7 Best Professional Dog Baths for Vets and Groomers (2024)

Are you looking for the best professional dog baths?

Maybe you’re a vet or groomer or other professional in the pet industry.

Choosing the right dog bath is an important decision since they’re expensive and vary depending on your needs.

In this blog post, I’ll list my top picks for best professional dog baths, plus provide a helpful buyer’s guide.

As an affiliate and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, but I only recommend products I find trustworthy and you pay nothing extra.

Best Professional Dog Baths for Vets and Groomers

1. Flying Pig 38″ Pet Washing Tub (Optimal for Smaller Pups)

If you’re looking for a dog bathing tub meant for smaller dogs, then consider this tub by Flying Pig Grooming, which includes lots of accessories for free.

Flying Pig is known for their high quality dog grooming products. They do not disappoint with this 38″ stainless steel (16 gauge) pet bathing tub.

Their tub holds pets up to 190 pounds, has a textured floormat to prevent slippage, and includes a faucet, sprayer, water hose, and shampoo rack.

As far as dimensions, the tub is 38″ long, 26″ wide, 38″ in height, and 57″ in height from the top of the backsplash to the floor. It also comes with leg levelers to adjust the height to fit your needs.

Shipping should be free if you purchase on Amazon, but double check the current listing (normally it’s $170 for shipping on Flying Pig’s website). Keep in mind that there’s some assembly required.

Pros

• Rust resistant 16 gauge stainless steel
• Includes faucet, sprayer, hose, and shampoo rack
• Adjustable height
• Backsplash and sidesplashes included

Cons

• Assembly required
• No ramp
• Just for smaller dogs

2. PawBest Stainless Steel Pup Primping Washing Tub(Most Compact Metal Tub)

Built from rust-resistant 16-gauge 304 type stainless-steel, this dog bath for vets and groomers can definitely take a beating! The one-piece tub-basin is fully welded for extra solid stability, ensuring you won’t encounter any leaks.

Watertight seals on the sliding door further prevent any leaks and are extremely simple to use.

The ramp on this tub not only allows pets to simply walk-in, but can be tucked underneath for convenience. The overhead grooming arm offers two loops, an anti-slip mat, drain, hair trap, and 4 levers that are conveniently adjustable.

With this dog bath made for vets and groomers, you even get a 6” faucet sprayer! A ½ inch thick eco-friendly floor mat prevents any slipping, offering sturdy ground for your pup. The ramp even offers a textured floor and side railings for security!

Pros

• 16-gauge 304 type stainless-steel
• Convenient ramp for easy access
• Comes with 6″ Faucet, Sprayer
• Anti-slip mat
• Drain & hair trap
• 4 adjustable levelers

Brand: PawBest
Material: 16-gauge 304 type stainless-steel
Hookups available: 2

3. Flying Pig 50″ Pet Washing Tub (Good For All)

If you’re looking for a pet bathing tub for both small or large dogs, then check this tub out by Flying Pig Grooming.

Flying Pig offers this large stainless steel tub with walk-in ramp and lots of accessories, including a grooming arm with loops, waterproof seals, walk-in ramp, faucet with hose, sprayer with hose, drain kit and hair trap, and shampoo rack.

The tub also comes with a removable floor grate, which can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate both large and small breeds.

As far as dimensions, the tub is 50″ long, 27.75″ wide, 36″ in height, and 58″ in height from the top of the backsplash to the floor. It can support pets up to 190 pounds.

It also comes with leg levelers to ensure you never have to deal with a wobbly bathtub again.

Though you will have to assemble the tub yourself, most buyers state that the assembly process is pretty easy.

Shipping should be free if you purchase on Amazon, but double check the current listing (normally it’s $230 for shipping on Flying Pig’s website).

Pros

• Great for small or large dogs
• Rust resistant 16 gauge stainless steel
• Includes grooming arm, floor grates, walk-in ramp, faucet, sprayer, hoses, drain kit and hair trap, and shampoo rack
• Backsplash and sidesplashes included

Cons

• Assembly required

4. Poly Pet Tubs Professional Pup Primping Tub(Most Indestructible)

Available in two separate sizes (58 in. or 48 in.), these Poly Pet grooming tubs are made from ½ inch thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE), claiming to be one of the most durable tubs on the market.

