Are dog bath tubs something your dog would ask for if they could? If you could ask your dog to name their favorite activity, chances are bath time wouldn’t top the list. While some pups enjoy baths, others become anxious at the first sign of a faucet being turned on.

Dogs should be bathed at least once every three months, although more frequent baths might be needed if your dog has skin problems or spends a lot of time outdoors.

Even if your dog is professionally groomed on a regular basis, having a dog bathtub for bathing at home can come in handy. But with all the different tubs designed for dogs, how do you pick the right option for your pup? We evaluated a wide range of dog tubs to find the ones that make bathtime a breeze. 

Our Top Dog Bathtub Picks

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6 Best Dog Bathtubs of 2024

Here are some of the best tubs that we found for bathing your dog at home.

Best Overall Dog Bath Tub

Our Pick: Booster Bath Elevated Pet Bath

Booster Bath Elevated Pet Bathing Large dog bath tubs

There are a few reasons why the Booster Bath topped our list. Number one, it’s an elevated dog bathtub, which provides a comfortable experience for both you and your pup. Features like connectable legs and 360-degree access make washing your dog upright a breeze, and for added convenience, this durable tub opens in the back to allow stairs or a ramp (not included) for dogs who are larger or older, or have mobility issues. Plus, it’s equipped with a collar and three-point restraint system for safety as things get sudsy.

Pros

  • Excellent drainage options for both indoor and outdoor use
  • Three sizes available: medium, large, and extra-large 
  • Comes with safety features like a collar, three-point restraint system, and rubberized, texturized non-skid mat
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Higher price point 
  • Doesn’t fold down, so it may be trickier to store when not in use

Best for Small Dogs

Our Pick: Pet Gear Pup Tub

Pet Gear Pup-Tub

Dogs who suddenly become wiggle worms when immersed in water or try to flee the scene at bath time will be safe and secure in this dog bathing tub. Designed for small dogs, this durable plastic dog bathtub easily fits in a kitchen sink or shower and features a rubberized slip-proof bottom and two tethers to keep your pup from sliding or jumping. Bonus: it’s compact enough to store in the closet between baths. 

Pros

  • Integrated safety features 
  • Includes two built-in storage trays to hold shampoo or even your dog’s favorite toy
  • Great price point
  • Easy to clean and drain

Cons

  • Not designed for dogs over 20 pounds
  • Only available in one color 
  • Customers say it’s not appropriate for counter use since it can leak

Best for Large Dogs

Our Pick: KOPEKS Outdoor Rectangular Swimming Pool Bath Tub

KOPEKS Outdoor Rectangular Swimming Pool Bathing Tub

Although this dog bathtub doubles as a dog swimming pool (some customers report that it’s the perfect way to keep pups cool on a hot day), the generously sized rectangular design and heavy-duty, industrial-strength PVC material make it great for bathing larger breeds. It also folds for simple storage and transport on camping trips or vacations. 

Pros

  • Incredibly durable
  • Foldable, portable, and simple to store
  • Drains easily 
  • The large is our pick for bigger dogs, but this dog bath tub also comes in small and medium sizes

Cons

  • Best for use outdoors
  • Does not include any safety features

Best Outdoor Dog Bathtub

Our Pick: Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool

Jasonwell Foldable Dog Pet Bath Pool

Available in a variety of sizes, this is more than just a dog bath tub – it’s also a great place for your dog (and your family!) to beat the heat. Pet parents praise the pool’s durability and say it’s the perfect venue for bathing dogs outdoors after they’ve rolled in mud or spent a long day at the dog park. Plus, it folds up small enough to take on the go. 

Pros

  • Easy to set up and fold down
  • No inflation necessary
  • Slip resistant and durable
  • Available in small through XXXL sizes

Cons

  • Not for indoor use

Best Collapsible Dog Bathtub 

Our Pick: Furesh Elevated Folding Dog Bathtub

Furesh Elevated Portable Foldable Pet Dog Bath Tub

Ideal for smaller or medium-sized breeds, this collapsible dog bath tub checks a lot of boxes. It has a modern look, is made of lightweight yet durable PVC, and folds in seconds. Many customers say that its open design has eased their pet’s anxiety and that the compact size fits perfectly in their own shower stall or tub. And at 35” tall, this elevated dog bathtub is a great height for washing your pet without hunching over.

