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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before your visit.

Booking and walk-ins

Do I need to book a dog wash?

No, you don't need to. Most of our customers just walk in, Monday to Friday from 8am. Last walk-ins are 2pm for large dogs and 3pm for small dogs. On busy days walk-in washes may wait around 30 to 45 minutes, so check the status bar at the top of our website before you come. Booked grooms always run at their usual times. If you'd prefer a set time, you can also book a wash online.

Can I book online?

Yes, you can book grooms and baths online any time. Online bookings are requests: you'll get a text straight away and our team confirms your booking, usually within 1 business day. Online bookings currently open 7 days ahead. Need something sooner or can't see a time that suits? Call us on 02 9525 7765 and we'll do our best to fit you in. Walk-ins are still very welcome for baths and nail clips, no booking needed. Just come in Monday to Friday from 8am.

Do I need to book a dog groom?

Yes. Full grooms are by appointment. Book online any time or call 02 9525 7765.

What's the latest time I can bring my dog in for a wash?

We accept large dogs for a wash until 2pm and small dogs until 3pm, so there's time to wash and dry them properly before we close at 5pm.

Do I need an appointment for a nail clip?

No. Nail clips are a walk-in service and can usually be done while you wait.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Please call us on 02 9525 7765 with at least 24 hours' notice. Bookings can't be changed or cancelled online. Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged the full service fee, although we'll always consider emergencies.

Hours, location and payment

What are your opening hours?

Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Closed weekends and public holidays. Saturday opening is coming soon.

Are you open over Christmas?

We're closed from Thursday 24 December 2026 to Tuesday 5 January 2027. Our last day for 2026 is Wednesday 23 December. We reopen at 8am on Wednesday 6 January. We're also closed on Australia Day, Tuesday 26 January. Need food or flea treatments over the break? Stock up before 23 December.

Where are you located?

2/82 Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah NSW 2229, in the Sutherland Shire.

Where do I park?

Look for The Dog Wash sign on the roadside sign board, next to True Swing Golf. We have 4 car spots out the front. Drive into the driveway and push the gate to come in with your dog. The driveway can only be entered heading west on Captain Cook Drive, turning left just before Willarong Road. There's no right turn in from the Cronulla-bound side. If you're heading towards Cronulla, turn right into Cawarra Road and turn around.

How can I pay?

Cash and card, including tap to pay, in store after your visit. Online bookings need a card to hold your booking, but nothing is charged online.

Prices and services

How much does a dog wash or groom cost?

Prices start from the amounts on our price list, based on your dog's size. Our prices are a guide only. Every dog is different, so your final price is based on your dog's size and weight, coat length and condition, any matting and their behaviour on the day. Your groomer will always confirm the price with you before we start, but if we notice anything different during our washing or grooming process, we will reach out to you and confirm before we proceed. We always make sure our clients are informed.

Are there any extra fees?

Sometimes. A matting fee of $15 applies if your dog's coat is matted. A style groom fee of $20 applies to breed-specific styles, for example Poodles, Schnauzers, Westies and some Cocker Spaniels. Your groomer will always tell you before we start.

What's included in a full groom?

A hydrobath wash and blow dry with our quality shampoos, then a full body clip to the length you choose. It includes a nail clip, hygiene clip, face, feet and tail trim and shaved paw pads, finished with fragrance and a cute accessory.

What's included in a Fur Indulgence?

Our most pampered bath: shampoo and conditioner, a full blow dry, a nail clip and an ear clean. It's a walk-in service, no booking needed.

Your dog's care

What if my dog is nervous?

We introduce every new or nervous dog to our equipment gently. They sniff each tool with the power off first, then hear it from a distance, then feel it on low power before we slowly build up. We take breaks, use treats with your OK and keep handling calm. If a dog becomes truly distressed, we stop the groom and call you.

My dog doesn't like the blow dryer. What are my options?

Choose a bath and towel dry, which is usually done while you wait. For dogs who need drying, we can use a Happy Hoodie to muffle the noise or a gentle low-speed dryer. Add a care note when you book so we know.

Can I tell you about my dog's health or special needs?

Yes. When you book online you can add care notes, such as nerves, skin conditions, allergies, lumps, bumps or moles. Our groomers also add notes after each visit. Notes are saved to your dog's profile so we can take extra care every time.

My dog has allergies or sensitive skin. Can you help?

Yes. We use a sensitive shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. We also have a medicated shampoo for $6 to $10 extra. You're also welcome to bring your own shampoo for us to use. Add a care note when you book so we know.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes. Your dog's vaccinations need to be up to date before their visit. We don't need to see a certificate.

What happens if you find fleas on my dog?

We'll stop the wash or groom straight away and ask you to collect your dog as soon as possible. Once your dog has been treated, we're happy to rebook.

What happens if my dog needs a vet during their visit?

If it's urgent and we can't reach you, we'll take your dog to the nearest vet clinic for treatment. Veterinary costs are the owner's responsibility.

Do you express anal glands?

No, we don't offer anal gland expression. Please see your vet for this.

How will I know when my dog is ready?

We'll send you a text from Petboost as soon as your dog is ready for pickup.

We respectfully ask that you pick up your dogs within 30 minutes of receiving your text message. We need to be able to manage a safe environment for all our pooches and staff.

Products and terms

What products do you sell?

Our most popular products are Prime100 fresh dog food rolls and Meals for Mutts dry dog food. We also stock NexGard Spectra flea, tick and worm treatments, Rogz and Ezydog collars, leads and harnesses, Kong toys, dog shampoos and fragrances, plus our in-store treat bar. See our Products page.

Where can I buy Prime100 rolls in the Sutherland Shire?

We stock Prime100 fresh rolls at The Dog Wash, 2/82 Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah. They're kept chilled in store in a range of single-protein flavours. Pop in Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, or grab them when you drop off or collect your dog.

Do you have terms and conditions?

Yes. In short: your dog's vaccinations must be up to date, please tell us about any history of aggression, keep your dog on a lead when you arrive and give us 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. We don't do painful dematting. Read the full Terms of Service.

Still have a question?Send us a message
Booking online

How to book online

First time booking online? Setting up your account takes about five minutes. See what we'll ask and what to expect.

1Tap Book now

Enter your mobile number.

2Add your dog and pick a time

Choose your service and a time that suits.

3Send your request

We’ll confirm by text within 1 business day.

Online bookings currently open 7 days ahead.
Need something sooner or can’t see a time that suits? Call us on 02 9525 7765 and we’ll do our best to fit you in.
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