This tub is able to withstand being dropped from a height of 14 feet, so it’s definitely durable enough to handle even the most exuberant dogs.

This is actually the same material used to build the tanks found on fire trucks! The manufacturer claims the tub can hold up to 650 pounds, which is more than any groomer will ever need.

The tub includes two restraint bars with five different attachment points on each. This makes restraining dogs of any size much easier. Additionally, the bars can be used to support dogs who try to sit during the bath by simply sliding an arm under the dog’s belly and grasping the bar.

The ramp is also removable and can be used as a raised surface for small dogs or even as a separate table accessory.

The HDPE material is resistant to the buildup of both bacteria and scum, offering easy to clean surfaces!

Pros

• ½ inch thick high-density polyethylene
• Available in 2 sizes (58 in. or 48 in.)
• Several accessory options!
• Bacteria & scum resistant
• Double drains & higher splash walls
• Nonslip floor mat
• Ramp for easy access
• Holds 650 pounds

Cons

• No included hair strainer on drain

Brand: Poly Pet
Material: ½ inch thick high-density polyethylene

5. Master Equipment 48″ Superior Stainless Plumbed Pup Tub (Finest for Small and Large Pups)

You’ll find plenty of interesting features in with this quality metal dog tub. The stainless steel ramp with a gray non-slip rubber covering offers easy and safe access for your pup. The ramp can also be stored beneath the tub for more room.

Welded seams and rubber sealant along the backsplash and sides prevent leakage and a U-shaped grooming bar comes bolted to the backsplash for simple dog grooming loop attachments.

This dog grooming tub also includes a removable tub rack that can be adjusted to a higher level for smaller breeds.

Master Equipment is one of the biggest names in the grooming industry and this tub is a great example of their high quality products.

Pros

• Water & rust resistant 14 gauge stainless steel
• Removable tub rack can be set higher to accommodate smaller dogs

Cons

• Can be a tight fit for giant breeds or large dogs with a lot of coat

Material: 14 gauge stainless steel
Brand: Master Equipment
Price: $2,149.99

6. Master Equipment PolyPro Primping Tub(Cutest Looking)

Great for dogs of all sizes, this unique paw print grooming tub offers traction to prevent slipping. Possibly the most visually appealing on our list, it’s constructed from a very durable type of rust-resistant, high-density polyethylene.

Adjustable legs offer hard to find convenience, great for groomers of any height! The removable door easily lifts straight up and then out for simple access on the left, and a drain on the right.

Along with this, you’ll get a bottle holder for shampoo, an overhead grooming arm, and a raised tub rack for grooming smaller dogs! A sturdy ramp for entry is also included, so getting big dogs into the tub won’t be a problem.

Pros

• High-density polyethylene
• Attractive paw print design
• Three color options: blue, purple, white
• Some accessories included

Cons

• Marketed to a certain niche
• Grooming arm height not ideal for restraining large and excitable dogs

Material: High-density polyethylene
Brand: Master Equipment
Hookups available: Approximately 3

7. Primper’s Finest Stainless Steel Elite Pup Primping Washing Tub W/ Steps (Highest Quality)

Not only is this one of the more attractive, professionally appealing tubs on our list, but you can purchase several additions with it! Sliding textured steps provide easy access for the pet.

The tub measures 48” x 24”, though there is also a 58” x 24” option if your grooming area has the space. The tub also has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds, making ideal for even the biggest pooch.

There is a raised tray for grooming smaller dogs, and the outside is coated with a textured sealant to prevent leaks and dampen sound. This tub also has multiple attachment points for restraints to suit dogs of all shapes and sizes.

You’re provided color options (Black, Grey, Tan, Purple, and Pink), along with the paw print design on the front. This dog bath for vets and groomers is made from durable 18 gauge 304 polished stainless steel, it’s double sealed to prevent leaking.

Just look at those supports! Though it may be costly, this is the absolute best we have to offer here, ideal for any dog groomer. A floor grate is available for purchase as an accessory, to prevent slippage.

