Opening a self-serve pet wash is a smart business move and a chance to tap in to the booming pet care market. Across the country, pet ownership is on the rise, and with it comes the constant need for quick, affordable grooming options. For instance, over 59 million households in the U.S. own at least one dog, and over 42 million own at least one cat, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
By adding a pet wash to your business, or opening one as a stand-alone, you create a steady revenue stream while building strong connections with local pet owners. Whether you operate a car wash, manage a campground, own a pet store, or want a side hustle with minimal maintenance, there are many reasons to open a self-serve pet wash station from All Paws Pet Wash, including repeat customers, increased foot traffic, consistent income, and a service that's available all year.
What Is a Self-Service Pet Wash?
A self-service pet wash is a fully equipped, temperature-controlled unit where customers can conveniently bathe their furry friends without the hassle of at-home cleanup or the expense of professional grooming. All Paws Pet Wash offers self-contained kiosk models for outdoor locations and space-saving tub units that work indoors or outdoors, giving operators flexibility to match their location and audience. These pet wash stations are simple and easy to use, so customers can operate the units from start to finish without assistance.
We Offer a Wide Range of Self-Serve Pet Wash Units
All Paws Pet Wash offers multiple models to fit different spaces, budgets, and operator goals. Each is fully equipped and built for long-lasting performance. Whether you're serving a busy commercial property or a smaller community location, there's a unit designed for your market.
All models come with premium features to enhance the customer experience and simplify operation for you:
- Temperature controls: The pet washing tub uses heated water to soothe animals, and the temperature-controlled unit interior keeps customers comfortable in warm and cold weather.
- Shampoo varieties and disinfectant: Each unit comes with five shampoos tailored to different needs, plus a conditioner and a disinfectant spray to keep the tub sanitary between washes.
- Vacuum and dryer: High-powered vacuums and blow dryers speed up drying time, keeping pets comfortable and making the experience quicker for customers.
- Vending machine: Our station provides a vending machine with motivating pet treats when dogs need a little incentive during the wash.
- Nonslip mats: Safe, nonslip surfaces prevent accidents and help pets feel secure during washing.
- Easy-to-use controls: Simple push buttons and clear instructions enable a smooth customer experience from start to finish.
- Over-sized basin: With a sloped tub space large enough for big dogs or more than one pet, our wash basin provides accommodation and easy drainage.
- Mobile app: Our app supports monthly subscriptions, providing operators with consistent, recurring income and convenience for customers.
From the spacious, high-capacity Double ADA821 to the space-saving APW Flip-Tub, we have a self-serve pet wash solution for virtually any location — and every unit is delivered ready to connect to your utilities.
Self-Serve Pet Wash Benefits for Customers
Adding a self-service pet wash offers numerous advantages that make pet care easier and more convenient for your community:
- Convenient service: Open 24/7/365, self-serve pet wash stations offer customers a hassle-free place to wash their dogs without having to wrestle them into the bathtub or chasing a dripping wet dog around the house after they escape.
- Quick and affordable: Most washes take just 20 minutes and typically cost around $15, making it fast and budget-friendly for pet owners to keep their pets clean and healthy.
- Fast drying: High-powered dryers and vacuums suck the excess water from the dog's hair, making drying much faster than towel-drying at home. The dryers use room-temperature air to protect dogs' skin from dryness or irritation.
- Pleasant experience for pets: Warm water, gentle products, a calm environment, and familiar handling from their owners make the experience pleasant for pets. The treat vending machine adds a little extra joy.
- Easy to access: All Paws Pet Wash units are ADA-compliant, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for every customer.
- Zero cleanup: There is no mess for pet owners to clean up — we like to say your mess is our success!
- No appointments needed: Pet owners can wash their furry friends whenever it fits their schedule, without waiting or booking.
- Significant cost savings: Customers do not have to spend money buying shampoos and treatments for the home — each unit comes stocked with various quality products.
- Safe and secure: The units have a restraining leash to keep the dog in the tub, so your pet doesn't jump out and injure themselves.
Benefits of Adding a Pet Wash to Your Business
Convenience and cost-efficiency for your customers are fantastic, but what do you have to gain from adding a pet wash? As a business, self-serve pet washes provide a lot of benefits, including:
- Steady income: Pet owners need frequent washes, so your station can generate consistent revenue 24/7, even when your main business is closed.
- Year-round use: Heated water and temperature-controlled kiosks keep pets and customers comfortable in any season, allowing your wash to stay open 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Flexible operation: With your pet wash, the grooming world is your oyster. Place your station wherever you like, adjust the price to suit your needs, and adjust the settings to suit your market. Many operators visit their unit once or twice daily for quick cleaning and maintenance.
- Included equipment: Unlike starting a pet wash from scratch, investing in a self-service station will provide you with all the necessary materials to operate in one place.
