15 Dog Washing Station in Laundry Room Ideas to Simplify Pet Grooming

Have you ever watched your dog track muddy paw prints across your freshly mopped floors after a rainy walk? Or struggled to lift a wet, squirming pup into your bathtub while water splashes everywhere? You are not alone. Thousands of dog owners face this messy challenge every single day.

A dog washing station in laundry room setups is the perfect solution that busy pet parents are discovering. Instead of wrestling with your furry friend in the main bathroom or paying $50 to $100 for professional grooming every month, you can create a dedicated washing space right where the plumbing already exists. Your laundry room has everything you need: water lines, drainage, durable flooring, and space that can handle a little mess.

This guide will show you 15 creative ideas for building your own laundry dog wash station. Whether you have a tiny apartment laundry closet or a spacious mudroom, you will find practical solutions that fit your space, budget, and dog’s size. Let’s explore designs that will change your grooming routine forever.

Why Add a Dog Washing Station to Your Laundry Room?

Practical Benefits

Your laundry room is already designed to handle water, dirt, and mess. The plumbing infrastructure is in place, which means you won’t need expensive pipe extensions. The flooring is typically waterproof tile or vinyl that can handle splashes without damage.

Adding a laundry room with pet bath capabilities keeps all the dirt, fur, and wet dog smell contained in one utility space. Your main bathroom stays clean and guest-ready. Plus, you save serious money over time. Professional grooming costs between $50 and $100 per visit, and most dogs need baths every 4 to 8 weeks. A one-time investment in a washing station pays for itself within the first year.

Space Efficiency

Most laundry rooms have unused corner space or empty walls perfect for a dog bath installation. Unlike bathrooms that serve multiple daily purposes, laundry rooms have flexible schedules. You can design a smart dog room that combines washing, drying, and storage all in one efficient zone.

A laundry dog room setup prevents your main living areas from becoming dirty. No more muddy paw prints through the hallway or wet dog shaking in your carpeted bedroom. Many homeowners also discover that adding a pet washing area increases their home’s resale value.

Dog Comfort and Safety

Dogs feel less anxious in dedicated spaces designed just for them. A proper dog bath in laundry room creates a routine and familiar environment. The right station height matters too. Small breeds struggle with high tubs, while large dogs are hard to lift. A properly sized washing area protects your back and keeps your dog safe from falls.

Senior dogs especially benefit from walk-in style stations. As dogs age, they develop arthritis and joint pain. Stepping into a ground-level shower is much easier than climbing into a raised tub.

15 Dog Washing Station in Laundry Room Ideas

1. Built-In Raised Platform Station

A raised platform station puts your dog at the perfect working height, saving your back from constant bending. This design typically sits 24 to 36 inches off the ground and includes built-in steps or a ramp for safe dog access.

The platform base creates valuable storage space underneath for shampoos, towels, and grooming tools. Build the frame from treated wood or waterproof composite materials, then tile the basin area for easy cleaning. This setup works best for medium to large dogs between 30 and 80 pounds. Budget around $800 to $1,500 if you hire a contractor, or $400 to $600 for DIY.

2. Walk-In Floor-Level Shower

A walk-in floor-level shower eliminates all lifting and climbing. This design is perfect for senior dogs, dogs with mobility issues, or very large breeds that are simply too heavy to lift. The shower area sits flush with your laundry room floor and includes a gentle slope toward a central drain.

Use pebble tiles or textured ceramic for excellent traction when wet. A glass half-door or shower curtain keeps water contained while still allowing your dog to see you clearly. The main challenge is ensuring proper drainage with at least 1/4 inch per foot slope toward the drain. Expect to invest $1,000 to $2,000 for professional installation.

3. Converted Utility Sink Station

Your existing utility sink can become a dog washing station in laundry room utility sink setup with just a few modifications. This is the most budget-friendly option because the plumbing and basin already exist.

Standard laundry sinks sit at a comfortable 36-inch height, which works perfectly for small dogs under 25 pounds. Add a handheld sprayer attachment to your existing faucet for better control, and place a rubber mat in the bottom of the sink to prevent slipping. The conversion cost is minimal, usually under $100. This is an excellent starting point if you are unsure about committing to a full renovation.

4. Corner Tiled Station with Glass Door

Corner installations maximize every inch of a small laundry room. By building a tiled washing station into an unused corner, you create a dedicated space without sacrificing valuable floor space.

The glass door serves double duty: it contains splashes during washing but swings open fully for easy access. Tile the walls up to at least 4 feet high to protect against water damage. Subway tiles, hexagon tiles, or large format porcelain all work well and clean easily. This design typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 depending on tile quality and custom glass doors.