Pros

• 18 gauge 304 polished stainless steel
• Double sealed to prevent leaking
• Raised tray for bathing smaller dogs
• Choice of plumbing on right, left, or center
• Available in 5 colors

Cons

• Highest cost

Material: 18 gauge 304 polished stainless steel
Price: $2,799.00
Hookups available: 3

Things to Look For When Buying Professional Dog Baths

Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective way to save or something that will stand the test of time, your perfect grooming bath is out there waiting for you.

By comparing and contrasting the equipment listed above, you can find what works best for your situation!

Purpose

Before beginning your search for the perfect bath, you’ll need to consider how you intend to use it. Your purpose will help you to narrow down your options and find the tub of your dreams.

Some questions you may want to ask yourself include:

• What are you using your dog bath for?
• Are you looking for a grooming bath that will accommodate a more professional setting?
• Do you want a dog bath that will be great for all breed sizes, weights, and ages?
• What about multiple dogs at once?

Some of the dog baths listed in the article above are appropriate for home use, while others are meant for a more professional setting. You’ll need to make sure you get the right tub for your goals to ensure you won’t need to spend more money on upgrading in the next year or so.

It can also be helpful to consider your goals. You want a bathtub that will work for you in the future, even if your needs are low at the moment. It’s better to spend a bit more now on a higher quality product than have to replace it as your needs change.

Price

Even if you’re able to write off your expenses in your business, price is always a concern. This is especially true for busier salons who plan on employing multiple assistants or groomers with more than one dog bath operating at once.

As a business, you don’t want to spend more on supplies than you’ll earn in profits. At the same time, dog baths are an investment, and you’ll want something that lasts!

While it’s important not to purchase the cheapest product you can find, you also don’t need to invest in the most expensive. For most groomers, a mid-range, reasonably priced tub will be ideal.

As seen on the list above, dog baths vary widely in price. Although cost is an important aspect to consider, you’ll also need to factor in your needs so you don’t spend any more than necessary.

Materials/Durability

What good is cheap grooming equipment if it breaks down or leaks, and you just have to replace it? A grooming tub is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any salon. As a business owner, you’ll want something that lasts, but won’t break the bank.

Fortunately, you have many options and materials to choose from! Whether you prefer, stainless steel or high-density polyethylene, materials make a huge difference with this type of investment.

In most cases, it comes down to personal preference, but you’ll need to consider a few key characteristics of each material before you can make a decision about what works best for your grooming business.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is by far the most popular choice for any grooming salon, boarding facility, or vet clinic. It has been an industry standard for quite a long time for good reason. However, there are a few important points to consider.

While steel and plastic are both very durable, stainless steel could eventually begin to corrode over several years. Some stainless steel tubs claim to be rust resistant, but this doesn’t mean that it will last forever. Powder-coated steel baths tend to be even more resistant to rust, so long as the protective coating remains intact.

With steel tubs, you want one with walls that are thick enough to withstand an exuberant dog, but not so thick that the tub will be impossible to move for cleaning. Remember, more material means more weight.

18-gauge stainless steel is a budget-friendly option that will work for small or calm dogs, but the industry standard is 16-gauge. If you expect to be bathing bigger or more excitable dogs, you might consider looking for a stronger material such as 14-gauge stainless steel. For most high-volume grooming shops, 14-gauge is recommended.

Uncoated stainless steel can also be noisy. In addition to the noise of a dog bouncing around inside, it can also reverberate barking, noise from a high-velocity dryer, etc. This may be an important consideration for some shops. Coated stainless steel tends to dampen noise, while some groomers also opt to wear ear protection while bathing and drying.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

High-density polyethylene is another option. This material is lightweight but claimed to be just as durable as stainless steel. Additionally, it’s rust and tarnish resistant and tends to be easy to clean.

Though HDPE tubs are not yet as popular as stainless steel, more groomers are opting for a more lightweight dog bath. Although weight is rarely a concern in a traditional grooming shop, it can be helpful for mobile groomers as well as those who need to move the tub for easier cleaning.

It should be noted that these tubs aren’t ideal for large, wild dogs who may be able to pull them over if they jump out while restrained. However, for the majority of well or moderately well-behaved dogs, they are fine.

