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Animal shelter opens pet wash to public

Haley Gustafson | Daily Press Delta Animal Shelter Special Events Coordinator Tonya Gartland prepares adoptable beagle mix, “Holmes,” for a bath at the shelter’s self-service pet wash Thursday afternoon. The pet wash is open Tuesday and Thursday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments to use the facility can be made by contacting the Delta Animal Shelter at 789-0230.

ESCANABA –The Delta Animal Shelter in Escanaba is now offering a self-service pet wash in the shelter as a way to help dog parents reduce the mess and stress that comes with washing their animals.

According to Special Events Coordinator, Tonya Gartland, the shelter decided to open their wash room to the public because it was a way to give back to the community as well as give residents a space with more room when washing their dogs.

“It’s important for us to give back to the community,” she said.

In order to use the service, Gartland said pet owners can call the shelter and make an appointment. The pet wash is available on Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. A $10 donation per session is asked to use the washing center, she added.

The self-service pet wash has all the necessitates needed to clean a dog, said Gartland, including shampoo, towels, and a dryer. In addition, there are leash hook-ups on the wall, so dog owners can attach the dog’s leash to keep them in one place while they are being cleaned, along with a detachable shower head for easy rinsing, Gartland explained.

For smaller pups, a standing movable wash bin is available so owners don’t have to bend over as much to thoroughly clean their pet, said Gartland.

Gartland explained the self-service pet wash will most likely remain open for the winter months because in the summer, most dog owners rinse their dog’s off outside. The overall goal of the self-service pet wash, however, is to help pet owners reduce the amount of mess and stress within their own homes and bath tubs, noted Gartland, adding after people are done using the facility, shelter personnel will clean-up after them.

“We hope people take advantage of it,” she said.

Anyone interested in making an appointment for the use of the pet wash can contact the shelter at 789-0230.

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