Measuring tape, square, shovel, drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
This outdoor washing station provides a doggie-specific area to wash your dog after they’ve been running through the backyard. It requires several materials you probably don’t have, but once you’ve gathered what you need, it should only take a few hours to assemble. You just need to find an area near your garden hose to build this.
Then, you'll dig a hole and line it with gravel and rocks. You can even add cute decorations if you’d like! This plan requires a bit more work, but we think your dog will love it!
4. Shaded Dog Pool
| Materials: | Wood glue, sealant, exterior stain, wood, screws, plastic kiddie pool |
| Tools: | Miter saw stand, track saw, bit set, clamps, jig saw, ratchet action lever clamp |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
This adorable shaded dog pool will make a fabulous bathtub for smaller dogs. However, you’ll need woodworking skills to put it together. You’ll need plenty of wood and several tools. Once you have what you need, you’ll cut several boards and essentially make a large ramp with a hole in it (which is where the kiddie pool goes). Then, you’ll add the roof
Overall, this tub will take some time, but it’ll look incredible when you’re done!
5. Dog Washing Station
| Materials: | 1 1/2” brad nails, 1 1/2” trim-head screws, 1 1/4” magnets, 1/2” PEX pipe, 1/2” x 3’ x 5’GoBoard, 1/2” x 4’ x 4’ Baltic birch plywood, 1/4” aluminum channel, 1/4” x 12” x 30” plexiglass, 1/8” x 1 1/2” flat steel, 10” drawer slide, 18” drawer slide, 2” trim-head screws, 20” drawer slide, 28” drawer slide, 2x4 x 10’, 2x4 x 8’, 3” exterior screws, 3/4” x 4’ x 8’ Baltic birch plywood, 30” drawer slide, 32’ x 48” shower pan, misc. plumbing fittings & pipe, mortar, polyurethane caulk/sealant, shower fixture, tile (24 sq ft), wood glue |
| Tools: | Circular saw, drill, cutting guide, jigsaw, miter saw, finish nailer, table saw, router, plumbing tools, tiling tools |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
This bathtub requires hardcore handyman skills, but once it’s finished, you’ll have a lovely, functional, dedicated space to bathe your pup. The creator guy built his tub in the garage, so you’ll need to start by finding a space in your garage or a similar area of your house. After you’ve found your space, you’ll need to measure your dog. Then you’re off!
This tub requires some plumbing work, so if you aren't experienced, you might have to grab a friend for that part. Our favorite feature of this tub is the sliding staircase that doubles as drawers, so you can keep all your dog washing supplies nearby! This project is challenging, and it’ll probably take a while, but showing it off to your friends and family after it’s done will make it worth it!
6. Dog Washer Ring
| Materials: | Clear garden hose, connector |
| Tools: | Dremel tool, pliers |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Although it's not a bathtub, this washer ring makes bath time incredibly fun. Plus, it’s simple to assemble! First, you’ll need to measure around your pup to get the right size ring. Once you have that, you’ll drill holes around the entire perimeter, then connect the ends of the ring with a connector that will also attach to your garden hose.
This project shouldn’t take more than a half-hour or so. After that, bathing your dog will undoubtedly be more fun for both of you.
7. Muddy Dog Paw Wash Station
| Materials: | Plastic storage container that will fit your dog, boiler drain, metal washer, rubber or silicone washer |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
The muddy paws station isn’t a full bath, but it will come in handy if your dog’s feet are caked with dirt and mud. It may also be the easiest plan on our list and only requires two steps to construct. You'll buy a plastic storage bin big enough for your dog to step into and attach a drain to get rid of muddy water (and to avoid picking up the tub to dump it).
Once you’ve put the drain on the bin, you’ll simply need to fill it with water the next time your pup has dirty feet and get them into it. Unless the grime is caked on, it should just rinse away. But if it doesn’t, you might need to do a little scrubbing. Overall, this tiny tub will definitely make your life easier!
Conclusion
With just a bit of time and effort (or a lot in some cases), you can make your life easier with a bathtub, wash station, or shower dedicated to your dog. You won't have to clean up your tub and bathroom floor each time your dog needs a bath! These plans range from easy to difficult, but you should find one within your skill range. If not, grab a handy friend and get to work!
Related Read: 8 Strong & Waterproof DIY Dog Pools (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: JCFUL, Pixabay
Expert dog care, straight to your inbox
News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)
Misty Layne lives out in the woods in small-town Alabama with her two Siamese - Serafina & Jasper. She also has an array of stray cats, raccoons, and opossums who like to call her front porch home. When she’s not writing about animals, you’ll find her writing poetry, stories, and film reviews (the animals are, by far, her favorite writing topic, though!). In her free time, Misty enjoys chilling with her cats, playing piano, watching indie and foreign films, photographing abandoned places, and catching up on her never-ending TBR list.