HDPE tubs do not reflect sound the same way that stainless steel tubs do, so they also tend to be a bit quieter. If you’re only grooming quiet dogs, or have a separate area for drying, sound may not be a concern. However, salons with limited space may benefit from a quieter tub.

Cleaning

When choosing your dog bath, you’ll also need to consider what materials are easiest to clean. No matter how many dogs you bathe in a day, it’s recommended, or in many cases required, to clean the tub between dogs.

Cleaning the tub between appointments not only helps to prevent the spread of disease and parasites, but it also gives you a chance to look over your tub for any problems or damage. As you spray your tub with disinfectant and scrub it down, you have the opportunity to check vulnerable sections for rust, wear, and damage.

Additionally, regular cleaning helps your tub last longer. The less time that dirt, shampoo, coat oil, and hair are allowed to sit on the surface of the bath, the less likely your tub is to develop rust, mold, or mildew.

If you’re only grooming a few dogs here and there, it won’t be too much of an issue to spray and wipe the tub down between dogs. However, if you’re a high-volume groomer, this small task can become a problem if you have to spend a lot of time scrubbing the tub before your next client arrives.

Stainless steel’s smooth surface tends to make cleaning a breeze. With no texture, there is nowhere for dirt or bacteria to hide. The same concept applies to HDPE tubs with smooth surfaces.

When cleaning the tub, it’s important to pay extra attention to any areas with a textured surface, such as the tub bottom. If your tub has extra accessories that create more nooks and crannies, you’ll also spend more time cleaning those out than you would with a simpler design.

You may also need to consider what type of cleaning products you use. Certain cleaning chemicals work better on HDPE than on stainless steel, while others can actually damage certain materials. While shopping for your dream dog bathtub, it’s important to make sure your cleaning products are compatible with the tub’s material.

Size

Another important aspect to consider is the size of the tub needed. Dog grooming baths come in a range of sizes, so you’ll need to ask yourself:

• How large is your space?
• Will it fit where it needs to go?
• How many animals can be groomed at a time?
• Can you accommodate larger or giant dog breeds or just small breeds?
• Do you have a compatible wall outlet or faucet?

You’ll want to pay special attention to the dimensions of your dog bathtub. First of all, is it large enough for the intended dog or do you want to cover several breeds? A raised area for smaller dogs is always beneficial.

Remember, you want a tub that’s tall enough that you won’t strain your back, so if you’re strictly grooming small breeds, look for a smaller, fixed height tub. If you’re also going to groom large breeds, you should consider shopping for larger tubs and using a raised platform inside for small dogs.

If you’re grooming large breeds, you’ll also need to consider the weight limits of the tubs to make sure that it’s safe to bathe big dogs without worrying about the stability or integrity of your equipment.

Additionally, you’ll also need to remember to leave space for the stairs or ramp if you choose to bathe large dogs that can’t be lifted over the side of the tub.

Accessories

Finally, you’ll need to decide which accessories are essential and which you can live without. What kinds of accessories come with your ideal dog bathtub? Are they offered at no cost, or will you have to pay for them? While accessories aren’t vital for the core tub function, they add to the appeal and convenience.

Some of these grooming tubs for dogs offer high-end accessories. While you might need to pay for these separately, some accessories will make the job much easier and safer.

Many tubs have optional or included shampoo bottle racks to keep your supplies close at hand. If your desired tub doesn’t have this option, you’ll need to figure out where you’ll store these.

Most baths also come with different areas to clip leashes to so that you can safely keep the dog inside. You want to look at the quality of restraint attachments, as well as the durability. You don’t want any of these to break or snap, or the metal backing to rust.

Additionally, it’s important to consider where these attachment points are located. A large dog can easily tip over a lightweight tub if it jumps out while attached to an overhead grooming arm. Lower attachment points can help discourage jumping, while also giving the tub more stability.

Ramp/Access

Nothing else matters if you aren’t able to lift a pet into your dog grooming tub. An easily accessible ramp means you can save time trying to position a pet. It also makes the situation more comfortable for the dog you’re grooming.

Metal ramps are nice because you don’t have to lift the dog, but non- slip, detachable ramps are better. Something that is easily moved, light yet durable, and sturdy is great.

