Anyone who lives with a dog has probably tried to bathe their dog at home. If you have, you know that washing your dog in the tub is a back breaking job. But, now a days you have other options to get your dog clean. One of them is a self-service dog washing station at a local business. You can find a few self-serve dog wash stations that are located right here in Virginia Beach, VA.
But finding one can be difficult. If you don’t know where to look, keep reading. We have done the research for you.
In this post we have listed out the best self serve dog washing stations we could find in Virginia Beach, VA.
How much does it cost to use a self-serve dog wash station in Virginia Beach?
The cost to use a self-serve dog wash in the Virginia Beach is between $12 and $37. While most businesses charge a flat rate of $15 or $20, some places charge by weight and fur type. In addition to the self-serve pet wash, most places offer other add-on grooming services like nail trimming and ear cleaning.
An alternative to going out to wash your dog is created a Dog Wash Station in your home. To learn more check out our post on Best Dog Wash Station Ideas for your Home with 75+ Photos
Selecting a Self Serve Dog Washing Station in Virginia Beach
Since the Virginia Beach area has a few self-serve dog washes, you will need to decide which one to go to.
While going to the nearest one may be convenient, you might be better off checking out a few, then deciding which one is best for you. Self washing stations are not all alike and will differ from one company to the next.
Plan on visiting the store without your dog. That way you won’t be distracted when you take a look around. If there is an attendant make sure to ask any questions you may have.
Here are a few suggestions on what to look for and ask about.
- Look for safely features like non-slip mats or flooring in the tub and on the floor outside of the tub
- Is the pet washing area enclosed in case your dog gets loose?
- How do dogs enter the tub? Are there ramps or steps to get into the bath? If so, will your dog be able to safely use them? Some older dogs might have a hard time with stairs.
- Are there tub restraints? How many? Ideally there will be more than one restraint to hook your dog up to allowing you two change their position in the tub. Tub restraints also allows you to use both hands to wash them without worrying they might try to jump out.
- Are the tubs cleaned in between use?
- How much time do you get in the tub and at what cost? Can you add extra time if you need it?
- What supplies are included with the price? Shampoo and conditioner? Towels or an air blower?
- Do you need to make an appointment?
- What other services do they provide? Some stores may offer additional services like nail trimming and ear cleaning for an extra cost.
- If you have a large dog like a Bernedoodle make sure the tub is big enough for them to comfortable turn around.
- Is everything done at one station? Or do they have a washing station and a drying station?
- What form of payment do they take?
How to Use a Self Serve Dog Wash Station
After you have done your pre-check of the facility, it’s time to bring your dog to get washed. Our tips listed here are based on our own experiences and may or may not apply to you. Use your best judgement when using a self-serve pet washing station.
- Make sure to gather all your supplies before you go. Items that might not be included are; a dog brush, face wipes, preferred shampoos and conditioners.
- If you have a reactive dog, go early in the morning or during the week when the store is less crowded.
- Thoroughly brush your dog’s coat before going to the dog wash. This is an important step if you have a long or curly haired dog, like a mini Goldendoodle or mini Bernedoodle. Water can make fur mats worst if not brushed out ahead of time.
- Take your dog for a walk to eliminate and burn off some energy before going into the store.
- The pet wash area will be filled with smells. Give your dog a minute to smell and become comfortable.
- Make sure to use the provided tub restraints. This will prevent your pup from getting out and possibly getting hurt.
- Check the water temperature to ensure it is not too hot or too cold for your dog.
- Start washing your pup. Begin with wetting them down. Make sure you don’t get water in their ears, as it may cause an infection.
- Next apply the shampoo and lather them up. I prefer to start at the base of the neck and move down towards their backside. Don’t forget to wash underneath.
- If your dog has a thick coat, a rubber dog bath brush will help you get down to their skin.
- When you are done washing make sure to rinse them thoroughly. Any shampoo that is left behind may irritate their skin.
- If you choose to use a conditioner this is the time to apply it. Follow the directions on the conditioner bottle. Some conditioners need to be rinsed out while others are leave in.
- Now it is time to dry your pup. Start by squeezing out as much water from their fur as you can. This will shorten the drying time. Next, if you have access to dog towels, use them to absorb the excess water that is left. Then use the air blower to completely dry your dog.
- If your dog has fleas call the retailer first before bring your dog in. They will typically have special procedures to ensure the fleas are not spread from one dog to the next.
