New Canaan’s family-owned pet store last week launched a new service designed to help keep local dogs clean and their owners happy.
Self-serve dog-washing station at Pet Pantry on Grove Street in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
Pet Pantry Warehouse has fitted two dog-washing stations into its Grove Street store.
“What we have found is that more and more of our clients would like the convenience of being able to utilize our self-serve pet washes,” Pet Pantry Executive Vice President Adam Jacobson told NewCanaanite.com.
Launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which recently forced New Canaan’s only other pet store to close, the washes are “very clean and easy-to-use,” Jacobson said.
Shampoo and towels are available for use in the slef-serve dog-washing station at Pet Pantry on Grove Street in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
“You don’t have to bend over in your own bathtub in your own house, and you don’t have to clean up after yourself,” Jacobson said.
The store provides shampoo as well as towels for dog owners.
Located toward a rear corner of the store, the two washing stations are private, and the bathing area itself is elevated behind a low wall, allowing owners to shampoo and rinse off their dogs while standing up.
Laura Budd, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce and owner of a hound dog, said, “Once again Pet Pantry has stepped up for New Canaan’s pet owning families and provided a much-needed service.”
Outside of Pet Pantry on Grove Street in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
“The new dog washing stations look awesome and were finished just in time as Pet Valu with its three dog bath tubs will be closing,” Budd said. “I know my dog Candace will be getting her monthly bath at Pet Pantry.”
Plans for the dog-washing stations have been underway since early this year.
Jacobson said Pet Pantry has known “for a long time that our customers and clients from the New Canaan community have been wanting us to provide this service.”
Open in New Canaan since 2012, Pet Pantry is the host and organizer of the annual Dog Days of Summer event in New Canaan that benefits local animal rescue organizations, has supported local efforts to adopt shelter dogs such as through Bankwell’s Pet Adoption Project, supplies food for the New Canaan Police Departments’ K-9 dog Apollo and has been recognized by an Armonk, N.Y. dog rescue for its continued support of the shelter through a program that delivers food to the adoptable canines.
Regarding the new dog washing stations, Jacobson said, “In addition to being able to service the needs of the community, they are also used for community fundraisers with local nonprofits, schools and other organizations.”
Pet Pantry at 21 Grove St. is open seven days per week.