Some tubs come with built in ramps, while others will require the ramp to be purchased separately. If you’re only grooming small breeds, you may be able to go without a ramp.

Additionally, some tubs will require the ramp to be attached to the side of the tub while others may have a specific opening for it. This opening may have a door that can be closed when the tub is in use to prevent water from being spread around the bathing area.

Just remember, even the most well-behaved dog is bound to shake water all over your bathing area, so a non-slip surface is essential. Safety should always be your priority so make sure that the ramp will allow a dog of your desired size range to safely enter and exit the tub no matter how wet it gets.

Number of Pups

During your quest for the perfect bathtub, consider how many dogs are able to be groomed at once. Some of the tubs are only good for one dog here, while others can accommodate two or more at a time. If two groomers can bathe dogs at the same time, you can service more clients.

If you’re grooming dogs for others, rather than just your own, you’ll also need to remember that grooming is stressful for many dogs and some may need more space than others to prevent them from lashing out at each other or the groomer.

Additionally, some tubs only have space for one faucet, which will limit the number of dogs being bathed at once. If the tub does allow for two faucets, you’ll also need to make sure that the drainage is able to handle that much water.

To accommodate the number of dogs groomed each day, you may also need to invest in more than one tub if your space allows. For high volume salons, multiple bathing stations are always recommended.

Steps Versus Ramp: Which is Better?

Lifting a dog into a bathing tub can be pretty difficult, especially if the dog is a larger, heavy breed. This is why many of these tubs have an entryway with either a step ladder or a ramp. But which one is more convenient?

Ramp

Ramps increase the size requirements of your dog bath. At the same time, a ramp would be better for older dogs with arthritic or joint problems, since they just have to walk and not push their bodies up steps.

Most dogs can also be persuaded to walk up a ramp more easily than a set of stairs. However, a ramp that’s too narrow for a large breed will also be easier to slide off, so you’ll need to once again consider the size of the dogs you’ll be grooming.

Some ramps will be able to be moved out of place during the bath, while others may need to remain in place.

Step Ladder

A step ladder is usually easy to move, detachable, lightweight, and may or may not have wheels. In most cases, it will either slide underneath or to the side to save space. This will make it easier for the groomer to move around to work on each area of the dog.

However, dogs that are not used to stairs in their home may be more resistant, so you’ll need to make sure the stairs are sturdy enough to withstand a nervous or resistant dog.

Textured Floor for Added Traction

No matter what type of tub you choose, wet surfaces can be slippery and create a hazard for both the groomer and the dog being groomed. A textured surface is a wonderful safety feature and is provided with several of the professional dog baths for vets and groomers listed above.

Some tubs may have non-slip texture on the bottom of the tub, while others may require you to purchase it separately. This is an especially important feature if you’re bathing older dogs that may be easily injured by slipping.

Don’t forget that traction is also necessary on any ramps or steps that you may use to get dogs into the tub!

Raised Surface for Primping Smaller Pups

All of the dog baths above will accommodate larger dogs, but not all are good options for smaller pets. As previously mentioned, a dog bath without any kind of raised surface or shelf for smaller dogs will force the person bathing the dog to constantly bend over.

Some smaller dogs may also become nervous if they are placed at the bottom of the tub without being able to see over the edges. A raised surface can give them a better view and put them at ease.

If you’ll be grooming both large and small dogs, you’ll need to make sure that the raised platform is removable. Grooming a large dog on a raised platform will create another problem as you must reach up to bathe it, which will cause water to run down your arms. This can also create stability issues with lightweight tubs.

If you’re going to invest in professional dog grooming tubs for vets and groomers, you’ll want to be sure you can work with all dogs. This will increase the number of clients that you can accommodate and save time. In turn, it will also increase your revenue.

Conclusion

As you can see, if you’re looking for the best professional dog baths, there are a wide variety of options on the market.

You’ll need to decide what is most important to you in terms of material, price, accessories, and more.

It can be helpful to sit down and consider your needs before you begin searching for the perfect dog bathtub.

Once you have determined your needs, you can come back to our recommendations to choose the best dog bath for you.

As you continue shopping for grooming supplies, check out our list of the best grooming kits for dogs.

Let us know if you have any questions or comments below.