09/13/2026
To all of our beloved customers—the friends and family you have all become to us at Canine Clean:
If you’ve driven down Hickman past Canine Clean recently, you may have noticed a couple of things. First, construction is FINALLY done! Woohoo!
The other is the new yard decoration that appeared last Friday, courtesy of our landlord. And that brings us to the reason for this message.
It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we are sharing an announcement. After so many wonderful years, Canine Clean will be closing its doors at our current location. Our last day of operation will be on October 11th.
The building where Canine Clean has been located since 2015—before I took over the business in 2019—is now for sale. To be clear: the building is for sale, not Canine Clean.
After many long conversations and careful consideration, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision that we do not have the interest or resources to purchase the building. With the cost of the commercial property, along with the many repairs and improvements the building itself would require, we also have decided that we will not be renewing our lease once the building sells.
This was not a decision we made lightly.
Canine Clean was the first self-service dog wash in Des Moines, and over the years, we’ve watched other businesses follow our lead and offer DIY washes as well. We’ve heard from MANY of you who have tried other places and come back saying, “It’s just not the same.”
And honestly, that means more to us than you know.
This place has always been about so much more than washing dogs. It’s been about the layout, the facilities, the products, the little details, and most importantly, the love and care that went into every dog—and every person—who walked through our doors.
Through every challenge, from COVID to rising costs and everything in between, you stood by us. Because of your unwavering support, we were able to keep doing what we loved: serving this incredible community and caring for dogs who became so much more than customers.
I have always said that we have the very best clients, and I truly mean it. Getting to know you, your families, and every wagging tail that came through our doors has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life.
While saying goodbye to this space is incredibly bittersweet, this is not goodbye forever. You can’t get rid of us that easily!
Our hope is to reopen within the next year in a new location—likely a little smaller in wash capacity, but with all of the care, products, personality, and joy you’ve come to know and love.
We’re already dreaming about what’s next.
In the meantime, we want to stay connected with you. It would mean the world to us if you are able to stop in one last time before October 11th. I’ll be gathering an email list of everyone in our system, and we’ll continue sharing updates through social media.
We’ll keep you posted on our plans, future events, pop-ups, and, hopefully before too long, our new location. You can still find us around the Des Moines metro at local events and markets.
Although Canine Clean’s doors are closing, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be here in the community—baking treats, stopping to pet every pup I meet, and providing personalized dog care. If you need dog walking, house sitting, or drop-in visits, I would be honored to continue caring for your dogs and staying connected with the people and pets who have become such an important part of our lives.
Our current website will eventually go inactive, but you’ll always be able to find us through our social media pages and the Doggie Dreams Square website, where you’ll be able to order the tasty treats I make for the pups.
Keep an eye out for Doggie Dreams N Clean around the Des Moines metro. We’re hopeful, excited, and looking forward to the future.
While this chapter of Canine Clean is coming to a close, the story isn't over. In many ways, it’s just beginning.
From the absolute bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Thank you for trusting us with your beloved dogs. Thank you for supporting our small business. Thank you for sharing your stories, your smiles, and your lives with us. And thank you for making Canine Clean feel like so much more than a dog wash.
You helped create a family, a community, and countless memories that we will carry with us forever.
It has been an absolute honor to love on your dogs, get to know your families, and be a small part of your lives.
This isn't goodbye.
It’s simply “see you later.”
With endless gratitude and love,
Best Woofs,
Alexis
Owner, Canine Clean
