10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (2024)

Dog wash stations can be extremely helpful because they provide a safe environment for your dog and yourself. You can typically find pet stores and groomers offering to schedule times for dog owners to use their dog washing stations for a set fee. However, these fees can start to add up quickly, especially if you have a dog that requires more frequent baths or own multiple dogs.

So, investing in an at-home dog wash station may be a more costly investment at first, but it’ll pay itself off in no time. While you can work with professional contractors to build a dog wash, you can also create your own DIY dog wash stations. Here are some DIY plans that can help you get a better picture of what this sort of project can look like.

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (1)

The 10 Dog Wash Station Plans

1. PVC Pipe Outdoor Dog Shower by Instructables

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (2)
Materials:3-way elbow, PVC pipes, hose swivel adapter
Tools:PVC cutter
Difficulty Level:Easy

This outdoor shower is a simple way to wash your dog without creating a mess in the home. All you have to do is assemble and piece together PVC pipes and poke holes throughout. Then, you connect the finished structure to a hose, and water will spray out of the holes once the hose turns on.

This shower is a great way to rinse off a muddy dog before it enters your home. So, it may not be the best project for giving your dog a thorough wash. However, it’s effective in getting a lot of dirt off your dog, and it can also keep them cool on hot summer days.

2. How to Build a Dog Washing Station by Family Handyman

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (3)
Materials:Brad nails, trim-head screws, magnets, PEX pipe, GoBoard, Baltic Birch plywood, plexiglass, flat steel, drawer slides, aluminum channel, exterior screws, shower pan, mortar, sealant, shower fixture, tile, wood glue
Tools:Circular saw, gutting guide, drill, finish nailer, jigsaw, miter saw, plumbing tools, router, table saw, tiling tools
Difficulty Level:Intermediate

This DIY plan will help you build a dog wash station from the ground up. It’ll require some time, but the end result will be worth it. You’ll have an elevated dog bath and safety steps that your dog can use to get in and out of the tub.

The structure will require reconfiguring some plumbing, so if you don’t have experience with this, make sure to contact a plumber. A plumber can help you safely create a faucet that can redirect some water to the dog wash.

3. Elevated Dog Wash Station by Instructables

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (4)
Materials:Plywood, drywall, water pipes, bath basin, showerhead, screws, bolts, washers
Tools:Drill, saw, glue, screwdriver, wrench
Difficulty Level:Intermediate

This dog wash station is a great solution if you’re straining your back while bathing your dog. The instructions also include three walls so that all your dog’s splashing stays contained inside the dog wash.

While the instructions don’t include steps, you could easily install some stairs or a step stool to help dogs safely enter and exit the dog wash. You do have to be familiar with some plumbing to install the showerhead and drainage system. Other than that, this dog wash is a fairly straightforward project.

4. DIY Dog Shower by Thermaland Oaks Homestead

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (5)
Materials:Plywood, tin tub, hitching ring plate, wall-mounted faucet, plywood, sealant, showerhead, screws
Tools:Drill, wrench, saw
Difficulty Level:Easy

This DIY dog wash uses a large metal tin tub to create a station in a farmhouse style. It’s a great structure to install if you have a spare outdoor faucet. The station just requires a basic plywood platform that the tub can sit on.

This plan also has a hitching ring plate that you can use to hook a leash to your dog. This can help your dog safely stay in place as you wash it.

5. DIY Dog Wash Station by Lowe’s

Materials:Rocks, plywood, weed barrier, bricks, trellis
Tools:Shovel
Difficulty Level:Easy

This dog bath station is an easy setup that you can complete in a day. All you need to do is clear out some space near a water spigot, lay out a weed barrier, and add a layer of smooth rocks. Once you’re finished, you just have to place a border of bricks to contain all the rocks.

A trellis can work as a nice backdrop, and you can also use it to hang towels. If you’re concerned about your dog running off, you can add a ground anchor nearby to clip a leash.

6. DIY Dog Bath for Under $200 by Double Muscle Line Bulls

Materials:Tub, cinder blocks, brass tees, PEX pipe, spigot
Tools:Pipe cutter, saw
Difficulty Level:Intermediate

This simple dog wash station has an easy structure, but the plumbing can be a little challenging. So, if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber.

