Long-awaited pet wash opens on city’s south side
By Brandi Makuski
A new pet wash has opened on the city’s south side.
The Wag N Wash, located in the rear parking lot of South Side Plaza, 2501 Church St., has been open for about a week. Owner John Knoke said he saw a larger version of the pet wash while traveling and contacted the company for more information.
“I didn’t want to be a franchise, so I just bought one,” said Knoke, who also owns South Side Plaza.
The concept is simple: after paying $15 for one 20-minute session, or four washes for $20, pet owners can wash and dry their pets in a raised tub inside a climate-controlled facility. Customers can pay with cash, card, or via a smartphone app.
The facility comes loaded with everything a pet owner needs to complete the wash, including several options for pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner, tick and flea treatments, a vacuum, and a blow-dryer. The unit is also wheelchair accessible.
The concept comes from Eau Claire-based All Paws Pet Wash. The company has self-serve pet washing stations across the country and pipes music from its exclusive radio station into each unit—and offers individual owners the opportunity to advertise local pet-related businesses via the station as another source of revenue.
Knoke invited local K9 officers to try out the service on Feb. 8, and he’s offering them each two free dog washes a month.
“It’s just a way to thank them for their service to the community,” Knoke said. “You couldn’t pay me enough to be a police officer, and this is just one way to show how much they mean to our community.”
Officer Austin Lee from the Stevens Point Police Department tried out the facilities by washing his K9 partner Fala.
“I’m used to having to wash my dog in a tub in the basement, and this worked out so much better,” Lee said. “I was in and out in five, six minutes, and she’s clean, and I’m dry, for the most part.”
Knoke said the facility is open 24 hours a day, located in a well-lit parking lot, and has security cameras.
To download the app, search “All Paws Pet Wash” from GooglePlay or the AppStore.