Where to Find a Self-Serve Dog Wash Station in Virginia Beach
You can find self-serve dog washing stations in a variety of locations throughout the Virginia Beach area. Please visit their websites to get up-to-date information on their services and what is included. Here are the ones we found.
1. Care-A-Lot Pet Supply and Resort
Care-A-Lot Pet Resort is a pet supply store and resort in the Virginia Beach area. They offer both professional grooming services and do it yourself dog washes at their Diamond Spring, and Indian River locations.
- Diamond Spring Location
- 1924 Diamond Springs Road
- Virginia Beach, VA 23455
- Contact: (757) 457-9482 – Grooming
- Indian River Location
- 5457 Indian River Road
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Contact: (757) 395-4835 – Grooming
When you purchase time at the pet wash you will be asked to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement.
The cost of a Self Serve Dog Wash includes:
- Elevated baths that come in three sizes
- Earthbath shampoos
- Smocks for adults and children
- Towels
- Goggles
- In station air dryer
- A treat
Please note: Dogs must be friendly, flea free, and have not had a recent encounter with a skunk.
2. Pet Supply Plus
Pet Supply Plus offers self-service pet washing stations at select stores. You can find a Pet Supply Plus self-serve dog washing station in Virginia Beach in the Kemps River Center. There is also one in nearby Chesapeake in the Great Bridge Shopping Center.
Both stores are independently owned.
- Pet Supply Plus – Virginia Beach
- 5394 Kempsriver Drive, Ste 101
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Contact: 757-424-8448
- Pet Supply Plus – Chesapeake
- 237 Battlefield Blvd S Ste2
- Chesapeake,VA
- Contact: 757-410-5261
Facebook: facebook.com/petsuppliesplus
To use the DIY pet wash you first need to pay at the register. Then you can head back to the self wash station where they will turn the water on. At the wash station you will find most of what you need. Including:
- Raised tubs
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Towels
- Blow-dryer
- Apron
They also offer professional grooming and walk-in nail trimming.
However, Pet Supply Plus is a BYOB, meaning you need to bring your own brushes (and combs).
Pet Supply Plus, offers a reward program that includes a free self-serve dog wash and nail serve after a certain number of paid services. Please visit the store to get up-to-date information on the rewards program.
3. Two Brothers Dog Wash
The Two Brothers Dog Wash is appropriately named since it’s run by two bothers that saw the need for a self-service dog washing in the Virginia Beach area. In addition, to the do it yourself washing stations, they also offer professional grooming services, dog food, treats, toys and accessories.
You can find them at:
- 426 Newtown Road
- Virginia Beach VA, 23462
- Contact: 757-497-9274
- Facebook: facebook.com/TwoBrothersDogWash/
Their self-service dog wash are walk-ins only. You cannot reserve a time. The cost of the self serve dog wash is based on your dog’s weight and type of fur. Larger, long haired dogs are charged more than small, short haired dogs, but the price is in-line with other self serve dog wash stations in the area that charge a flat fee.
Two Brothers Dog Wash does offer discounts by way of Daily Specials. Discounts include ones for military, and first responders, but they are for specific days of the week.
The cost of a Self Serve Dog Wash includes:
- Metal tub with ramp
- Tub is sanitized between uses.
- Adjustable tub restraints
- 5 different 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioners for to choose from
- Separate eye, ear, & dental wipes
- Brushes, rakes, & combs
- Chamois cloth & towel
- Waterproof apron
- Low heat/high pressure grooming dryers
Two Brothers Dog Wash has house rules that you need to follow which include leash and flea policies. You can read about them on their website
4. Salon Versace Dog Wash
Salon Versace offers a do it yourself dog wash station at their Virginia Beach Location. They also offer professional grooming services and full-service baths.
You can find them at:
- 2865 Lynnhaven Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Contact: 757-452-4922
Salon Versace accepts both walk-ins and appointments for their self serve dog baths. The self-serve dog wash includes:
- Walk-In Tubs
- Choice of shampoo
- Scrubber
- Ear, eye, dental cleansing wipes
- Nail trim/Dremel
- Apron
- Towels
- Brush
- Air Dryer
The price for the self-service dog wash is based weight, breed, coat type/length, and style of haircut.
Know of a Self Serve Dog Wash Station in Virginia Beach that is not on this list?
Please let us know about them in the comments.