Good Dogs

A Day at a Dog Wash

Carrie Montgomery has a Southern gig we dig—she runs a Charleston, South Carolina, barbershop for dogs. “The idea started when I had no place to hose down my Great Dane, Monty, after we’d been walking through puddles,” she says. So a couple of years ago, Montgomery began bouncing the idea of a self-serve dog wash off of fellow pet parents at the park where she brings Monty to play. “I started really getting excited about a place that would fill these needs for dog owners,” she says, “but that could also be stylish and fun.”

Montgomery saw an opportunity to provide both do-it-yourself and scheduled grooming services to Holy City residents, and opened the Dog Wash last year. As for Monty, she can usually be found hanging out near—or on—the loveseat and chairs in the lounge. Click through the gallery to see what a day in the life is like.

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Carrie Montgomery and Monty at the Dog Wash in Charleston, South Carolina. “Not every job lets you bring your dog,” Montgomery says. “But I created one where I hang out with her all day.”

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Pre-bath Rosco scouts the scene. Tub stalls line the room and are available for owners to bathe their own pets, and brushes, nail tools, shampoos, and conditioners are all available for use.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Hank gets his turn in the tub.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Monty greets visitors from the foyer, always keeping an eye out for deliveries.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Maxie and Pinky wait in line for grooming.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

King, who has his own Instagram account (@kingonwentworth), goes under the hose.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

After grooming, Kona is ready for the Charleston summer.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

The Dog Wash always sends clean pups home looking dapper with a bowtie, which are also available in a monthly subscription service.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick

Plenty of treats are on hand for good dogs.

Photo: Jacqueline Stofsick