Larry’s Laundromutt: 19 Years of Keeping Pittsburgh’s Dogs Clean

What started as an idea inspired by a trip to California has grown into Pittsburgh’s longest-operating dog wash. Since opening in Sewickley in 2007, Larry’s Laundromutt has become a trusted destination for pet owners across the region, offering self-service dog washing, grooming services, retail products, and a commitment to giving back to the community.

Nearly two decades later, Larry’s remains rooted in the same simple mission that inspired its founder from the beginning: a love of dogs.

How Larry’s Laundromutt Began

I was in California visiting my daughter in 2006 when I saw a self-serve dog wash. I had never seen one before and thought it looked like a really fun business. When I returned home, I decided to start one of my own. Dirty Harry's was the first dog wash in Pittsburgh, in the East End. Ann Cipriani bought the tubs from Dirty Harry's and opened a dog wash called Woody's in the South Hills in 2007, the same time that I opened Larry's in Sewickley. We became friends and attended pet business buying events and shows. Dirty Harry's and Woody's are gone but Larry's Laundromutt lives on. We are Pittsburgh's longest operating dog wash, 19 years this November.

Building a Business Nobody Understood

When I tried to rent a space for Larry's and told potential landlords what I wanted to do, no one wanted to rent to me.

They didn't know what a dog wash was and all said the same thing, "Won't there be poop?" A friend of mine knew that our current location would be available so I contacted the landlord. His name was Bob Moore who worked for the Eat n Park Hospitality Group for 40 years and eventually became the President of the corporation. His father-in-law was Larry Hatch, the founder of Eat n' Park. He was the only landlord willing to give my business a chance and I still have his hand written lease.

He loved dogs and was excited about what I was trying to do.

Growing Into a Pittsburgh Institution

It took some time before I actually made a paycheck but I persisted. In the beginning, people would stop by, look around and then always say the same thing, "Do you really think that you are going to make any money doing this?" I tried not to let that bother me and kept working. Today I have 8 tubs for bathing, and an amazing staff consisting of 8 groomers, 7 bathers, 2 receptionists, a scheduler, a mobile grooming van and a retail store with healthy dog and cat foods and treats.

Giving Back

It was true for me that when you work doing something that you love, money will follow. Since the beginning, I have donated $1 from every self and full-service bath done at Larry's Laundromutt to animal rescues, shelters and causes. We will be donating the bath money from April, May and June to the S.N.A.P.P. out Hunger Event at the West End Overlook on August 22nd.

It will benefit Animal Friends and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. As of the end of March 2026, Larry’s has donated a total of $91,889.

Nearly two decades after opening its doors, Larry’s Laundromutt continues to prove that a business built on a genuine love of dogs can make a lasting impact on both pets and the community that loves them.

Larry’s Laundromutt

Sewickley, PA

Website: https://larryslaundromutt.com

Phone: 412-534-4052