Washing your dog at home instead of taking them to the groomers every time they need a bath can save time and money! It can also be a bit of a pain, though. Since you’re likely washing your dog in the same bathtub you use, the tub has to be scrubbed each time your pup gets a bath. So, why not build your favorite four-legged pal a bathtub of their very own?
A DIY dog bathtub might seem like an arduous task, but there are several ways to create a place to wash your pup, with some being simpler than others. We’ve gathered plans for some of the best DIY dog bathtubs and wash stations that range from being semi-easy to requiring some serious handyman skills. No matter your skill range, though, you should be able to find a plan below that you can pull off seamlessly!
The 7 Great DIY Dog Bath Tubs Ideas
1. PVC Dog Washer – Self Standing
| Materials: | Corner connectors, T-connector, pipes, hose adaptor, PVC cement (optional), tape (optional) |
| Tools: | Drill, 1/16” bit |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This plan isn’t a bathtub, but it is a shower and works equally as well! In fact, it makes washing your dog a breeze and involves no clean-up after, so it’s pretty win-win.
As far as dog bathtub/washers go, this one isn’t too difficult to put together (and there are not only written instructions but video instructions if that’s more your style). You’ll simply be drilling a few holes into some pipes, then connecting those pipes into a rectangle. Then it’s an easy matter of placing the hose adaptor and putting the hose on.
The most difficult thing about this plan will be getting your dog to stay still!
2. Dog Pool
| Materials: | Tarp, plywood, screws, duct tape |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
While this plan is technically for a dog pool, it can easily do double-duty as an outdoor dog tub too. Best of all, it’s so easy to put together!
You’ll only need a few materials you might already have lying around to build this box tub (size will vary according to how big or small your dog is). Once the box is built, line it with a tarp to keep water from soaking through the wood, and you’re finished! Now you have a bathtub that’s perfect for your pup.
This plan should take a few minutes at most if you know how to measure wood and work a drill.
3. Outdoor Dog Washing Station
| Materials: | Trellises, stake, string, pea gravel, river rock, hooks |
| Tools: | Measuring tape, square, shovel, drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
This outdoor washing station gives you a doggie-specific area to wash your dog after they’ve been romping through the backyard.
It involves a lot of materials you probably don’t have on hand, but once you’ve gathered what you need, it should only take a few hours to put together. You just need to find an area near your garden hose to build this, then do a bit of digging and some laying of gravel and rocks. You can even add cute decorations if you’d like!
This plan does require a bit more work, but we think your dog will love it!
4. Shaded Dog Pool
| Materials: | Wood glue, sealant, exterior stain, wood, screws, plastic kiddie pool |
| Tools: | Miter saw stand, track saw, bit set, clamps, jig saw, ratchet action lever clamp |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
This adorable shaded dog pool would make a fabulous bathtub for smaller dogs! You’ll definitely need some serious skills to put it together, though.
For this one, you’ll need a lot of wood and a bunch of tools. Once you have what you need, you’re going to be cutting several boards and essentially making a large ramp with a hole in it (which is where the kiddie pool goes). Then you’ll add the roof (although you may want to skip that part since it might be easier to wash the dog when you’re not trying to fit underneath a roof).
Overall, this tub will take some time, but it’ll look pretty awesome when you’re done!
5. Dog Washing Station
| Materials: | 1 1/2” brad nails, 1 1/2” trim-head screws, 1 1/4” magnets, 1/2” PEX pipe, 1/2” x 3’ x 5’GoBoard, 1/2” x 4’ x 4’ Baltic birch plywood, 1/4” aluminum channel, 1/4” x 12” x 30” plexiglass, 1/8” x 1 1/2” flat steel, 10” drawer slide, 18” drawer slide, 2” trim-head screws, 20” drawer slide, 28” drawer slide, 2×4 x 10’, 2×4 x 8’, 3” exterior screws, 3/4” x 4’ x 8’ Baltic birch plywood, 30” drawer slide, 32’ x 48” shower pan, misc. plumbing fittings & pipe, mortar, polyurethane caulk/sealant, shower fixture, tile (24 sq ft), wood glue |
| Tools: | Circular saw, drill, cutting guide, jigsaw, miter saw, finish nailer, table saw, router, plumbing tools, tiling tools |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Alright, this bathtub requires some hardcore handyman skills, but once it’s finished, you’ll have a lovely, functional, dedicated space to bathe your pup.
This guy built his tub in his garage, so you’ll need to start by finding a space in your garage or a similar area of your house. After you’ve found your space, you’ll need to do some measuring of materials and your dog. Then you’re off! This tub requires a bit of plumbing work, so if that’s not your thing, you might have to grab a friend for that part. Our favorite part of this tub is the sliding staircase that doubles as drawers, so you can keep all your dog washing supplies nearby!
This project is a large one, and it’ll probably take a while, but showing it off to your friends and family after it’s done will make it worth it!
6. Dog Washer Ring
| Materials: | Clear garden hose, connector |
| Tools: | Dremel tool, pliers |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Another plan that’s not a bathtub but is an easy way to wash your dog, this washer ring makes bath time super fun. Plus, it’s simple to put together!
First, you’ll need to measure around your pup to get the right size ring. Once you have that, you’ll drill holes around the entire perimeter, then connect the ends of the ring with a connector that will also attach to your real garden hose. And you’re finished!
This project shouldn’t take more than a half-hour or so. After that, giving your dog a bath will undoubtedly be more fun for both of you.
7. Muddy Dog Paw Wash Station
| Materials: | Plastic storage container that will fit your dog, boiler drain, metal washer, rubber or silicone washer |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
The muddy paws station isn’t a full bath, but it will come in handy if your dog’s feet are caked with dirt and mud. It may also be the easiest plan on our list.
This one is only two steps—buy a plastic storage bin big enough for your dog to step into, then attach a drain to get rid of muddy water (and to avoid picking up the tub to dump it). Once you’ve put the drain on the bin, you’ll simply need to fill it with water the next time your pup has dirty feet and get them into it. Unless the grime is caked on, it should just rinse away. But if it doesn’t, you might need to do a little scrubbing.
Overall, this tiny tub will definitely make your life easier!
Conclusion
With just a bit of time and effort (or a lot in some cases), you can make your life easier with a bathtub, wash station, or shower dedicated to your dog. Imagine—no more cleaning up your own tub and bathroom floor each time your dog needs a bath! These plans range from easy to difficult, but you should find one within your skill range. If not, grab a handy friend and get to work!
- Related Read: 8 Strong & Waterproof DIY Dog Pools (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: JCFUL, Pixabay
