Dog washers
Mobile dog washing units are either trailers or vans fitted with a pet 'hydrobath' to wash the dog. On-site the unit is connected to the watermains using a hosepipe to fill the hydrobath. Most units discharge their wastewater onto the ground via a short length of pipe after each bath, although some units have storage tanks to use in areas where discharge onto the ground is not an option. Units should have a basket at the end of the pipe to collect pet hair and other debris. Wastewater containing flea rinse should never be disposed of onto the ground.
Issues of particular concern are the use of flea rinses and the disposal of wastewater into the stormwater system.
Make your business fish friendly
Dog washing businesses who take up the environmental challenge can expect to avoid stormwater pollution, reduce waste and wastewater, recover resources through recycling, reusing and composting and become more efficient.
Our stormwater system empties directly into our rivers and ocean without any treatment. Products used in dog washing, such as flea rinses and shampoo, can kill fish and aquatic life. Never allow anything to flow into the gutter or a stormwater drain.
Wash water disposal
- Always plan your wastewater disposal options before you start work.
- Never dispose of wash water to a gutter or stormwater drain.
- Never dispose of wash water to dry streambeds or where it can flow into wetlands and waterways.
- All wash water must be passed through a basket before disposal to remove pet hair
- Pet hair should then be collected up and disposed to a garbage bin
- If you are working in an area where there is no suitable wastewater disposal option, the water should be stored for later disposal
- Consider installing wastewater storage tanks under your trailer to enable you to store wastewater for later disposal
- Always use the smallest amount of shampoo possible
This table highlights the preferred options for disposing of wastewater to reduce the risk of pollution and give your business a greener cleaner image.
| |
DISPOSE TO: |
| If bath water contains: |
Sewer |
Septic tank |
Ground where water can soak in |
|
Shampoo only |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Selected shampoo and flea rinse |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Medicated shampoo |
Yes |
No |
No |
Directing wastewater away from drains
Portable bunds can be used to direct wastewater away from stormwater drains. Bunds are textile tubes filled with sand or other impermeable material. For suppliers see under 'Oil and Chemical Spill Recovery or Dispersal' in the Yellow Pages.
Biodegradable products
Biodegradable products are designed to breakdown in the sewage treatment process. They should never be allowed to run into the stormwater drain.
Flea treatments
- Flea rinse containing diazinon, chlorpyrifos or any anticholinesterase compound should never be used. These do not break down in the sewage treatment process and kill aquatic organisms. Half a teaspoon of these compounds can kill everything in an area the size of an Olympic swimming pool.
- Promote the use of modern flea rinse alternatives to your clients. Not using flea rinses is healthier for you, the dogs you wash and the environment.
- Dogs that have been treated for pests in the past two days should not be washed.
- Any natural flea products that kills fleas is a pesticide, even if it is 'natural'. All flea products should be used with care, as they will kill soil fauna (worms, invertebrates etc) if disposed onto the ground, and misuse can cause health problems for you and the dog.
Be aware of your legal responsibilities
Although mobile businesses do not work from fixed premises they do have to comply with a range of legislation. Review the Environmental legislation and compliance overview for further information.
On-the-spot fines of $1500 for companies and $750 for individuals could be issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) if you put anything other than clean water down the stormwater drain. This includes 'biodegradable' products.
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Education resources
Fish Friendly Fido - An orange dog-shaped magnetic card has been developed for dog washers and dog owners highlighting best bathing practice, including avoidance of medicated shampoos and flea rinses that require mixing with water.
dogmagnet.pdf (PDF 41kb)
Further information
Page last updated: 02 March 2011