5. Mudroom-Style Entry Connection

If your laundry room connects to your back door or garage entrance, a mudroom-style station makes incredible sense. This laundry dog room design intercepts muddy paws before they enter your home.

Position the washing area immediately inside the exterior door. Your dog comes in from outside play, gets washed, and then enters the clean house. Add hooks for leashes, shelves for towels, and a bench where you can sit while scrubbing paws. The construction involves basic carpentry and tile work, budgeting $600 to $1,500 depending on surrounding storage.

6. Elevated Tub with Pull-Out Steps

An elevated tub with built-in pull-out steps gives you comfortable working height plus safe dog access. The steps tuck away under the tub when not in use, keeping your floor space clear.

This design typically uses a sturdy plastic or fiberglass tub set on a wooden or metal frame. The frame includes a drawer-style step system that slides out when needed. You can find pre-made elevated dog tubs online starting around $300, or build a custom version for $500 to $800. This option works for all dog sizes as long as each step is no more than 6 inches tall.

7. DIY PVC Frame Station

The DIY PVC frame station is the most budget-friendly option for handy homeowners. Using standard 1-inch or 1.5-inch PVC plumbing pipe and fittings, you can build a custom-sized washing station for under $250.

Cut the PVC pipes to create a frame at your desired height. Connect the pieces with T-joints and elbow fittings, creating a stable rectangle. Drop a plastic utility basin or repurposed bathtub into the frame opening. The lightweight construction means you can move the station if needed. This weekend project works great for renters who cannot make permanent modifications.

8. Double Station for Multiple Dogs

Families with two or more dogs know that bath time can take hours. A double station lets you wash multiple pets simultaneously or gives two people space to work together on one large dog.

Place two washing areas side by side or stack them vertically if you have height but not width. Each station needs its own sprayer, drain, and leash attachment. Budget $2,000 to $4,000 for professional installation. The efficiency gains are substantial—what used to take two hours now takes 45 minutes.

9. Spa-Style Station with Handheld Sprayer

A spa-style station brings professional grooming salon features into your home. This laundry room ideas with dog bath design includes an adjustable-height handheld sprayer, temperature-controlled mixing valve, and high-pressure rinse settings.

Professional sprayers offer multiple spray patterns from gentle mist to powerful stream. Add luxury features like a rainfall showerhead option for anxious dogs. This setup costs $1,500 to $3,000 but delivers professional results. Check out dog grooming salon ideas for more professional inspiration.

10. Farmhouse Style with Shiplap

Farmhouse style brings warmth and character to your laundry dog wash. White or gray shiplap covers the walls around your washing station, creating that cozy country aesthetic.

Pair the shiplap walls with a vintage-style utility sink or galvanized metal tub. Add oil-rubbed bronze faucets and open wooden shelving. The shiplap itself is waterproof when properly sealed. Budget $1,200 to $2,000 for materials and installation. If you enjoy farmhouse aesthetics, explore dog bedroom ideas with similar styling.

11. Modern Minimalist Tile Design

Modern minimalist design focuses on clean lines and neutral colors. This style uses large-format tiles in gray, white, or black to create a sleek contemporary look.

Choose 12×24-inch or 24×24-inch porcelain tiles that reduce grout lines to almost nothing. Keep accessories minimal with hidden storage behind solid cabinet doors. This style typically costs $1,500 to $2,500 because large-format tiles require expert installation, but the timeless design means your laundry room will look current for decades.

12. Compact Stacked Washer Integration

Stacking your washer and dryer vertically frees up 6 to 8 square feet of floor space. Use that newly available area to build a compact dog washing station right next to your laundry appliances.

This efficient approach puts everything in one wall. The compact station typically measures 2 to 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep, perfect for small to medium dogs under 50 pounds. This design costs just $400 to $800 because you use existing plumbing.

13. Outdoor-Access Transition Station

An outdoor-access transition station sits right at the threshold between your yard and laundry room. This strategic placement catches dirty dogs before they track mess through your house.

Position the washing station immediately inside the exterior door that opens to your backyard. The transition design typically includes a low-profile walk-in shower with excellent drainage. Construction costs vary from $800 to $4,000 depending on whether you need to add a new exterior door.

14. Luxury Heated Floor Station

A luxury heated floor station offers ultimate comfort. Radiant heat tubes installed beneath the tile floor keep the space warm and speed up drying time after baths.

The floor temperature stays between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional luxury features might include multiple spray heads, heated towel bars, and soft LED lighting. This premium installation costs $2,000 to $5,000 depending on your choices, with heated floors alone adding $1,200 to $2,000.

