By:Brian Zanzonico
Saturday, Nov. 20 marked the grand opening of the area-s first self-serve dog wash, Woofer Wash, located at 334 Hempstead Ave. in West Hempstead.
Tucked away on Spruce St. just off Hempstead Ave., Woofer Wash was once a beauty salon. With all the plumbing still intact, Fras installed three large steel tubs with hoses. Ramps allow dogs of all sizes to get in and out of the tubs with ease. Unlike bathtubs in homes, Woofer Wash tubs have long legs that allow owners to comfortably wash their dogs with minimal strain on the knees and back. The response has been overwhelming thus far, Fras said, as 35 dogs were washed the first week.
You-re able to wash your dog in half the time it would normally take, Fras said in an interview at the shop Nov. 27. Plus, dog groomers cost as much as $85. We charge $15 the first half hour and $10 each additional half hour.
In addition to groomers- soap, Fras also provides nail clippers, ear wash and a brush for the dogs. Small blowers affixed to the wall next to each tub allow owners to blow dry their pets. Woofer Wash also sells shampoo and conditioner and flea and tick collars.
Clients are expected to groom their own dogs, but Fras offers assistance. She helped keep a lame dog steady while its owner did the washing and helped an elderly woman clean her dog.
Fras also has Bad Doggie Days designed for the aggressive hound. Owners of pugnacious pets can make appointments to have the entire salon to themselves. The dog is muzzled before coming in and has the whole place to itself.
Fras hatched the idea of Woofer Wash while on a road trip with husband Paul, children Chris and Kellie - students at St. Thomas the Apostle School in West Hempstead - and dog Mugsy, a mutt. After a few days in the car, Mugsy started to smell. While driving through Vermont, Paul noticed a self-serve dog wash on the side of the road. When the family returned home, Fras started scouring local Yellow Pages for similar businesses in the area. She did not find any and Paul gave his blessing to start the venture.
Fras encourages appointments but also accepts walkups. The weekday shop hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fras closes up to pick up her children from school and start dinner and reopens 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On weekends, Woofer Wash opens at 10 a.m. To make an appointment, call 538-3440.
Word of mouth is starting to spread. Not only have residents from West Hempstead and Garden City - where she advertises - responded, but she has had clients from as far as the Hamptons.
I had been a housewife for 12 years. The first day I was convinced I was nuts, Fras said. But things are starting to work out, I-m used to how things work and it-s becoming a lot easier.
Comments on this story? mal-wheditor@liherald.com, or (516) 569-4000 ext. 240
