As a savvy shopper and dog mom to a sassy German Shepherd named Luna, I‘m always on the lookout for the best deals and most convenient options when it comes to pet care. Luckily, one of my favorite one-stop shops, Tractor Supply, has made DIY dog washing easier and more affordable than ever with their self-serve pet wash stations popping up at locations across the country.
Whether you‘re a new puppy parent or a seasoned dog owner, keeping your furry friend clean is an essential part of their overall health and wellbeing. According to the American Kennel Club, regular baths can help remove visible dirt and odors, prevent skin irritations, and allow you to check for fleas, ticks, and other abnormalities on your dog‘s skin and coat. But as many of us know firsthand, wrestling your pooch into the bathtub at home can be a messy, back-breaking process. And regular visits to the professional groomer can quickly eat up your budget, with the average cost ranging from $30 to $90 based on your dog‘s size and type of coat.
Enter Tractor Supply and their ultra-convenient, wallet-friendly self-serve dog wash stations. I‘ve used them several times now with my 70-pound shedding machine Luna, so I‘m here to share all the need-to-know details with my fellow pet parents and savvy shoppers. We‘ll dive into what these pet wash stations offer, how much they cost, and my top tips for making the most of your dog‘s DIY spa day.
What You‘ll Find at Tractor Supply‘s Pet Wash Stations
Over 1,600 of Tractor Supply‘s 2,000+ locations across 49 states now offer self-serve pet washing facilities for customers to use. While setups may vary slightly by location, most include the following:
- Large elevated wash bays with ramps or steps for easy access (even for seniors and bigger breeds)
- Handheld, high pressure spray nozzle with adjustable water temperature
- Selection of specialty pet shampoos (oatmeal, de-shedding, hypoallergenic, etc.) and conditioner
- Full body blow dryers
- Waterproof aprons
- Clean towels
- Professional grooming tables with tethers and non-slip mats
- Wide variety of brushes, combs, de-shedding tools
- Nail trimmers and styptic powder
- Ear cleaner and cotton balls
- All-natural dental wipes and foam
- Heavy duty floor drains and cleaning supplies
So essentially, it‘s like having access to a professional grooming salon without the hefty price tag. You can lather, rinse, and repeat to your heart‘s content using their top notch equipment and products.
I particularly love that Tractor Supply provides such a wide variety of grooming tools and specialty shampoos. The de-shedding shampoo and conditioner has been a game changer for Luna‘s thick double coat! Being able to use professional-grade blow dryers is also a huge perk, as anyone who has attempted to towel dry a dense-coated dog can attest to. No more soggy doggy for days afterwards.
Another major advantage is that the washtubs are specially designed with your dog‘s comfort and safety in mind. They‘re the perfect height so you don‘t have to kneel or strain your back, and include a lead clip to keep wiggly pups secure. The textured non-slip mats and adjustable water pressure and temperature ensure a stress-free experience for even the most bath-averse pooches.
How Much it Costs to Wash Your Dog at Tractor Supply
On average, a full-service bath at Tractor Supply‘s pet wash stations costs around $10. This covers everything you need for a basic wash and dry session that typically lasts 10-15 minutes, depending on your dog‘s size and coat type.
Here‘s a more specific breakdown of Tractor Supply‘s most common pet wash pricing as of 2023:
| Time | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 min token | $5.99 |
| 30 min token | $10.99 |
| 60 min token | $14.99 |
| Shampoo/Conditioner | $1 each |
| Towel | Free |
| Aprons | Free |
| Brushes/Combs | Free |
| Blow Dryer | Free |
It‘s important to note that pricing and available time increments may vary slightly by location, so it‘s always a good idea to call ahead or check your local Tractor Supply‘s website for the most accurate information. Some stores only offer 30 or 60 minute token options.
For context, the average price of a self-serve dog wash at a pet store like Petco or PetSmart ranges from $10-15 for 30 minutes. Most car washes with "Pet Wash" bays charge between $7-12 for 12 minutes. So Tractor Supply‘s rates are very competitive, especially considering they provide all the grooming tools, towels, and aprons for free. With other pet washing facilities, you often have to pay extra for upgraded shampoo options, towels, and blow drying time.
Of course, if you‘re really looking to pinch pennies, washing your dog at home using your own supplies is always going to be the cheapest option. But having priced out the cost of all the grooming tools and shampoos Tractor Supply provides, DIYing it at home is really only marginally less expensive than their $10 pet wash. And that‘s not even factoring in the added convenience and time and mess saved! For me, it‘s a small price to pay every month or so to not have a hairy, wet bathroom to clean up afterwards.
Tips for Using Tractor Supply‘s Pet Wash Like a Pro
As someone who has used Tractor Supply‘s self-serve pet washes many times now, I‘ve learned a few tricks of the trade. Here are my top tips for making the most of your dog‘s bath time:
-
Brush your dog thoroughly before starting the wash to remove any loose fur, mats, or tangles. This will make the shampooing process much easier and help the suds rinse out more effectively.
