Now a dog washing machine

JAPAN: Pet owners in Japan are washing their dogs and cats in specially designed vending machines to conserve money during recession. A large number of people are making use of machines such as the one installed at a particular pet supermarket in the suburbs of Tokyo. It washes and blow dries dogs and cats for the equivalent of just $3.50 (approximately Rs 280)—a massive saving on the costs of pet stylists, who charge more than $20 (approximately Rs 1,416) for a full wash and blow dry. One of the customers said he did not think the machine was cruel, but admitted it had taken a while for his Yorkshire Terrier, Benji, to get used to it.

The 33-minute process includes a shampoo, a rinse and a dry. The process claims to use pure ozone water and be entirely safe.