Do-it-yourself dogwash

Soggy Dog owners inspired by unique San Diego shop

It's a soapy, sudsy and often furry workplace for Silverado Ranch residents Lizette Clark and Tracy Bosler since opening a do-it-yourself dogwash, the Soggy Dog, in Henderson almost two months ago.

The two women, who previously worked in computer technology and each own three dogs and two cats, always knew they wanted to start a business together and that they wanted the business to have something to do with pets, but they weren't sure until about a year ago exactly what sort of business it would be.

Then a former co-worker mentioned Dog Beach Dog Wash, a dog wash in San Diego. Early last year Bosler and Clark went to San Diego to visit Dog Beach and found their inspiration.

"We thought Las Vegas needed one of these," Clark said. "We hadn't heard of any similar businesses in the Las Vegas area, and we just thought it would be a great idea."

The owners of Dog Beach agreed to mentor Bosler and Clark through the process of starting their own local dog wash, consulting with them on every angle of getting the business going.

"They really opened the door to us," Clark said. "They encouraged us to call with questions, and advised us on things like what sort of cleaning solutions to use that are safe for pets, what types of tubs to install, even how pets react to the dog wash environment. They've been in business for 12 years, and they were very encouraging."

A basic wash at the Soggy Dog costs $8 for a wash in the utility sink or $12 for a wash in a bathtub. The basic wash includes a choice of four types of shampoo, an apron, all the towels and scrub brushes a customer needs and a blueberry facial.

"The owners of Dog Beach said they started doing doggy facials because they noticed that a lot of pet owners weren't washing their pet's faces," Clark said. "With this, you can put the mask on the pet's face first and leave it on while the pet is being bathed, and it won't run in your pet's eyes. Then you just wipe it off with a washcloth, and you don't have to spray water on the pet's face."

Though the Soggy Dog provides brushes and shampoos, clients are welcome to bring their own supplies. They also can upgrade services to include specialty shampoos and conditioners or grooming services like use of the blow dryer or Fluff Box Dryer ($3), pet cologne ($1), ear or eye cleaner ($1), hair or nail clippers ($2) or toothbrush and paste ($1).

The Soggy Dog also has a private tub for difficult or shy dogs or owners with more than one dog.

"You can bring your dog in through the back door and use the private room if the dog isn't friendly to other pets," Clark said.

Bosler said the water temperature is set through the water heater, so it's impossible to accidentally set the water too hot and burn your pet.

Clark and Bosler also have mesh grooming bags for cats. The bags, which fit around the cat's body but leave the head free, allow pet owners to bathe water-shy cats without the worry of being scratched.

Clark and Bosler stressed their business is not just for dogs. So far they've only had one cat, but they said their business is open to any pet that can be restrained on a leash and will fit in the tubs.

"Dog Beach said they've had a goat and a pig brought in before. We would love to have a goat or pig or some other unusual pet into the Soggy Dog," Clark said.

Bosler said no dog is too big or too small for a bath at the Soggy Dog.

"The biggest dog we've had in so far was a Newfoundland that weighed about 150 pounds," she said.

During its first five weeks of business, the Soggy Dog opened its bathtubs to 104 dogs and one cat. During that time, all of the pets have been well-behaved and friendly to each other.

"All of the dogs have been really good," Clark said. "We've had five or six dogs inside at once, and even the dogs whose owners sort of expected them to freak out have been really good. It's an open area, so the dogs don't feel crowded."

The Soggy Dog also carries various items for both pet and owner in its retail area.

Clark and Bosler stock Soggy Dog T-shirts for pets and people, along with specialty treats, toys and items like collars and leashes that aren't available elsewhere, as well as pet spritz, picture frames and key chain trinkets.

The Soggy Dog also has step stools so kids can help, too.

"We want this to be a fun, clean, safe environment for the whole family," Clark said.

Bosler said all tubs and equipment are sterilized and disinfected after each dog.

Clark and Bosler hope ultimately to open a second Soggy Dog location in the northwest area of the valley.

"It's a great place," she said. "You get a clean, happy dog, and you don't have to clean up the mess afterward. You don't have to worry about hair in the drains or washing towels or splashed water. And it's all walk-in. No appointments are necessary."

The Soggy Dog is at 1450 Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite C-202. For more information, visit www.thesoggydog.com.