One of the (very) few “downsides” to having a dog is that they can get seriously dirty.  Especially after a day at the dog park.  And I’ve yet to meet a dog that loves getting a bath.  But a new service called “You Dirty Dog, Do It Yourself” makes bathtime not only easier, but more enjoyable for your dog.

Open for business in Northern Liberties (N. 3rd St. between Poplar & Wildey Streets, next to the Orianna Hill Dog Park) by owner Jim Kernan, You Dirty Dog, DIY makes the process of bathing your dog an easier one at an affordable price.  No more splashing around in the bathtub (or kitchen sink, as in Dash’s case), getting soaked and having water all over the place.  You Dirty Dog has two large sized “tubs” ( top of the line washing equipment, TMC Corps K9000) that your dog can actually stand up in during the bath.

the k9000

easy to use!

The details: There is a base price of $15-$20. If extra time is needed you can add $1. In most cases $15 gives plenty of time for the full bath. I watched a few dogs get bathed and no one needed to add more than the initial fee.  Included in your wash is a shampoo, conditioner, flea & tick treatment AND blow dry! (And an apron is available to help keep you dry).  Just swipe your card or add some bills and turn a knob to get water or a sudsy mix for cleaning.  All natural and hypo-allergenic Tropiclean products are used, so you know that you are getting a high quality shampoo that won’t irritate your dog’s skin.  I loved the smell of the conditioner and it has the added benefit of making for a shiny coat!

I spent a morning at You Dirty Dog so I could check out the operation.  I was really impressed by how easy the machines were to operate.  It really makes the whole bathing process so much easier – no juggling the dog while grabbing the shampoo/conditioner — it just comes straight out of the hose.  All of the dogs tolerated it quite well.  And the tub is up high enough so there is no bending over or getting wet.  Just hose off your dog, spray on some shampoo and then conditioner, rinse, and grab a towel to dry off.  Easy peasy!

Customer Chris O’Connell brought his lab Murphy in after a day at the dog park.  “We always used professional groomers but this was much cheaper and actually a lot fun,” said Chris, “And Murphy absolutely loved it!!  Jim is really cool. Definitely has a passion for dogs. He does a lot of community stuff for rescue organizations. And his shop couldn’t be in a better location near the Northern Liberties dog park.”

splish splash!

What I liked – The machine is really easy to use and the customer service from Jim and the groomer Jocelyn was just outstanding.  I really liked the blow dryer on the machine, too, because it did the job without being too noisy or scary for the dogs.  The Tropiclean products smell great.  The machine just makes the whole bathing process a better experience for everyone (dog and owner) involved and at a cheap price.

cats welcome!

iz hate being clean

What I would change:  Nothing!  This is just a great service every way you look at it.  In fact, I would like to see a few more You Dirty Dog, DIY open up in the city!!!  But even if you aren’t in Northern Liberties, it’s worth the trip – there is plenty of parking available nearby.

You can get your dog or cat groomed there, too (I got to see a cat get groomed – now that was interesting!)  For appointments and hours, check out their website at www.youdirtydogdiy.com or call 215-440-0124.

Photography by Leslie O’Neill