By Linda Stinnett

A local family with a car wash business has opened their second do-it-yourself dog wash in Wichita.

The new wash facility, The Dog Spa, is at 31st and K-15 in the 3142 building and was opened recently by Wayne, Troy and Bret Wayman. The Waymans own the three buildings from the corner of the intersection back to the 850 square foot Dog Spa. It is the final piece of their plan to revive the commercial space.

The self-service dog wash provides a clean washing facility, with prices starting at $5 for an eight-minute wash. Included in the price is a choice of oatmeal or flea and tick shampoos, conditioners and a forced air blow dryer. 

The dog wash has many features similar to a car wash. It will accept cash or credit cards and is designed  to alert the dog’s owner when the time is running out so he or she can add additional time to the wash without starting the entire process over. Vending machines also offer pet products and accessories.

The family has operated Pro Car Wash Systems, a company which services and operates car washes across the region, since 1994. Troy said he first sold the dog wash products to others and he had seen similar ones in operation on both coasts.  

The first dog wash was opened three years ago at 3001 E. Douglas in Wichita. It has been successful and the family believes they are taking lessons learned from the first business to the new one.

Both are self-serve, but  are well lighted and have continuous video surveillance to ensure customer safety. The 3 by 5 foot tubs are waist high for most pet owners and provide a ramp for easy access by the dog. 

Each also has two hooks for the dog’s collar. This allows those with smaller, multiple dog families to wash them together. 

The free-standing tubs also allow more than one family member to help with the wash, or just gather to provide support to the family pet.

“I think it gives a dog a real sense of comfort,” Wayne said.

The company offers an 8 by 10 foot holding pen outside, for those who have multiple pets and want to wash one at a time. 

The water is 103 degrees – at about a comfortable temperature for a human shower. The dryer is 110 degrees, similar in warmth to a human hair dryer. One dryer provides a vacuum attachment, which owners with long-haired dogs may appreciate.

Troy said several pet stores have similar dog washes, but are usually more expensive.

“Our price point is more attractive,” he said.

Troy said his personal experience with the dog wash is that it allows the family to save money between trips to a professional groomer. 

The building is cleaned and sanitized daily, allowing it to be odor-free and attractive.

“This is basically a pet destination,” Troy said.

User Comments

• Good idea

  "This is a good idea. my mother takes her mini schaunzher to a pet washing station the dog seems to enjoy it and it saves time going to a groomer for more time."

  Posted by Chad Parker on Feb. 22, 2012

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