Maine Gas Station Attracts Man's Best Friend

The retailer has added a pet wash that includes plenty of options to keep Fido clean.

July 24, 2012

BANGOR, ME - Dog owners in Bangor can multi-task while refueling at Trade Winds gas station, as in fill up their tank, purchase a beverage and wash the family dog, Petrol Plaza reports.

"It's cheaper than bringing him to a groomer and it's really not that hard. It's definitely easier than trying to do it with him at home, trying to get him in a tub," said local resident Jennifer Brown, who has begun bringing her dog Dozier to Trade Winds for a bath.

Manager Tony Brown said he thought the station??s owner was joking when he said he wanted to expand the car wash idea to dogs. "Right now our company has three dog washes (the company recently expanded the pet wash concept to Brewer and Blue HIll locations), we're the only ones north of Pennsylvania to have any, so it'd be nice for other places to get them."

"You got Red Box, you got Blockbuster, why not? I think it's an excellent idea for people that just don't want to take the dog out and give him a spray down. It's convenient," said one customer.

Similar to getting a car wash, there are several dog wash options, including flea and tick treatment and a skunk deodorizer. Cost is roughly $5.

Brown said the station sells about 12 to 15 pet washes a day among its locations.

Trade Winds is one of many retailers that is realizing the benefits of attracting customers with pets. In June, Westminster, Maryland-based Jiffy Mart expanded its business to include a self-serve pet washing station at one of its stores. The pet washing area includes a washing tub with disinfectant, warm water sprayers, choice of pet shampoos, pet conditioner, pet deodorizers, flea & tick treatment, pet vacuum and pet dryer ?" all within a climate controlled building. There??s also a treat vending machine located just outside the pet wash.

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