DIY Doggie Baths at Ollu

Looks like I spoke too soon. My last post was about the thaw and now, well, we’re buried under a foot of snow again. Yikes. However, that makes this post all the more fitting. Between the snow and the mud you may be starting to think about how your pup is overdue for a bath. Unfortunately, bathing a dog usually falls under the category of unpleasant chore or big expense. Local business Ollu to the rescue.

Minnesota native Jodel Fesenmaier spent four years living in San Diego, where she adopted Oliver and Lulu, black lab and German shorthair mix litter mates, and took advantage of the city’s self-serve dog washes. Returning to Minneapolis in 2007 to be closer to family, Fesenmaier was surprised to find that the City of Lakes had no such service.

“When I lived in San Diego, there were several dog washes there. I went to a few of them and thought it was such an awesome idea,” Fesenmaier said. “I just assumed we had them here.”

When Fesenmaier couldn’t find one, she thought maybe she’d start her own. She immediately set to work on a business plan and in two short years, Ollu emerged at 221 Main Street SE in Minneapolis.

Named for Oliver and Lulu, the two pups whose bathing needs inspired the business, Ollu offers what Fesenmaier had been unable to find in Minneapolis–a DIY dog wash. You bring your pup and a willingness to get your hands dirty, and Ollu has the rest, including large tubs, aprons, natural shampoos, towels, dryers and more. There are five wash stations and bathing is first come, first served.

“The best part is you get to leave the mess with us and leave with a clean dog,” Fesenmaier said.

Ollu is open seven days a week and is always staffed, so although it’s a self-service dog wash, someone is always available to help if needed. Ollu also offers appointments for full service bathing if DIY’s not your thing. And while self-service haircuts are not allowed, Ollu does have full service grooming as well.

“Sometimes people think of it as a do it yourself car wash; it’s not like that,” Fesenmaier clarified.

No matter the size or breed of your dog, Fesenmaier recommends monthly bathings. The difference, she says, depends on activity level.

“If you’re taking your dog to the dog park several times a week, I’d bump up the dog washing,” Fesenmaier said.

And what needs to be done even more often than that? Brushing. As often as a few times a week to prevent matting. It’s a big deal, Fesenmaier said, especially for the longer coats.

Since returning to Minnesota, Fesenmaier has added a great dane named Axel to her brood. But as far as we know, there are no plans to rename the company to Axollu.

And now, here’s a super special offer for you, reader:

Bark Avenue clients will receive 10% off a full service grooming appointment at Ollu by mentioning this blog post. So, go on, pretty up your pup.