Iron Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design · 2025
Shake Off Dog Washing Station
by Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio
- A' Design Award 2025 Iron Winner in Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 22,936
- Verification code 9D1C1227A4 · Verify this award
About Shake Off Dog Washing Station
Shake Off is a dog washing station designed with a zoo anthropological approach, based on a deep understanding of the human-animal bond and its influence on product design. It integrates solutions that promote the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of dogs. Made from r-PETG, a recycled polyester reinforced with 30% fiberglass, it offers strength, sustainability, and high durability thanks to its UV resistance. The manufacturing process utilizes LFAM 3D printing technology.
Luigi Ippoliti and Rosita di Mizio's Shake Off Dog Washing Station engages with the evolving discourse surrounding domestic animal care infrastructure, positioning grooming and hygiene activities within a framework of thoughtful spatial design and human-animal relationship consideration that reflects broader cultural shifts toward viewing companion animals as integral family members deserving dedicated, well-designed environments for their care and comfort, this modular washing unit drawing upon principles of industrial design rationalism and user-centered problem-solving to address the practical challenges pet owners encounter when attempting to bathe animals in improvised domestic settings such as bathtubs or outdoor spaces, the design's compositional achievement lies in its successful integration of functional requirements with visual clarity and material honesty, the transparent central chamber allowing caregivers to maintain visual contact with the animal throughout the bathing process while simultaneously containing water spray and providing psychological security for the pet through defined boundaries, the perforated rear panel serving both pragmatic drainage purposes and introducing geometric visual interest that elevates the design above purely utilitarian anonymity, the chromatic strategy proves particularly effective, the energetic tangerine orange framework projecting approachability and contemporary sensibility while clearly delineating structural elements and operational components, this warm accent color creating psychological associations with playfulness and positive experience that may help reduce anxiety for both pets and owners during grooming activities, the contrasting white enclosure maintains sanitary associations and provides neutral backdrop against which the animal remains clearly visible, technical facility evident in the refined edge treatment, the subtle radii softening corners to prevent injury while maintaining the crisp geometric clarity essential to the design's visual logic, the pull-out platform element demonstrating thoughtful consideration of variable animal sizes and the ergonomic needs of users who must lift pets into the washing chamber, this transformable component extending the design's accessibility across diverse use scenarios while maintaining formal integration when retracted, the overall proportions achieving balance between compact footprint appropriate for domestic interiors and sufficient interior volume to accommodate small to medium breed dogs, the vertical posts providing structural stability while framing the transparent viewing portal and establishing the unit's architectural presence, the integration of spray attachment and auxiliary accessories on the side panel reveals systematic thinking about the complete washing workflow, these elements positioned for intuitive access and maintaining visual coherence through consistent material and color application, the design tradition invoked here resonates with mid-century modernist principles emphasizing reduction to essentials, honest material expression, and the democratic ideal that well-designed functional objects should enhance daily life across all socioeconomic contexts, while simultaneously participating in contemporary conversations about sustainable living and the efficient use of domestic space and resources, the design potentially reducing water consumption compared to traditional bathing methods through contained spray application and drainage efficiency, the work invites viewers to contemplate evolving relationships between humans and companion animals, the ways domestic architecture and product design shape caregiving practices, and how thoughtful design intervention can transform routine maintenance activities into more pleasant, efficient, and emotionally positive experiences that strengthen interspecies bonds while respecting animal dignity and comfort throughout necessary hygiene procedures.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Shake Off is made using a zoo anthropological approach that focuses on a deep understanding of the human-animal bond and how this influences product design by studying practices that promote the psychological, emotional and physical well-being of the dog. Shake Off is made of r-PETG, or recycled material; given its size and the material from which it is made, it is easily transportable.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Shake Off is designed for small/medium sized dogs. Dimensions: Length: 120 cm. Width: 100 cm. Total height: 125 cm. Washing surface height: 45 cm. Fixed glass height: 50 cm. Movable glass height: 20 cm. Washing compartment height (side walls): 80 cm. Access step height: 15 cm. Width of access step: 30 cm. Access step depth: 80 cm.