Once you figure out the plumbing, you’re free to use whatever materials you need to create the rest of the station. This particular DIY plan uses cinder blocks as a platform for the tub because cinder blocks are cost-effective and mobile.

7. DIY Dog Washer Ring by Hometalk

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (6)
Materials:Clear garden hose, tee pipe
Tools:Dremel tool, pliers
Difficulty Level:Easy

This easy dog washer ring is a fast and easy trick for washing down your dog. All you have to do is create a hoop out of the garden hose that’s large enough for your dog to pass through. Then, you poke holes in the hoop and attract the ends with a tee pipe.

After that, you just screw on the tee pipe to your regular garden hose, and you can have your dog walk through the hoop. Along with rinsing off your dog, this tool is great for keeping your dog cool in the summer.

8. Fur-tastic Dog Washing Station by HGTV

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (7)
Materials:Bricks, pebbles, trellis
Tools:Measuring tape, shovel, drill
Difficulty Level:Easy

This dog washing station is another easy outdoor DIY project that requires just a few basic materials. All you have to do is measure out a space large enough for your dog that’s also next to a water spigot. Next, level the ground with a shovel and line the area with bricks. Then, lay out some pebbles to prevent your dog’s paw from getting muddy.

After that, install a wall trellis that has holes wide enough for you to hang towels, buckets, and other grooming supplies. Once you finish setting up the trellis, the dog wash station is ready to use.

9. DIY Dog Wash Station by DailyPaws

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (8)
Materials:Shower pan, tar paper, thin-set mortar, shims, plumber’s putty, shower drain, cement board, aluminum bullnose edging, subway tile, tile adhesives, tile spacers, grout, grout sealant, Teflon tape, showerhead, faucet, drywall anchors
Tools:Tape measure, leveler, tile cutter, tile snips, notched trowel, drill, hacksaw, miter box, tile float, tiling sponge, bucket, protective gear
Difficulty Level:Advanced

This project requires a good amount of time, but the end result is worth it. It’s a great project to add to any remodeling projects for mudrooms, laundry rooms, or large bathrooms. Aside from configuring new plumbing, the most challenging part of this project will be laying out the tiles neatly and evenly.

Once you finish the base of this wash station, you can easily add on shelves and overhead cabinets to store dog shampoo, brushes, towels, and other grooming supplies.

10. DIY Dog Bathtub by All Dogs Are Smart

Materials:Freestanding tub, table, caulk, PVC pipes, catch basin, showerhead
Tools:Saw, wrench, sandpaper
Difficulty Level:Easy

This DIY dog wash station has a simple setup. It’ll work best in an area that has an unused faucet, such as a laundry room. All you have to do is find a freestanding tub or plastic bin that’s large enough to contain your dog. Then, you cut one side of it off so that your dog can easily hop in and out of it.

You’ll also have to cut a hole at the bottom of the tub so that water can drain out. PVC pipes can help direct water to the desired location. Once you complete these basic steps, you can customize the wash station with other items such as a table or showerhead.

10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (9)

Conclusion

It can be intimidating to start a project as big as a dog wash station. However, there are all kinds of DIY dog wash stations of varying levels, and you can start with an easier project. Once you start learning and getting a better understanding of how plumbing and tiling work, you can create more advanced projects.

Soon, you’ll end up with a unique dog wash station that meets all your needs. So, just get started and see where your DIY adventure leads you.

See Also:

Featured Image Credit: Elisa Barrantes, Unsplash

Contents

  • The 10 Dog Wash Station Plans
    • 1. PVC Pipe Outdoor Dog Shower by Instructables
    • 2. How to Build a Dog Washing Station by Family Handyman
    • 3. Elevated Dog Wash Station by Instructables
    • 4. DIY Dog Shower by Thermaland Oaks Homestead
    • 5. DIY Dog Wash Station by Lowe’s
    • 6. DIY Dog Bath for Under $200 by Double Muscle Line Bulls
    • 7. DIY Dog Washer Ring by Hometalk
    • 8. Fur-tastic Dog Washing Station by HGTV
    • 9. DIY Dog Wash Station by DailyPaws
    • 10. DIY Dog Bathtub by All Dogs Are Smart
  • Conclusion
10 DIY Dog Wash Station Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures) – Dogster (2024)

FAQs

What is the best height for a dog wash station? ›

Elevating the platform of your dog shower eliminates the need to bend over or crouch down, making the process easier on your back and joints. The exact bench height will depend on the size of your dog, but it should be between 18 and 36 inches off the ground.