- Low maintenance: Each unit is simple to clean and requires minimal upkeep to stay in top condition, freeing you up to focus on other parts of your business.
- Ready to connect to utilities: All Paws Pet Wash units arrive ready for installation. Connect water, drainage, and electricity, and you're in business.
- Increased foot traffic: By adding this hassle-free service, you increase foot traffic, keep customers on-site longer, and offer a family-friendly amenity that keeps clients coming back. Whether you own a gas station, car wash, pet supply store, or campground, a pet wash complements your existing business and draws new customers.
Advantages of Opening a Pet Wash as a Side Hustle
You don't need to own a business to open a pet wash. For aspiring entrepreneurs, opening one as a stand-alone venture offers a flexible, community-friendly way to generate income:
- Low startup cost: Our pet wash units are available at varying price points depending on your options, needs, and budget. We work with each customer to find the model that will work best for their situation. Thus, you can enter the booming pet care market without the expense of building from scratch.
- Numerous package options: From compact tubs to large kiosk stations and specialized models, you can choose a package that fits your budget, location, and customer volume expectations.
- Complete independence: All Paws Pet Wash is not a franchise. You own your station outright, giving you complete control over pricing, location, and operations without ongoing franchise fees or restrictions.
- Strong community relationships: A pet wash naturally encourages friendly interaction with local pet owners and organizations, and can be a great way to strengthen your presence and network.
- Customizable design: Personalize your pet wash with branding and features that fit your vision and available space.
- Recurring revenue potential: Subscription options through the mobile app allow for steady, predictable monthly income.
- Flexible scheduling: With minimal staff required, you can operate on your own time and still keep the service running 24/7.
- Scalable growth: You can start small and grow by adding units or locations as your customer base expands.
The numerous self-serve dog wash benefits are compelling for those seeking a business venture with minimal staffing needs, strong revenue potential, and a fun way to work with animals.
How Much Can You Make?
The revenue you can generate from a pet-washing station can vary depending on your location, the cost you charge to use your station, the weather, and how often it is open. The average monthly revenue can range from $800 during a slow month and up to $3,000 during a busy month, according to the president of All Paws Pet Wash, Keith Caldwell.
You can adjust the price to any market. For example, you may attract more customers if you charge $5 for six minutes of use, instead of $1 per minute. A typical operator will set their units for $15 for 20 minutes.
Your revenue also depends on getting the word out to customers that you offer a self-serve pet wash station. You can advertise inexpensively by handing out flyers to your regular customers and putting up signs to alert potential customers to your new service. Browse this selection of banners and marketing materials to assist you in advertising or marketing your location. In addition, all of our customers are promoted through our pet wash locating page, which attracts local and traveling customers.
You can also offer discounts to existing customers and those who use more than one of your services. For example, if you own a car wash, you can offer discounts on car and pet washes when customers choose to use both.
Some of our pet wash owners partner with their local animal shelters to host an adoption day where they offer free washes. Partnerships raise awareness for your business and local animal shelter and bring new customers. Also, you can get free advertisement in local papers for community outreach reasons! First-time customers are often amazed by how easy it is to wash and groom their dog and quickly become regular customers. According to AVMA, many households own more than one dog. Check out our gallery of successful pet washes from many satisfied customers and read their testimonials.
What Type of Businesses Can Benefit?
While car wash businesses are ideal places to add a self-serve pet wash station into an existing wash bay, other businesses can benefit from a coin-operated pet wash station. Here are some examples:
- Convenience store
- Gas station
- Pet store
- Car or tire repair shop
- Senior living communities
- Dog parks
- Campgrounds
- RV parks
- Laundromats
- Kennels
- Pet-friendly hotels
- Veterinarian's office or hospital
- At the beach
- Dog pool facilities
- Pet-friendly apartment complexes or condos
- Full-service groomers
Even dog pounds and humane societies can benefit from having a pet wash unit in their space. This is a low-risk way to raise money for animal care in these facilities.
The businesses that can expect the most success from adding dog wash stations are those located in highly populated residential areas and those offering pet washing services 24/7. This gives people the freedom to wash their dog in the early morning or at midnight if they want, instead of having to wash their dog within business hours. This freedom increases the likelihood that more people will use your pet wash system, especially on the weekends.
Open Your Pet Wash Business With All Paws Pet Wash Today
Partner with All Paws Pet Wash and start turning your space into a pet-friendly hub that generates reliable income. Our fully equipped, temperature-controlled units arrive ready to connect to your utilities, and our team supports you every step of the way, from choosing the right model to customizing its design.
Join the growing community of operators who enjoy flexible, low-maintenance income while giving their customers the convenience and care their furry friends deserve. Contact All Paws Pet Wash today to request a quote, explore model options, and begin building your pet wash business.