- Tags
- dog washing station, animal care, dog shower, zoo anthropological, shake off
- Production Technology
- Shake Off is designed for ease of use, made of r-PETG, a material that offers significant advantages in terms of strength and sustainability: a recycled polyester loaded with 30 percent fiberglass. Shake Off is also highly UV-resistant, ensuring durability despite possible exposure to weathering. The technology chosen for creation is LFAM 3D printing, which, thanks to a robotic arm, allows the creation of the wash station layer by layer, a choice that is not only environmentally friendly but also economical in terms of space and travel. In fact, additive manufacturing is a technology that allows the creation of the object on site, eliminating the need for complex transportation and assembly.
- Design Challenge
- Translation of the needs for active and positive interaction between operator and animal into design.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2024 and ended in February 2025.
- Operation Flow
- Shake Off was created to create a positive interaction between man and animal at a time of stress represented by washing. The choice was made to allow the dog to access the washing area independently, and accessible via steps: the animal's active behavior reduces stress; the presence of a fully glass and adjustable sidewall allows the dog to see and visually interact with the operator. This stimulates curiosity and social interaction, fosters a bond of trust, and makes the experience more engaging. The operator washes the animal, adjusts the temperature via a thermostatic mixer that ensures the animal's comfort. In addition, the dog can activate jets of water by pressing them with its paws; this results in positive interaction and a playful, dynamic experience that turns washing into a time of play. Incoming water is connected to external supply systems and outgoing water is removed through connection to drains equipped with filters to prevent the accumulation of hair, thus facilitating maintenance. A drying system is provided that is located inside the washing station. In addition, Shake Off is equipped with a front drawer, where towels can be stored to manually dry the animal.
- Research
- The research took place in the field, collecting primary data through surveys, observations of interviews with veterinary behaviorists, dog trainers and handlers.
The goal of the research is the development of an ergonomic and functional dog washing station. The research led to the definition of a product that combines functionality with aesthetics. - Inspiration
- Dog washing stations currently on the market do not adequately take into account the needs of the animal, who often experiences bathing time with stress and emotional tension. We have developed an innovative solution that makes the washing experience more comfortable and effective, transforming it into an enjoyable activity, no longer perceived as an obligation, but rather as a moment of play and connection with one's handler. Background: Executive Course in Pet Design at POLI.design.
Colors of Shake Off Dog Washing Station
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Innovative Pet Product Design Services
We specialize in creating pet care products that enhance the human-animal bond. Our zoo-anthropological approach combines deep behavioral understanding with sustainable design, transforming everyday pet care into positive experiences. International A' Design Award winners.
G0E23 ShopDesign Interview about Shake Off Dog Washing Station
The founding principle of “Shake Off” is the centrality of the human-animal relationship, viewed from a zoo-anthropological perspective. The idea stems from the need to create a device that promotes physical and emotional well-being through a non-invasive and intuitive approach. The inspiration comes from the natural movement of both humans and animals.
Our goal was to create an innovative design object capable of stimulating and enhancing the human-animal relationship during a critical moment such as grooming and washing. We aimed to design an object that is accessible and engaging for both parties.
We plan to industrialize the product, exploring potential partnerships with companies in the pet, wellness, and educational sectors. The goal is to bring “Shake Off” into clinical, educational, and recreational contexts, expanding its range of use.
The concept took about six months, including ideation, prototyping, testing, and final design definition. It was an interdisciplinary design process, enriched by practical field experimentation.
The project was not commissioned but arose from a personal and professional reflection on the relationship between design, the body, animals, and well-being. We wanted to respond to a real need observed in various educational and rehabilitative settings.
We are currently open to collaborations with companies interested in production and distribution. Our goal is to ensure that the project is developed while respecting the original idea and its ethical and functional values.
We were driven by the desire to contribute to improving quality of life through a simple object with therapeutic and educational potential. We wanted a product that would stimulate the relationship between humans and animals.