How to make a DIY dog bath? ›

All you have to do is find a freestanding tub or plastic bin that's large enough to contain your dog. Then, you cut one side of it off so that your dog can easily hop in and out of it. You'll also have to cut a hole at the bottom of the tub so that water can drain out.

Can I wash my dog with baking soda and vinegar? ›

Baking soda works to remove odors from your dog's skin and fur. The baking soda paste should be applied before the shampoo and can be washed off as you lather homemade dog shampoo and then rinse both items off the dog with warm water. In a big spray bottle, put 2 cups of warm water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

How big should a dog shower be? ›

Your dog shower should be at least twice the size of your dog, if not three times its size. You want your dog to be able to sit, lay down and turn on itself, but you don't want it to be too big that your pet can wander around and move away from you as you're trying to wash it.

How deep should a dog bath be? ›

Prepare the water

Depending on your dog, you may want to fill the tub ahead of time as rushing water can make some dogs nervous. If using a tub or bath, it's also important to not fill the tub too high. The water should be about as high as your dog's knees so that it doesn't get too close to his face.

How high is too high for a dog bowl? ›

Usually, it is recommended that an elevated feeder be the same height as your dog's lower chest. The controversy on the use of these feeders is centered around their association with a serious medical condition called bloat, which can be deadly in dogs.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to wash my dog? ›

Dishwashing detergent like Dawn is formulated for use on dishes and not for use on pets. It's designed to cut through grease and grime, which can be harmful to your dog's skin and coat. Dishwashing detergents can strip away the natural oils that keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and shiny.

How to make homemade flea and tick shampoo for dogs? ›

Vinegar. Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations.

How to make homemade soap for dogs? ›

3-Ingredient Simple Shampoo
  1. 2 cups of warm water.
  2. 1/4 cup of nontoxic dish soap.
  3. 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

What not to do when showering a dog? ›

Don't pour water over your dog's head because lots of dogs develop secondary ear infections from moisture getting into the ear canal. 3. Don't get your dirty dog a “l*ttle bit” wet – If you don't have a hose or sprayer, just fill up the bath and slowly pour the water over your dog, saturating the coat and skin.

How to set up a grooming station at home? ›

How to Create the Perfect Pet Grooming Station at Home
  1. Pick the Right Spot. ...
  2. Invest in a Large, Durable Laundry Sink. ...
  3. Choose a Dual Spray Laundry Mixer. ...
  4. Add Some Storage Options. ...
  5. Keep Your Pet Comfy with a Non-Slip Mat & Some Toys. ...
  6. Stay Organised With a Grooming Schedule.
Sep 28, 2023

Do dogs prefer baths or showers? ›

Your dog may prefer to be showered, if possible, rather than bathed as they may be unable to determine the exact depth of the water in the tub, and that can make them uneasy. Using a movable shower cord can make the job easier and the clean-up much quicker.

How tall should a dog feeding station be? ›

How Heigh Should Dog Bowl Be? In general, the dog bowl stand height should be lower than the dog's lowest chest. We'd like to recommend measuring the dog's wither height first. The raised dog bowls should be 4" to 6" (4" for small dogs) below the wither height.

How high should a dog bowl be for a lab? ›

Medium dog breeds like English Springer Spaniel, Beagles, and Brittany should have their bowls raised between 7-14 inches above the ground. Large dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors, should have their elevated dog bowls as high as 15-20 inches above the ground.

How low should a dog bowl be? ›

The bowl should ideally be level with your dog's chest when they're standing. This position can help prevent unnecessary strain on their neck and make eating and drinking more comfortable. This is particularly important for large dogs, which are more prone to bloating and digestion issues.

Do dog bowls need to be elevated? ›

It actually depends on the dog. While some dogs, particularly large breeds and older dogs with joint issues, may benefit from elevated feeders, they might not be suitable for all dogs. For instance, certain breeds or fast eaters could potentially be at a higher risk of developing bloat.

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