A new self-service dog wash station in Swindon has enjoyed an incredible start to life in the town, according to its owners.

MuddySquad on Henchard Crescent in Taw Hill, Haydon Wick opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, July 29.

The business allows dog owners to wash and groom their dogs in a designated and specialist space away from home.

It was the idea of siblings Gina and Julio Mastrogiacomo whose passion for dogs led them to the new business venture.

Swindon Advertiser: The machine costs £1 per minute to use.The machine costs £1 per minute to use. (Image: MuddySquad)

“We have been trying for quite some time as we have dogs ourselves and we really know the struggle of how expensive groomers are these days,” said Gina.

“It is also very difficult to wash animals at home so we felt there was a need to provide this service to Swindon.

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“We are a very close family and both I and my brother love dogs so much so it feels very right to do it together.”

The new machine has several different programmes and products so the water is dispensed with shampoo and conditioner.

Swindon Advertiser: Julio washing one of the dogs.Julio washing one of the dogs. (Image: MuddySquad)

“You just pay for the time to use the machine and it is priced at £1 per minute and a small dog usually takes around eight minutes whereas a bigger dog may take 15 minutes,” said Gina.

“It all depends on the size of the dog and we also have a blow dryer with both low and high speeds.

“If you have two dogs you can wash two dogs at the same time which is a real timesaver and helps with costs too.”

The 45-year-old is enjoying the new challenge and has been blown away by local support for MuddySquad.

Swindon Advertiser: Gina (pictured) set up the business with her brother.Gina (pictured) set up the business with her brother. (Image: MuddySquad)

“Business has been going incredible and had people who have come back several times even though we have only been open a couple of months,” said Gina.

“To start a business anyway is hard but I am surprised it has gone this well as obviously you have to make people aware of you.

“People are really impressed with the machines when they read about it but when they use it, they actually learn the benefits of choosing it.

“The products we use are really natural and don’t hurt or affect the dogs’ skin.”

MuddySquad, which also has a café onsite, opens from 8.30am to 7pm every day and with it being fully self-service, bookings are not required.