We were influenced by approaches that integrate design, art, and rehabilitation, such as Bruno Munari’s work in educational play and sensory devices developed in neurological and psychomotor fields. Certain theatrical and bodily practices also enriched our research.
“Shake Off” is designed for a broad audience: children, adults, and the elderly, with or without disabilities. It is suitable for educational, rehabilitative, therapeutic, as well as playful and performative settings, where small to medium-sized dogs become active participants, rather than passive recipients as typically seen in grooming.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and versatility of use, combined with a form that is evocative but not prescriptive. It is not a sports tool nor a strictly medical device: it is a sensory and postural stimulator that leaves room for personal and creative interpretation.
The name “Shake Off” refers to the idea of shaking off physical or emotional stiffness. It is an invitation to action, to release, to spontaneous movement. We chose a direct name that is easily understood internationally.
We used 3D modeling software, vector drawing, and rendering tools, as well as hand sketches, scale prototypes, and physical simulations with real materials to test ergonomics and user experience.
Its most unique aspect is its ability to engage with the body (both human and animal) in a natural way, without technology or digital interfaces, stimulating awareness and movement through physical contact alone.
We collaborated with physiotherapists, educators, psychomotor therapists, veterinarians, and behaviorists who supported us during the testing and validation phases, providing valuable feedback for functional optimization of the product.
In “Shake Off,” technology is kept to a minimum. The project emphasizes physicality, natural materials, and ease of use. It relies more on bodily and emotional intelligence than on artificial intelligence.
Yes, we conducted qualitative research by observing behaviors in educational and rehabilitative contexts, and analyzing needs related to posture, balance, and body awareness. Field testing guided the iterative design process.
One of the main challenges was finding a balance between freedom of use and specific functionality avoiding a product that was too restrictive or too vague. Material selection also required experimentation.
We believed it was important to share the innovative and social value of the project on an international platform, to open up new development opportunities and foster dialogue with a broader network of professionals and companies.
We learned to listen to the body as a source of design insight, refining our observation skills and sensitivity to sensory interactions. We also strengthened our expertise in pet design.
We would like to emphasize how important it is now more than ever to design for the integrated well-being of people and their animal companions, moving beyond the logic of the product to embrace that of experience, care, and relationship.
Grand Interview about Shake Off Dog Washing Station
Our starting point was to interpret the dog not only as a the product user but as a sentient partner in a shared experience. Drawing from zooanthropology and ethological design, we collaborated with behavioral veterinarians and certified dog trainers to observe dogs’ responses in contexts of physical interaction and hygiene. From these studies, we identified the importance of perceived control and environmental predictability.This led us to develop features such as the adjustable transparent walls, which offer containment without visual isolation, and the interactive water jets, which the dog can activate with paws creating a sense of autonomy. Additionally, the entry system with low steps allows the animal to access the washing space independently, avoiding the stress of forced lifting. These design choices foster trust and transform washing from a passive experience into a relational and communicative one. It’s a design that doesn’t merely contain behavior, but listens to it.
Our choice of r-PETG reinforced with 30% fiberglass was driven by both ethical and functional considerations. From an environmental perspective, r-PETG is made from post-consumer recycled plastic, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. Fiberglass reinforcement improves mechanical strength, allowing us to create a structure that is lightweight yet resistant to high mechanical and chemical stress.This material also supports long-term durability, reducing the need for replacement and maintenance. From a design standpoint, the composite allows us to shape curved, soft geometries that align with the animal’s perception of space creating a welcoming and non-threatening environment. We believe sustainability must go beyond marketing: it is a structural criterion for creating products that respect the ecosystem and improve the daily lives of animals and humans alike.
