Bathing an animal at home poses challenges. You can use your tub or shower, but that can be unwieldy, especially with a larger dog.
The garden hose might work outside, but then how to you get doggie dry? A new center in Northern Liberties solves all those problems.
You Dirty Dog at 926 N. 3rd Street is a walk-in dog wash. Two coin-operated machines work a lot like the self-service devices you see at a car wash.
You drop in tokens and select as much time as you need for each cycle, shampoo, a flea-preventive if you like, rinse, conditioner, and blow-dry.
The machines have standard time cycles for smaller and larger dogs, and if you need more, you just deposit another token.
Since you do the work yourself, the animal tends to remain calmer than in the hands of a stranger.
Professional groomers are on-site in case you need assistance.
They also perform traditional services like clipping and grooming at competitive prices.
Owner Jim Kernan started the business because he grew tired of trying to bathe his own larger dog at home.
Northern Liberties being such a dog-friendly neighborhood, the shop does a brisk business.
It's open Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00am to 7:00pm, Friday until 8:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Grooming services are by appointment.
For information, phone 215-440-0124 or access "You Dirty Dog.". They're also on Facebook.
