Pet Wash Station provides another option for bath time
FRANKLIN LIVING MARCH/APRIL 2018— It’s an almost universally-accepted fact that pets don’t like bath time. That truth is pretty close to a given. One Franklin County company is offering a bath time resource that could help make the experience easier and more pleasant for pets and their owners alike.
Not all Tractor Supply stores offer a Pet Wash Station, but new locations – such as Russellville’s, which opened in October – all include the feature. Located in the back of the store, Tractor Supply’s Pet Wash Station is a self-service room outfitted with two tubs, two grooming tables and two wall-mounted dryers, along with other needed supplies and amenities.
“It just provides a convenient way for customers to wash their pets,” store manager Renae Halbrooks said. “It’s just so much easier for them to be able to come in here. Big dog, small dog, it really doesn’t matter. Some people bring their cats in here. Other Pet Wash Stations, in stores around the country, they have goats – anything that will fit in the tub, you can bring it in here and wash it.”
Deodorizing shampoo, oatmeal shampoo and sensitive skin shampoo are all available options to customers. “That’s something that’s really great because all dogs are a little bit different,” Halbrooks said. Of course, “they are welcome to bring their own shampoos with them if they would like to. They are welcome to bring anything with them they need to groom their animal.” The station offers grooming tools, such as brushes specific to long-haired, short-haired and medium-haired dogs, along with nail clippers. Styptic powder is also available for nail-clipping mishaps. “If they cut their nails too short and they start to bleed, they can dip the nail down in the powder, and it stops the bleeding and helps with the pain,” Halbrooks explained.
The station is unique in that it is all self-service, except for cleanup – Tractor Supply handles cleanup, using a bleach-based cleaner to ensure a disinfected space following each use by a customer.
Customers get two large towels per animal to help soak up excess moisture before using the blow-dryer. Customers can tie on a rubber bath apron while washing to help protect their clothing from splashes.
The door to the pet station locks – which Halbrooks recommends, to ensure a secure experience even if a bath-averse pet tries to bolt – and is partially tinted so pets aren’t as distracted by what’s going on in the rest of the store. Customers are also welcome to grab a couple of free treats to help make bath time more palatable.
The best part, Halbrooks said, is “not having to bend over a bathtub.” Stepstools are available, and a door opens in the side of each tub, such that large animals can walk into the tub rather than owners having to lift them over the side. “Having the door really helps for the larger animals, and having the platforms – being able to raise them up and down – is very helpful.”
Halbrooks said the Russellville location is averaging 20-30 pet washes a week, with some customers beginning to develop a weekly or biweekly return schedule. Pets have primarily been dogs, although one customer brings a monkey.
Capacity is four customers and two pets at a time. The room is kept locked for safety purposes but can be unlocked at any time by a store employee, and it includes special ventilation to help steam and stinky smells dissipate as quickly as possible.
Of course, just because the Pet Wash Station might be more convenient doesn’t guarantee the pet will like it any better than he does at home.
“You would laugh at some of the sounds that come out of here,” Halbrooks said. “If it’s a Husky, you can almost guarantee it’s going to holler the entire time.”
Tractor Supply is open seven days a week. Pet Wash Station cost is $9.99 per animal.