-
Place a few cotton balls in your dog‘s ears before wetting them down to prevent water from getting in their ear canals and causing irritation or infection.
-
Always secure your dog to the tub‘s lead clip and place the non-slip mat down for their comfort and safety, even if they‘re usually good about staying put. Slippery surfaces and running water can make even the calmest pups antsy.
-
Before getting your dog wet, test the water temperature on your own arm to make sure it‘s lukewarm and comfortable. Remember, if it‘s too hot for your skin, it‘s definitely too hot for your pup!
-
Avoid spraying your dog in the face with the high pressure nozzle. Instead, use a damp wash cloth to gently clean around their eyes, nose, and mouth.
-
Be sure to rinse, rinse, rinse until the water runs completely clear! Shampoo residue left on the skin can cause dryness and irritation. I like to do a final rinse with just water even after I think I got all the soap out.
-
If your dog has a thick undercoat, spend extra time working the shampoo deep into their fur and use a de-shedding tool like the Furminator before rinsing. These tools work best on wet fur to remove the loose undercoat.
-
After towel-drying, use the blow dryer on the cool setting, holding it at least 6 inches away from your dog‘s body to avoid burning their skin. If your dog is very sensitive to noise, you may want to skip this step.
-
Reward your freshly cleaned pup with lots of praise and a few high-value treats! Positive associations will make future baths that much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a seasoned Tractor Supply shopper and self-serve dog wash enthusiast, I get a lot of questions from fellow pet parents about the ins and outs of using the pet wash stations. Here are some of the most common ones I hear:
Q: What types of dogs are allowed to use the pet wash stations?
A: Tractor Supply‘s self-serve pet washes are open to all types and sizes of dogs, as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. The tubs are large enough to accommodate even the biggest breeds like Great Danes and Mastiffs. The only exception would be dogs that are aggressive towards other people or animals.
Q: Can I wash my cat or other small animal at Tractor Supply‘s self-serve pet washes?
A: Technically, the pet wash stations are designed for dogs. However, many Tractor Supply locations do allow customers to bathe their cats or other small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs in the tubs as well. It‘s best to call ahead and confirm with your specific store. Just keep in mind that the high pressure sprayer and loud dryer may be too intense for some cats.
Q: What is Tractor Supply‘s policy on dogs in the store?
A: Tractor Supply is a very pet-friendly retailer and allows leashed, well-behaved dogs in all areas of their stores (except where food is prepared). Many locations even have dedicated "doggie bag" stations for quick cleanups. However, it‘s important that you keep a close eye on your pup and don‘t let them approach other shoppers or animals without an invitation.
Q: Are the shampoos and conditioners provided safe for dogs with allergies?
A: Tractor Supply offers a variety of natural, hypoallergenic, and sensitive-skin formulas that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. However, if your dog has a specific allergy, it‘s always best to review the ingredients list before using or bring your own shampoo from home to be safe. The staff is usually happy to provide an ingredient list if asked!
Why Tractor Supply is the Ultimate One-Stop Shop for Pet Owners
For savvy shoppers and busy pet parents like myself, Tractor Supply has become an indispensable resource. Beyond their fantastic self-serve dog wash stations, they offer an impressive selection of high-quality pet products at competitive prices, plus so many unique services and events for the dog-loving community.
Many Tractor Supply locations host low-cost vaccination clinics, microchipping and preventative care services through partnerships with local vets. They also offer free workshops on topics like pet nutrition, training, grooming and first aid to help educate owners on how to best care for their furry friends.
My personal favorite events are their annual Pet Appreciation Week and Photos with Santa initiatives, where they offer free goodies, host fun contests and collect donations for local animal shelters. As someone who loves to spoil her dog but also give back, I always look forward to these!
Perhaps most impressive is their extensive array of pet foods and supplies for not just dogs and cats, but also horses, livestock, poultry and small animals. From organic kibble and raw food to adventure gear and cute outfits, Tractor Supply is a treasure trove for any pet parent. They‘ve really positioned themselves as the go-to destination for all things animal.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I know every pet parent wants the best for their furry family members. But as someone who is admittedly a bit of a cheapskate, I‘m always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality when it comes to Luna‘s care.
That‘s why I‘m such a big fan of Tractor Supply and their self-serve pet wash stations. For just $10 and 30 minutes of my time, I can get Luna squeaky clean using professional-grade equipment and products, without the hassle or post-bath cleanup. It‘s become a fun bonding activity for us, and I love knowing that the money I save can go towards buying her even more goodies at Tractor Supply‘s pet aisles!
Even if you‘ve never been to a Tractor Supply before, I highly recommend checking out your local store and taking advantage of their self-serve dog wash. Your pup (and your wallet) will thank you! And who knows, you may just discover that Tractor Supply is your new one-stop shop for all your pet parenting needs.
