Foodmax Machines recently supplied four commercial dog washing machines to an unattended equipment operator in Chile. They wanted to test a new unattended pet-care service with selected commercial locations. Instead of building a traditional grooming business, the operator chose a self-service dog wash model. The operator placed the machines in pet retail areas, a car-care complex, and an independent pet wash site. Customers can wash, rinse, and dry their dogs independently.
The customer operated vending and self-service car wash equipment and wanted to expand into pet care. A traditional grooming service would require trained staff, fixed working hours, and a more complex daily operation. A self-service dog wash offered a simpler alternative. With commercial dog washing machines, customers handle the washing process themselves. The operator’s technicians only need to complete scheduled cleaning, replenish supplies, and perform basic equipment checks. The new service adds convenience for pet owners while encouraging longer visits and additional in-store spending.
Foodmax Machines configured the four units around the operator’s local operating needs.
Local Payment Options: The machines were configured to support commonly used contactless payment methods in Chile, with cash payment available as a backup.
Spanish-Language Interface: Convenient touchscreen instructions were provided in Spanish with clear operating steps for first-time users.
Consistent Water Heating: A suitable water-heating system helps maintain a comfortable wash temperature during operation.
Easy-Clean Construction: The stainless steel washing basin and hair filtration system help reduce clogging and simplify routine cleaning.
Remote Management: The operator can monitor equipment status and usage information remotely, reducing unnecessary site visits.
Reach customers already visiting pet retail locations
Car care service complex
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Allow customers to wash their dogs while their vehicles are serviced
Pet-friendly service hub
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Test a semi-outdoor self-service format
This approach gave the operator a broader view of customer demand and helped identify which locations were most suitable for future expansion.
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Early Results From the Self-Service Dog Wash Rollout
The four commercial dog washing machines helped the operator test demand across several busy locations.
High Off-Peak Demand: More than 60% of transactions came from weekends and weekday evenings after 5 PM, capturing demand when traditional pet grooming shops are closed.
Lower Site Workload: Remote monitoring showed machine status, water temperature, and supply levels. This reduced routine site visits by 50%.
Easy Cashless Payments: Contactless card and mobile payments made up over 85% of sales. This reduced cash collection work.
No Extra Staff Needed: The operator added all four machines to its existing maintenance route. No dedicated pet-care staff was required.
Strong Repeat Use: The pilot achieved a 35% repeat-customer rate within the first 60 days. These results supported future fleet expansion.
“Hemos registrado una demanda constante desde que instalamos la máquina lavadora de perros comercial. Tenemos clientes recurrentes fijos en nuestro lavado de mascotas, y la gestión diaria apenas nos quita tiempo.”
“We have seen steady demand since installing the commercial dog-washing machine. We have regular customers at our pet wash, and the day-to-day management takes up hardly any of our time.“
Foodmax Machines supplies self-service dog wash equipment for operators looking to add pet care services to existing businesses. Depending on the project, our self service dog wash vending machines can be configured with different:
Payment methods
Language interfaces
Cabinet finishes
Branding options
Control systems
Installation requirements
We can also provide spare parts, remote technical support, and installation guidance to help operators manage their equipment after delivery. For vending operators, car wash businesses, shopping centers, pet retailers, and other unattended-service providers, commercial dog washing machines offer a practical way to test and expand into self-service pet care.
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Start Your Self Service Pet Washing Business
A small pilot can be a practical first step for operators entering the self-service pet care market. The Chilean operator started with four machines across different locations and used the results to evaluate future expansion. Foodmax Machines can provide commercial dog washing machines with flexible configurations for different markets and operating models. Contact us to discuss your project and request a customized quotation.
