Ninth Street Barking Lot in Oklahoma City: Self-Service Dog Washing with Grooming Add-Ons

Ninth Street Barking Lot operates as a hybrid facility combining self-service dog wash stations with full-grooming services by appointment, located in a working-class neighborhood where pet owners can either handle basic maintenance themselves or hand off their dog to a groomer. It fills a practical middle ground in Oklahoma City's grooming market, offering affordability for budget-conscious owners alongside professional options for those who need it.

What Ninth Street Barking Lot actually is

The business centers on four self-service wash bays where owners supply their own dog and pay per use, plus a separate grooming room for scheduled appointments with professional groomers. Self-service bays come stocked with warm water, shampoo, conditioner, and high-velocity dryers. This setup appeals to owners who want to bathe their dog but lack equipment at home, or who prefer a quicker rinse between professional grooming appointments. The grooming side handles full baths, cuts, and breed-specific styling for dogs of all sizes.

Self-service pricing and grooming rates

Self-service bay rental runs $12 for 15 minutes or $20 for 30 minutes, with a two-bay minimum during peak hours. Shampoo and conditioner are included; owners bring towels or purchase them on-site for $2 each. High-velocity dryers are built into each bay and operate during your time.

Professional grooming pricing is weight-based. Dogs under 25 pounds start at $55 for a bath and dry; 25 to 50 pounds cost $65; 50 to 75 pounds run $75; and dogs over 75 pounds are $85. Full grooming (bath, dry, and haircut) adds $30 to $50 depending on coat type and breed requirements. Nail trims alone are $8. Confirm current rates by phone, as grooming prices shift seasonally based on coat conditions.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City groomers

Ninth Street Barking Lot's self-service model separates it from appointment-only shops like Wags & Whiskers on the north side, which offers full grooming only and does not serve owners wanting to bathe their own dogs. For drop-off grooming alone, both charge similarly in the $60 to $85 range for a basic bath depending on size. Pet Supplies Plus, with multiple locations citywide, operates grooming salons but primarily serves owners buying supplies in-store; Ninth Street has no retail component, keeping focus on the wash-and-groom services. The self-service bays make Ninth Street practical for owners living in apartments or small homes without yard space to bathe dogs, something chain-store facilities do not offer. For owners on a tight budget wanting professional work, Ninth Street's pricing undercuts high-end grooming salons in Edmond and northwest OKC that charge $90 to $150 for full grooming.

Who it suits and who it does not

Ninth Street works best for owners of dogs with low-shedding or short coats who can manage self-washing, pet parents willing to do the hands-on work for cost savings, and those needing quick baths between appointments. It suits multi-dog households where self-service pays off across repeated visits. It does not suit owners of anxious or aggressive dogs requiring a groomer's expertise, those with giant or heavily matted coats where professional handling is necessary, or people without transportation to bring their dog and stay during a self-service session. Dogs with severe behavioral issues are better served at boarding-grooming facilities like The Dog House on Reno, where grooming happens in a contained, distraction-free environment.

What the first visit involves

Call ahead to reserve a self-service bay if visiting during evening or weekend hours; daytime slots often have walk-in availability. Arrive with your dog in a harness or collar, as the facility has tub-side tie-offs. You receive a brief walk-through of controls and water temperature before your time starts. Bring old clothes and shoes; splashing is inevitable. If booking a professional appointment, drop-off grooming typically takes two to three hours; call ahead to ask about same-day appointments versus scheduled dates a few days out.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The facility operates Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays. Street parking is available on Ninth Street with no dedicated lot; during busy hours (Saturday mornings and weekday evenings), spaces fill quickly. Verify current hours before visiting, as seasonal adjustments occur. The location is wheelchair-accessible, though the self-service bays themselves require standing and mobility to manage a wet dog.

Ninth Street Barking Lot fills a real gap in Oklahoma City's pet-care landscape, offering owners a low-cost way to handle routine baths while maintaining professional grooming as an option for jobs beyond their skill or patience.