Pros

  • Simple to store
  • Features two side pockets for shampoo and other bath supplies
  • Comes with a leash restraint for added safety
  • Can be used indoors or outdoors
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Only fits dogs up to 40 pounds
  • Some customers report the water drains slowly

Best Professional Grade Dog Bathtub

Our Pick: Flying Pig Professional Stainless Steel Dog Grooming Bathtub

Flying Pig Grooming 50" Professional Stainless Steel Pet Dog Grooming Bath Tub

If you bathe your pup frequently and are seeking a tub that will last for years, it makes sense to consider an elevated stainless steel dog grooming bath tub. This 50” model comes with many of the bells and whistles you’d find on a washing station at your local groomer, including a faucet, sprayer, and shampoo rack, to make bathing your pet a breeze. Plus, its generous size means it can fit pretty much any dog – or two dogs at once, according to some customers.

Pros

  • Hinged door for increased safety
  • Customers say this model is easy to use and clean
  • Great for dogs of all sizes
  • Adjustable, removable floor grate

Cons

  • Very high price point
  • Takes up a lot of room
  • Requires a permanent space in your home or garage

What is a Dog Bathtub?

Dog head tilt with dog snuggling in towels

Dog bathtubs are washing stations that provide a safe space to clean and groom your pet. Although dogs can be bathed in a traditional bathtub or shower, having a designated tub for your dog can make bath time easier and safer. It can also keep your own tub or shower free from dog hair and muddy pawprints.

There are a wide variety of dog bathtubs on the market, ranging from simple plastic models that can be placed in your kitchen sink, to stainless steel wash stations similar to those used by professional groomers. Some tubs are designed for indoor use, while others are made for the outdoors and can double as a swimming pool for your dog. 

How We Ranked Our Top Dog Bathtubs

We spoke to veterinarians, professional dog groomers, and pet owners to find the best dog bathtubs on the market.

In addition to consulting experts, we focused on the following criteria to narrow down our list of top picks:

Safety: We looked for tubs that included safety features to help prevent your dog from slipping, sliding, or jumping out mid-bath. 

Sturdiness: Durability is key when it comes to dog bathtubs, so we chose options that would hold up for the long haul.

Price: Because dog tubs range from basic models to professional grooming stations, the prices tend to be all over the map. And since everyone has a different budget, we included a selection of tubs at a variety of price points. 

Customer Satisfaction: Lastly, we took into account the overall customer response and only considered options with high average ratings. 

Dog Bathtub Buyer’s Guide

Dog bath tub with dog getting shampooed

When choosing a bath tub for your dog, keep in mind the following:

Your Dog’s Size and Weight

This is important to ensure a proper fit. Your dog should have enough space to stand comfortably, but not too much space to slide around.

Convenience

If you have a large older dog with mobility issues, a dog bathtub with a ramp or stairs can help your dog easily navigate an indoor or outdoor bath without you having to lift.

Safety

No matter the type of tub you’re looking for, you want to think about the safety features included, whether it’s an integrated collar or non-slip bottom.

Your Space

Remember to consider where you’ll be bathing your dog and where you’ll be storing the tub when it’s not being used. If bath time will always be outside, your options are pretty open, but if you’re planning on bathing indoors, the tub you select should reflect that. Also, make sure you have storage space available, or that you choose something that folds or collapses.

Tips for Using Dog Bathtubs

Dog having a bath in a dog bath tub outside

Whether you choose to bathe your dog inside or out, you should always use lukewarm water, as water that’s too cold or hot can be a shock or even dangerous for dogs. 

When it comes to how much to fill the dog bathtub, the water should be about as high as your dog’s knees to ensure it’s not too close to their face. 

Lastly, you should never leave your dog alone in the bath and always utilize any safety features that come with your tub. 

“It’s important for dog bathtubs to include safety features such as non-skid mats to prevent your dog from slipping, sliding, and incurring injuries,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Elevated bathtubs should include a way to tether your dog to prevent them from jumping out of the tub and incurring an injury while you’re bathing them.”

Tips for Dog Bathing Success

Dog having a bath in a dog bath tub

No matter which dog tub you ultimately go with, following these recommendations will help set you up for bath time success.

Be careful around the ears. Wendy Weinand, services training and education manager at Petco and a Certified Master Groomer (CMG) and Master Pet Stylist (MPS) says to avoid getting water into your dog’s ears or letting it build up in skinfolds. Not keeping these areas dry can lead to secondary skin issues. 

Dry your dog thoroughly. “Make sure you have towels handy to thoroughly dry your dog after a bath,” says Weinand. “Let them shake first and then try to remove as much water as possible with towels.”

Brush directly after bathing. “Lastly,” she says, “if your dog has longer hair, make sure you brush their coat after a bath, which will help separate the hair, allowing it to dry more quickly.”