One of the great, and yet sometimes difficult, pleasures of having a pup are bath times. As the owner of a growing 50 pound, 7 month puppy, I’ve had my fair share of water splashed on my bathroom floor and playing chase across the yard. Bath time can oftentimes be a stressful experience and workout for pet owners, turning quickly into a tedious chore.
Although taking your dog to a groomer is always a great option, taking the time to groom your own dog from time to time, especially when young and in training, can yield many positive rewards. Most dogs love and yearn for your attention, and like most humans, getting their hair brushed not only helps maintain healthy skin and coat but feels unbelievably relaxing. Spending 15 minutes grooming your dog will help teach your loved one to relax and allow themselves to be handled, growing in trust towards your family and in the process for future grooming sessions should you take them to your local groomer or doggy spa.
Bonding through grooming, while having it’s great benefits, is still a tedious task, which is why I fell in love with the concept of self-serve dog washes the first time I had the opportunity to see one. Self-serve dog washes are typically at a grooming establishment or pet store, providing a tub at about waist height, temperature controlled hoses, and towels/dryers for a low cost fee. Can you imagine how fun the adventure will be?
Let’s pack up from the dog park, load up the car, and head over to a few San Antonio area self serve dog washes with your family to spoil your pup while simultaneously training, socializing, and desensitizing your family’s favorite fur ball! *
The Wash Dawg | 16600 Huebner Rd.
This small facility is great for the quick wash and charges depending on dog weight with options to buy multiple washes at once (think of a punch card system). Prices are between $12 to $18 and offers a waterproof apron, ramps to assist your pet into the tubs, choose of shampoo and conditioner, ear cleaning solution and cotton balls, towels, sanitized brushes, and forced air blow dryers.
The area itself is small and quiet while the groomers section is located in the back. On average they see most washes taking 15 – 20 minutes and offers privacy partitions between each tub.
Wash Shake Wag | 2520 N. Main St.
Similar to the above, Wash Shake Wag provides grooming by professionals as well. WSW charges by dog weight with prices ranging between $10 – $20 and provides professional tubs, warm water, shampoos/conditioners, towels, brushes, HV blow dryers, and nail trimmers as well.
The beautifully cozy space has colored tubs, perfect for those instagram pictures with Fido and his beard made of bubbles. Wash Shake Wag also includes a small boutique area to shop for a new wardrobe, treats, and toys.
Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa | Multiple Locations
A much larger facility, Lucy’s offers boarding, daycare, and grooming in addition to their self-serve dog wash. Lucy’s has a first time special, but their standard package is set at $15 per wash. Their facility includes the works but also includes nail clippers, rubber gloves, and colognes for the doggy that’s ready to impress his paw buddies.
Lucy’s is a great option especially if you’re looking to preview their multitude of services, with their newest 1604 location being impressively spacious.
K-9 Cafe – San Antonio| 5440 Babcock Rd. Ste 144
K9 Cafe is quite different in that their 4000 sq ft boutique includes their spa and has a wide variety of unique items for your pups, including a cute bakery with items to treat your pup for any occasion … such as being especially cute that day!
K9 is a good fit if you have time to spare and want to provide your pup a true spa experience to include massage shower heads, cologne, shampoo upgrades, de-shedding options, and other package upgrades at a low cost. Prices range from $12 – $25 depending on your pup’s weight and offers a la carte add on services such as a blueberry facial or a sweet bandana to dress up for any puppy playdates that may be right around the corner!
With so many great options, you are sure to have a fun time spoiling your dog with affection while saving you the back pain from fighting your pup into a slippery porcelain bath tub! I personally can’t wait to try a blueberry facial on my bulldog while contemplating which dog park to visit next in the ever growing city of San Antonio.
*To ensure the best experience, please be sure to bring your pup’s vaccinations on your visit as most washes will require documentation.
