When Dino Ossello first discovered the convenience of the Evolution Dog Wash machines, he knew he’d stumbled upon something special. After using an Evolution Automated self-serve pet wash at Camelot Car Wash in Golden, Colorado, Ossello quickly realized there was an opportunity to bring this innovative service closer to home. “We loved the machine at Camelot, but it was 20 minutes away,” Ossello recalls.
“After falling in love with the wash experience, I saw a need for a location in my neighborhood.” Ossello got in touch with his friend and fellow Lacrosse dad, Matt Ogden, owner of Evolution Dog Wash, and began discussions to join Ogden’s Partner Store Program to bring his idea of a retail store to life and Evo Dog Wash was created, just a mile from Ossello’s home in Lakewood, Colorado.
Evo Dog Wash is more than just a pet wash; it’s a community hub for dog lovers. With self-serve washes available 24/7 and no appointment necessary, pet owners can wash their dogs anytime it’s convenient. Located at 11098 W Jewell Ave, Suite A-8 in Lakewood, the Evo Dog Wash offers self-serve pet washing with prices starting at $12 for a 12-minute mini wash to $18 for a 12 minute large wash. Monthly memberships are also available at $25 for three washes per month, or $40 per month for six washes.
For those who want a more hands-off approach, Evo Dog Wash recently added a full-time groomer. “We brought in Jackie, a fantastic groomer, in May 2024. She’s already a customer favorite,” Ossello said. Grooming services, available Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, make Evo Dog Wash a one-stop shop for pet owners looking for convenience and quality care.
Turning an Idea into Reality
Opening Evo Dog Wash didn’t come without its challenges. Ossello and Ogden spent time searching for the perfect location and ultimately found it in a busy strip mall with a Kroger as its anchor tenant. “We knew visibility and parking were key,” Ossello recalled. “This spot was previously a grooming shop, so the open floor plan was perfect for the three wash stations and grooming area we wanted to build.”
Following the Business in a Box guidelines provided by Evolution Dog Wash, the store’s layout was designed to make the Evolution Automated Dog Wash machines visible from the outside while giving the interior a backyard feel. “We added white picket fences between the wash stations to create a feeling of a country backyard,” Ossello added.
The store is equipped with two full-size Evolution Dog Wash PLC machines and one Evolution Dog Wash mini. “We wanted to offer flexibility to our customers, depending on their needs and the size of their dog,” said Ossello. The installation was straightforward, requiring minimal construction—just some plumbing for the new drains.
Ossello also owns and operates Besties Dog Wash, located in Montana. Read more about his stand-alone Evolution Automated self-serve dog wash setup on our blog.
Grassroots Marketing and Expansion
Evo Dog Wash has taken a grassroots approach to marketing. “We’re spending time at local dog parks and brewpubs, handing out our takeaway cards,” Ossello said. Though they haven’t yet fully dived into social media, they are active on platforms like Nextdoor and invest $300 a month in Yelp advertising. One of their most innovative marketing strategies is a mobile automated dog wash unit. “We’ve taken our self-contained Evolution Dog Wash trailer to dog parks and breweries. It generates additional revenue, but more importantly, it’s fantastic advertising for the store.”
Customer Reviews Speak Volumes
Satisfied customers have quickly become the biggest advocates for Evo Dog Wash. One customer, Ann-Marie Marquis, praised the convenience and cleanliness of the facility: “This do-it-yourself dog wash has everything you could ask for included in one reasonable fee! Out of one sprayer comes regular shampoo, flea and tick shampoo, conditioner, and clean water for rinsing. Attached to the same machine is a blow dryer with both high and low settings. They provide towels…and waterproof aprons…so you are much dryer when you’re done!”
Another regular, A.S., shared,” I come here once a week and they’re so convenient and down the street from me.” L. Rivera echoed the sentiment:” I’m so thankful that I found a place that works so well with my dog. I’ve been to chains of pet groomers and it’s nothing compared to Evo Dog Wash!”
A Profitable Future
As Ossello reflects on Evo Dog Wash’s journey, he offers advice to potential entrepreneurs in the pet wash business: “This is an amazing passive income investment!” With self-serve pay-per-use machines, grooming options and a membership model, there is a service option and level for everyone.
Evo Dog Wash’s future is bright, with plans to expand to two or three more locations within 15 miles. “Our goal is to have four to five stores close enough together so that one person can clean all of them,” Ossello explained. Since opening its doors in December 2023, Evo Dog Wash has exceeded expectations. “Business is great! We’re far surpassing our revenue goals and adding members and new customers every month,” Ossello reported. The store now generates more than $8,000 in revenue per month, with numbers steadily growing. Ossello expects the store to produce $150,000 in revenue and $70,000 in passive/recurring income in 2025.
Evo Dog Wash is one of seven partner stores across the U.S., with the most profitable partner store bringing in nearly $300,000 in annual revenue. Evolution Dog Wash is currently accepting partner applications, with plans to launch at least five new partner locations in 2025. “We’re always excited to partner with driven individuals, whether it’s a groomer wanting to boost their business with passive income, a car wash owner exploring new revenue streams, or a passionate pet lover looking for a solid investment,” says Ogden.”No matter what the end goal, we have a program to help them succeed with Evolution Dog Wash.”
For more information on our partner program, contact us at info@evolutiondogwash.com
