12 Tips on How to Build a Dog Wash Station for Your Home
Our Austin Architects Share How to Build a Dog Wash Station and the Benefits for You and Your Pup
If you’ve ever come home from the dog park with a muddy pup, you know just how much of a struggle bath time can be. Indoor baths result in pools of water on your bathroom floor and a dirty shower. While outdoor baths leave you chasing your dog around the yard with a hose. Why not contain the bath time chaos with a custom dog wash station for you and your furry friend? Our Austin architects share 12 tips on how to build a dog wash station and the benefits of adding one to your home design plan.
What is a Dog Wash Station?
First, what is a dog wash station exactly? A dog wash station or dog shower is an elevated shower platform designed specifically for bathing and grooming our four-legged friends. These stations allow the groomer or pet parent to bathe the dog without crouching down, contain messes and water splashes, and provide a more enjoyable bath time experience.
What You Need to Know Before Building a Dog Wash Station
There’s a lot to learn when planning your first remodel or building your first house. Our Austin architects recommend accounting for every family member's needs before the initial design stages, including those of your fur babies. Plan out your dog wash station design early on in your project with your architecture team. Consider the size, location, and benefits of building one for your pet. Then, move on to selecting finishes and adding in personal touches.
Dog Shower Elevation by DK Studio
Dog Shower Benefits
On the fence about adding a dog shower to your home design plan? Here are the top dog wash station benefits to consider.
Contains Messes
Dog wash stations help contain the mess of bath time. Prevent water splashes and keep your human shower clean. After a long day running around the dog park, you don’t want to bathe your pup and break out the cleaning supplies before enjoying your own steam shower.
Reduces Grooming Costs
An in-house grooming station allows you to skip the groomer and do more baths at home. Over time, your custom dog wash station will help reduce your yearly grooming bill.
Makes Bathtime Fun
Trying to fit your pup in the kitchen sink, crouching down to the tub, or running around the backyard with a hose makes bath time stressful and time-consuming. A dedicated dog shower will help take the chaos out of bath time and make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pet.
12 Tips for Building a Dog Wash Station
Ready to design a dog shower for your home? Here are 12 tips for building a dog wash station to consider before you start.
1. Take the Dog Wash Outside
First, you need to decide where you will install your dog shower. Placing a dog wash station outside near an existing outdoor shower or behind a pool cabana is a great option for creating practical outdoor flow. These spaces already have plumbing nearby and are used for getting cleaned up. Washing dogs outside also prevents muddy paws from tracking through your interior.
2. Or, Create a Designated Pet Room
On the other hand, you can create a designated indoor pet room for your animals and add a dog wash station to turn it into a “puppy spa.” Pet rooms are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners look for space to store toys, crates, and food. Consider placing your pet room near other utility rooms like a mudroom and adding easy outdoor access.
3. Embrace an Elevated Design
Elevating the platform of your dog shower eliminates the need to bend over or crouch down, making the process easier on your back and joints. The exact bench height will depend on the size of your dog, but it should be between 18 and 36 inches off the ground.
4. Add Steps
Add steps up to the grooming bench for larger or older dogs that are difficult to pick up or can’t jump. Steps are an easy detail to incorporate into the design and a major plus for your pup.
5. Install a Handheld Shower Wand
Install a retractable handheld shower wand in your dog shower for manageable control over the flow of water. Opting for a shower wand over a fixed shower head will make it easier to bathe your pup and help prevent splashes.
6. Protect Your Pipes
Protect your dog shower investment and your pipes by installing a hair guard over your dog shower drain. A guard is a must-have for preventing clogs, especially for long-haired dogs.
7. Contain Splashes with Glass
Add a glass splash guard to indoor dog showers to prevent water splatters and puddles. The exact height and length of your splash guard will depend on your shower design and the size of your dog. Take measurements to ensure you can reach over the guard to bathe your pup.
8. Or, Keep Things Open
While splash guards are great for indoor dog showers, they aren’t necessary for outdoor showers. Consider keeping your outdoor shower open for easier access, especially if you have a larger breed.
9. Choose Durable Tile
Finish your dog shower just as you would a shower for yourself. Durable ceramic and porcelain tiles are great material options. While a dog wash station is a practical feature, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with tile colors and designs.
10. Hang a Towel Rack or Blow Dryer Hook
Hang a towel rack or blow dryer hook nearby for easy access, so you don’t have to lead your wet dog across the room to dry off. Drying your dog off on the bench will eliminate a pesky trail of wet pawprints on the floor.
11. Add Built-in Storage
Add built-in storage inside the dog shower, like a shampoo nook. Also, consider building custom storage units nearby to house grooming supplies, towels, and bath time toys.
Laundry Room with Dog Storage by DK Studio
12. Paw-sonalize Your Space
Dog showers are a super custom feature. So, don’t be afraid to personalize even more with fun material selections. If you are creating a pet room, consider embracing a fun theme. (Pawprint tiles could be cute!) If you add a dog wash station near your outdoor shower, consider using matching materials. Your pet will love having a miniature version for themselves!