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Pet Supplies Plus is a private company headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. It has about 500 locations located across the United States. Pet Supplies Plus isn’t the only shop offering a self-service dog wash option, although it might be the best option if you’re within close driving distance of one. You can expect to pay about $15 to use their self-service dog service for 30 minutes. The time is adequate to give your dog a good cleaning, but keep in mind that you’ll probably spend most of your time drying your pup rather than bathing them.
The Importance of a Self-Service Dog Wash
You needn’t bathe your dog often. However, sometimes it’s necessary. After all, our pets often are like toddlers. They roll in stuff whenever they get the chance, and they don’t seem to know when to come in from the rain—or mud. Our pups may even do battle with a skunk, much to our chagrin. Pet Supplies Plus has you covered, so no one has to stay in the doghouse.
A self-service dog wash offers many benefits. It’s a dedicated space for bathing pets instead of using your bathroom or laundry tub. The company does everything it can to make the experience stress-free and convenient. They even give you supplies to use and chances to upgrade them for a more luxurious spa experience. Staff is also available to answer questions and provide assistance.
How Much Does a Self-Service Dog Wash Cost?
Pet Supplies Plus costs $15 for a 30-minute session using their self-service dog wash. It’s more affordable than taking your pup to a groomer if all they need is a bath. You can spare your floor and rugs from the water and mess of doing it at home. Undoubtedly, it’s a way the store can optimize its space, with owners using it for their pets with minimal cost to them.
The price covers all pets, too, so you don’t have to pay more if you have a large dog. You also may not have the tools or the space to bathe a big pup at home, while the service station does. Your only constraint is the time it takes to get the job done.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Pet Supplies Plus provides the basics. They offer sound advice on making the experience as quick and hassle-free as possible. While you may enjoy bathing your pet someplace else, your pup might feel anxious in a new place around different people and pets. You can also upgrade the products they provide you with ones suitable for other needs.
For example, you can get a shampoo and conditioner tailored for your pup’s hair length. You can also opt for ones formulated for shed control or sensitive skin. The shop provides towels and a dryer station, but you have to bring your pet’s brush. While you’re there, you can also get a new one for your dog. These costs are optional but convenient to buy while you’re in the store.
If you are looking for the perfect, pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo, we highly recommend the products by Hepper. With a soothing oatmeal shampoo, free of soaps and other harsh chemicals, and a cucumber and aloe scented conditioner, your pet's skin and coat will be smooth, hydrated, and irritation-free.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!
You can also opt to have a professional do the bathing and grooming for you. The advantage is having an experienced groomer do the job. Pet Supplies Plus makes it a spa experience for your pooch with six different add-on packages offered. They include the following:
- All-Natural Package
- De-Shed Package
- Doodle Package
- Senior Package
- SPAW Treatment
- Spoiled Puppy Package
They are an excellent choice if you want to pamper your pup but don’t feel comfortable or have the time to indulge your pet. You must provide proof of rabies vaccination and sign up for an account to use these services.
How Often Should I Use a Self-Service Dog Wash?
The frequency of baths depends on your dog and their habits. The breed also plays a role. For example, a Labrador Retriever may need a bath more often because of the oils their skin secretes for waterproofing. A general rule of thumb, however, is about once every 4 to 6 weeks.
Pet Supplies Plus offers a Dirty Dog Discount Card if you anticipate frequent baths. You can save over 40% on the service if you buy five ahead of time. With their reward program, you can also get a free wash after eight washes. They also have a program for product purchases. If you shop frequently at Pet Supplies Plus, it’s a no-brainer to take advantage of these deals.
Does Pet Insurance Cover a Self-Service Dog Wash?
Grooming isn’t a covered expense for most pet insurers. After all, it’s cosmetic and not necessarily a health issue. We suggest contacting the company if you plan to use a flea treatment at Pet Supplies Plus. The self-service dog wash isn’t expensive, so we consider insurance coverage a non-issue.
What to Do for Your Dog in Between Baths
We recommend brushing or combing your pup between baths. It will help keep your dog mat-free. You should also check your pet’s ears and nails to see if they need attention. The more you handle your dog, the easier the experience will be for both you and your dog. Your pet will be more cooperative and fight you less if you do it more often. Of course, a treat is a potent motivator to put up with it.
You can also use pet wash wipes in between baths to keep your pooch smelling fresh. Bathing your pup too frequently can dry out their coat and cause itchiness. Wipes are an excellent alternative, particularly if they contain non-irritating ingredients like aloe vera.
Keeping your dog clean doesn't have to mean giving them a full bath. We like Hepper's Wash Wipes because they're specially formulated to be safe for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. The hypoallergenic formula contains natural, moisturizing ingredients that effectively remove dirt without irritating your dog's skin. At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!
Conclusion
Pet Supplies Plus offers a self-service dog wash, a boon for pet owners. You can bathe your dog without trashing your bathroom or laundry room. The store provides basic supplies, including the towels. You can also tap into the expertise of pet professionals to answer your questions. If you want to upgrade the experience, you can make an appointment with their professional groomers.
Featured Image Credit: antoniodiaz, Shutterstock