15. Fold-Down Murphy Station

A fold-down Murphy station is the ultimate space-saver for tiny laundry rooms. This design mounts a washing basin to the wall on heavy-duty hinges. The basin folds flat against the wall when not in use and swings down when you need it.

When folded up, it looks like a decorative wall panel. Fold it down for a fully functional washing basin with a drain connecting to a flexible hose. Professional installation costs $800 to $1,500, but the space savings are worth every penny in cramped quarters.

Essential Features and Materials

Plumbing Requirements

Every dog washing station needs both hot and cold water lines with a mixing valve. The valve lets you adjust temperature before water reaches your dog, preventing burns or discomfort. Install a minimum 2-inch drain, though 3 inches is better for large dogs with thick coats. The larger diameter handles hair and debris without constant clogs.

All electrical outlets near water must be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected for safety. These special outlets shut off power instantly if water makes contact, preventing electric shock.

Best Materials

Non-slip flooring is absolutely essential. Choose textured ceramic or porcelain tiles specifically rated for wet areas. Pebble tiles offer excellent traction, though they are harder to clean.

Wall materials must be completely waterproof up to at least 4 feet high. Use cement board topped with tile, waterproof wall panels, or fiberglass panels designed for wet areas. The washing basin comes in three main materials: tile-over-concrete (custom but expensive), acrylic or fiberglass (lightweight and affordable), or stainless steel (durable but industrial looking).

Must-Have Accessories

A handheld sprayer with adjustable pressure is your most important tool. Choose one with multiple spray patterns and a hose that extends at least 5 to 6 feet. Every washing station needs a secure grooming tether or leash attachment mounted on the wall at your dog’s chest height.

Storage for supplies should be within arm’s reach. Wall-mounted shelves or built-in niches keep shampoo, conditioner, brushes, and towels organized. A hair trap or drain filter is non-negotiable—dog hair clogs drains faster than anything. Learn more proper grooming techniques in our guide on how to groom a dog at home.

Size and Space Considerations

Small dogs under 20 pounds need minimum space of 2 feet by 3 feet. Medium dogs from 20 to 50 pounds require 3 feet by 4 feet of space. Large dogs over 50 pounds need 4 feet by 4 feet or larger. Giant breeds over 100 pounds really need walk-in floor showers since lifting these massive dogs is impossible for most people. Many best small dog breeds do well with compact or mid-sized stations.

Installation Tips and Common Mistakes

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Simple utility sink conversions are perfect for DIY enthusiasts and can be completed in one afternoon for under $100. Mid-range projects like PVC frame stations suit confident DIYers with moderate skills, requiring a full weekend and $300 to $800. Complex installations involving tile work, custom drainage, or major plumbing modifications need professional help to avoid expensive water damage.

Building permits depend on your local regulations. Most areas require permits if you add new water lines or move drains. Timeline expectations vary: utility sink conversions take a few hours, DIY stations require one weekend, while professional tile installations take 3 to 5 days including cure time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inadequate drainage ruins more stations than any other mistake. The drain must slope continuously downward. Wrong tub height causes chronic back pain—measure carefully before building. Poor ventilation leads to mold within months, so install an exhaust fan or add a window. Insufficient lighting makes grooming difficult, so install waterproof LED fixtures.

Not considering your dog’s adult size leads to expensive do-overs. Plan for growth or build an adjustable system. Always install waterproof membrane behind tiles—tile and grout are not waterproof by themselves. You can explore more comprehensive dog grooming rooms at home concepts for additional planning ideas.

Smart Installation Tips

Start with accurate measurements of your dog standing and sitting. Test your water pressure before buying fixtures. Plan storage during the design phase rather than adding it later. Include excellent lighting from the start by running electrical lines during construction. Think about cleanup and maintenance access—design the station so you can easily reach drain access panels.

Conclusion

A dog washing station in laundry room transforms one of the most tedious pet-care tasks into a quick and manageable routine. You no longer need to struggle with bathtubs, pay expensive grooming fees, or stress about muddy paw prints through your house.

Whether you choose a budget-friendly utility sink conversion for under $100 or invest in a luxury heated floor station for several thousand dollars, the return on investment is clear. At $50 to $100 per professional grooming visit, most stations pay for themselves within the first year.

The 15 ideas in this guide offer solutions for every space, budget, and dog size. Start by measuring your available space and considering your dog’s adult size. Think about your budget and whether you prefer DIY projects or professional installation. Choose materials that balance durability, aesthetics, and maintenance needs.

Your laundry room already has the plumbing infrastructure, waterproof flooring, and space to handle mess. Take advantage of what is already there and create a dedicated dog bath in laundry room that simplifies your life. Your back, your main bathroom, and your clean floors will thank you every single time you use it.