Upgrade your home with a dog washing area to simplify bath time for both you and your furry friend. If you’ve ever chased after a muddy dog indoors, you’ll appreciate the convenience of having a dog wash near the entrance. Architect Dan Contelmo from New York highlights its benefits, mentioning how it helps contain messes and serves multiple purposes like rinsing off dirty boots and watering plants. With a customized dog-cleaning station, you’ll also avoid the discomfort of bending over the bathtub, making bath time a breeze.
Discover How to Design the Perfect Dog Washing Station for You
Determining the Perfect Elevation for Your Dog Washing Station
When setting up a dog washing area, focus on places like mudrooms, garages, basements, and laundry rooms. These areas usually have existing plumbing connections, which can save you money during installation. However, tapping into these connections may require cutting into walls and floors. DIY dog-wash projects can cost around $1,000 for materials, while hiring professionals like designers, plumbers, or contractors can double the expenses.
Selecting the Correct Height for Your Dog Bathing Area
A utility sink or raised shower basin at waist height makes dog washing easier. It’s great for small to medium dogs that can be lifted or use a ramp. Prefab dog tubs are convenient but plain. For larger breeds, a larger dog shower is better, sized 6 inches taller and wider. Use a sloped prefab shower pan for a budget-friendly option. A curb or glass door helps contain water splashes.
A utility sink or raised shower basin at waist height makes dog washing easier. It’s great for small to medium dogs that can be lifted or use a ramp. Prefab dog tubs are convenient but plain. For larger breeds, a larger dog shower is better, sized 6 inches taller and wider. Use a sloped prefab shower pan for a budget-friendly option. A curb or glass door helps contain water splashes. Consider adding non-slip mats or stairs for safe access.
Comfort for Your Dog
Safety first! To prevent slips, choose a floor with good traction, especially for tile floors where smaller tiles and more grout lines provide better grip. For added safety, place a rubber mat in prefab shower pans. Opt for hand showers or pull-out sprayers that are easy to reach and operate with one hand while you bathe your pet.
For tubs, pick a sprayer with a long hose (18 to 24 inches) to reach all around your dog comfortably. In a stall-style shower, go for a hand shower with a hose length of 3 to 5 feet for better maneuverability. Don’t forget an anti-scald valve for temperature control—lukewarm water is best for your furry friend’s comfort.
Ready-to-Use Option
A 36-inch-wide acrylic mop basin, 2 feet front to back and 10 inches deep, is placed on a bench-height cabinet for convenience. Subway tiles from a home center are arranged in a stacked pattern for a modern look. The faucet, originally used in a restaurant, adds a unique touch. Cubby baskets store essential items, including grooming supplies for dogs. The floor, made of durable slate, completes the space.
Ideas for Dog Wash Area Design
For creative ideas, look at these clever dog washing stations designed for pets of any size.
Small Shower Enclosure Ideas
Next to the laundry machines, there’s a small 30-by-30-inch shower with a raised acrylic base, ideal for a large dog. The shower features basic white subway tile walls and a handheld showerhead for convenience. Although the tempered glass door was a bit pricey, it helps contain splashes during baths.
PRO TIP: Opt for slip-resistant tiles with a textured surface for safety in the shower. Look for tiles with a DCOF rating of 0.42 or higher.
Hidden Pet Stairs
This dog-wash area in the mudroom features laminate-covered walls and a 60-by-34-inch prefab shower base. A hand shower is mounted for convenience. Pull-out steps with nonslip treads and a false cabinet front help large dogs access the wash area safely. Adjacent to it is a feeding station with a low sink and faucet for refills.
Modern and Spacious
This area used to be a carpeted guest bedroom but now it’s a bathing space for dogs. It can accommodate three dogs at once and was made by connecting to a nearby water line. The wall is covered with large porcelain tiles, while the shower floor has smaller hex tiles to prevent slipping.
There’s a fold-down teak bench for the homeowner to sit on, and the tempered glass door automatically locks to keep the dogs inside. It also has a tub filler for filling mop buckets and a rod for drying laundry.
Designing a dedicated dog washing area in your home can revolutionize bath time for both you and your furry companion. Whether you’re opting for a DIY project or seeking professional assistance, consider factors like convenience, safety, and comfort to create the perfect washing station. With our guide, you’ll find inspiration and practical tips to transform bath time into an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.
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