Unleashing Convenience: The Rise of Self-Serve Pet Wash Stations in C&G Retail
By Meline Beach
Pet wash stations have become a welcome addition to the convenience and gas channel, offering a unique and convenient service that caters to the needs of pet owners on the go.
These self-serve pet washes have gained popularity in recent years, as more people consider their pets not just as companions but as part of the family.
Traditionally, pet owners relied on groomers, which can be expensive and time-consuming, to tend to their pets. However, current economic conditions are driving pet owners to find cost-cutting measures and reallocate spending to necessary purchases. As a result, self-serve pet washes are gaining attention as a cost-effective and accessible alternative. Whether on a road trip, returning from a hike, or just in need of a quick cleanup, self-serve pet washes provide an ideal solution.
This article explores the innovative features and benefits of two leading pet wash companies within the convenience and gas channel, and how their self-serve operations not only meet the needs of pet owners but also drive foot traffic and customer loyalty to C&G retailers.
User-Friendly Convenience
Pet wash stations prioritize user-friendliness, featuring a waist-high tub, and a handheld sprayer with options like all-natural shampoo, conditioner, and flea treatment, all complemented by temperature-controlled water. The ergonomic design makes it convenient for owners to wash their pets without straining their backs, offering a more comfortable bathing experience.
“Our K9000 is widely embraced for its exceptional features and accommodates dogs of all sizes, even miniature ponies, while the Twin model boasts dual tubs on either side of the dog wash cabinet, enabling the simultaneous washing of two dogs,” says Evelyn Rutherford, director of Furever Clean Dog Wash Inc. based out of British Columbia, Canada. “Additionally, the entire process of washing, conditioning, and drying a dog typically takes just 10-15 minutes, minimizing wait times for customers. Moreover, our contemporary pet wash stations provide a range of payment options, including card payments and loyalty cards, ensuring that customers need not carry cash with them at all times.”
For customers who are uneasy at the thought of cross-contamination, both iClean and Furever Clean Dog Washes offer the option for a free disinfectant spray to eliminate any concerns about the dog before them, or just to clean the tub before they put their dog in.
“We provide EZ steps to follow for shampooing, using crème rinse and a flea and tick rinse,” says Phillip M. Cooper, president & CEO of iClean Dog Wash USA. “Our liquids are biodegradable, tearless, safe for dogs or cats and safe for the local water supply. There are two convenient tethers to clip on your dog’s collar to prevent them from jumping out of the tub.”
The Business Advantage
For convenience stores, these pet wash stations offer a unique business opportunity. They attract customers who may not have visited the store otherwise, generating foot traffic and additional sales. Plus, the self-serve nature of these pet washes means they require minimal staff supervision, making it a cost-effective investment.
“Business owners typically offer extended operating hours for their pet wash facilities since they require minimal staff oversight,” says Rutherford. “The C&G channel represents a lucrative market for pet washes, as more than 40 per cent of dog-owning households actively seek gas stations with dog wash amenities when refuelling, making it a significant competitive advantage.”
Pet wash stations do not require a large footprint and require amenities that are already in place at carwashes, including power, water, and a standard drain. Retailers are encouraged to follow the specifications provided to ensure convenience and safety.
“It’s imperative to enlist the services of qualified plumbers and electricians for these installations,” says Cooper. “With a fully functional pet wash station in place, we find all customers come back often and retailers find most customers spend additional dollars on other merchandise. Some dog wash owners have vending machines with dog treats and related dog products available, some offer free towels to help with drying.”
Emerging Trends
Pet wash stations in the C&G channel represent a win-win opportunity. They offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for pet owners while driving business growth for convenience and carwash retailers. This trend is likely to continue growing as more people recognize the value of these pet washes in their busy lives. As pet ownership continues to rise, the demand for pet-friendly services will soar as well.
“Modern consumers prioritize convenience in their daily lives,” says Cooper. “Self-serve pet wash stations offer flexibility without the hassle of scheduling appointments with professional groomers. Many households are now embracing rescue dogs, some of which may have special needs, making owner-led bathing a more suitable option. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of pet wash facilities allows owners to provide their furry friends with regular baths, a practice they might otherwise limit if relying solely on grooming services.”
Convenience stores are diversifying their services to include additional revenue streams such as bottled water machines, restaurants, laundromats, car washes, gas stations, propane gas, gift stores, and more. Given that a substantial portion of their customer base includes pet owners, tapping into this underserved market makes excellent financial sense. Plus, the return-on-investment potential is impressive with a great profit margin.
“This market presents ample room for expansion with huge growth potential as a single pet wash caters to just a few thousand people,” says Rutherford. “Looking ahead, the market is evolving to encompass bike-washing services. Our Australian-based K9000 manufacturer has introduced a bicycle wash that mirrors the functionality of our K9000 dog wash, complete with its own payment devices for independent operation. These bike wash units are now available for purchase across Canada, opening up new avenues for business owners.”
To maximize success, high-traffic placements, eye-catching signage, incentivized marketing, and a strong online presence are essential for attracting repeat customers.
Both iClean Dog Wash and Furever Clean Dog Wash are committed to continuous innovation, energy efficiency, convenience, and overall profitability. With an ever-growing interest in self-serve pet wash solutions, these companies are poised to lead the way into a future of sustainable experiences for both pet owners and C&G retailers.
Meline Beach is a Toronto-based communications practitioner and frequent contributor to Convenience and Carwash Canada. In addition to freelance writing, Meline provides communications and public relations support to businesses across Canada. She can be reached at www.mlbcomms.ca.
