If you own a dog, you probably know what an interesting adventure it is to wash your furry friend. In my experience, I have washed Marley, a tall 85 lb. beast, in the bath tub, with a garden hose in the back yard or I’ve simply handed him over to a pet groomer. While the first two approaches are low cost, the later can become a pricey proposition if you wash your pet regularly. But there is an alternative: Self-service pet washing facilities.
Here on Capitol Hill, I know of two such services and in this post, I want to tell you about one of them. Many of you with dogs and cats that require regular haircuts know Bonnie’s Dog and Pet Grooming. Located at the corner of 14th and E Streets SE, Bonnie’s is an institution for discerning pets and their owners. In addition to the grooming services, Bonnie’s has a self-serve bathing station located in the front of the shop. The bathing station is first come, first served but in my experience, I have not encountered any waiting when it becomes all to necessary to wash my little fluffy.
The station consists of a stainless-steel sink that is raised up off of the floor. This makes it easier to wash your dog without bending over. The sink has a removable door that the dog can easily enter and exit, though you can just as easily pick up a smaller dog or (shudder the thought) cat. The staff provide an apron to minimize the soaking effects of pet washing, though in my experience, nothing keeps me from getting soaked. They also provide, shampoo, conditioner and towels for your use.
The cost for using the bathing station is $18. Bonnie is open from 8:30 am to 5:pm (6 pm on Fridays) but is closed on Sundays and Tuesdays. For further information, call the folks at Bonnie’s at 202-548-0044.
Bonnie’s Dog & Cat Grooming
1364 E Street SE
Washington DC 20003
202-548-0044
bonniesdoggrooming@yahoo.com
www.bonniesdogandcatgrooming.com
If you have not tried a self-serve washing service, I recommend Bonnie’s. The people are great and it is within walking distance (think, enough time to air dry your buddy before he leaps on the sofa when he gets home) of many homes on the Hill. Give them a try. I did.