The interactive jets were developed in response to a recurring challenge: most dogs perceive the onset of water as unpredictable and uncomfortable, especially when it involves sudden splashes or forceful sprays. We observed that allowing the dog to trigger the jets via paw contact transformed the experience into a form of controlled play.This required the design of a low-pressure hydropneumatics circuit, sensitive enough to respond to light touches while ensuring safety. The jets produce a gentle, fan-like spray, avoiding any high-pressure stimulation. Additionally, we included a gradual ramp-up in water intensity, guided by the operator but synchronized with the dog’s signals of readiness. The result is a system that not only cleans, but builds trust. It reduces resistance, improves hygiene results, and increases dog’s tolerance for future grooming.
This recognition validates an approach that prioritizes inter-species well-being and redefines the role of design in the pet care sector. We believe the A’ Design Award can serve as a catalyst for shifting the industry mindset from one centered on utility alone to one grounded in relational design.Our hope is that Shake Off inspires other designers and manufacturers to consider animals not as passive end users, but as active participants with specific cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs. This shift can lead to the development of new typologies products that are not just tools, but shared experiences that reinforce the human-animal bond.
The ergonomic features of Shake Off were developed based on a detailed analysis of dog behavior in stressful contexts. We observed how entry methods and enclosure perception directly influence anxiety levels.That’s why we designed modular steps with a maximum height of 15 cm, allowing the dog to access the wash bay autonomously. This active gesture reduces defensive behavior triggered by being lifted or dragged. The ability to choose whether to enter or not gives the dog a sense of control.Simultaneously, the adjustable transparent glass walls maintain constant visual contact with the handler. Their vertical adjustability lets the operator adapt the enclosure according to the dog’s comfort level. Together, these elements create a reassuring semi-open space where the animal feels protected, not trapped, and where visual and emotional communication remains uninterrupted. Here, ergonomics merges with emotional design.
The choice of LFAM (Large Format Additive Manufacturing) technology was crucial to achieving the design goals in terms of sustainability, modularity, and customization. This method allowed us to create Shake Off as a robust yet lightweight monoblock, eliminating the need for multiple structural components or complex assemblies. This simplifies both logistics and installation, making the product easily transportable and positionable even in temporary urban settings or public parks. From an environmental standpoint, 3D printing made it possible to minimize production waste, as material is deposited only where needed. Furthermore, additive manufacturing enables localized production, avoiding long-distance transport and reducing the carbon footprint. LFAM also offers us design flexibility: we can adapt the geometry of the washing station based on specific space or target requirements. This approach aligns with new scenarios of customized, sustainable, and on-demand design, making Shake Off a pioneering project in the smart production of structures for pet care.
According to our consultations with veterinarians, temperature fluctuation is one of the top causes of stress during washing. We therefore integrated a professional-grade thermostatic mixer, capable of maintaining constant water temperature throughout the session.We conducted user tests to determine the optimal comfort range dogs perceive as neutral and soothing. The system includes a scald-prevention safety valve that blocks water flow above 38°C, eliminating risk. The control interface is intuitive and responsive, allowing the operator to fine-tune the experience without losing focus on the animal.What might seem like a simple function actually plays a critical role: it guarantees physical comfort, reduces trauma risk, and helps build a positive memory of the activity ensuring smoother future sessions.
From the outset, we wanted to simplify not only the dog’s experience but also that of the operator. Practical needs often overlooked in similar products were a central design driver.The retractable front drawer was designed to store towels, gloves, grooming tools, and shampoo in an organized, immediately accessible space. This eliminates the need for auxiliary furniture, keeping the station clean and efficient. The drainage system includes a fine-mesh internal filter that prevents hair buildup in the piping, reducing blockages and lowering maintenance time and cost.We also incorporated a subtle slope in the floor to encourage fast water runoff, which improves hygiene and shortens drying time. These choices make Shake Off suitable not only for home use but for high-frequency environments like veterinary clinics, dog hotels, and urban pet stations.
The dimensions of Shake Off were defined through field testing and ergonomic simulations, calibrated to the needs of small- to medium-sized dog breeds, which make up over 70% of the domestic dog population in Europe.The 120 cm length and 100 cm width provide ample space for movement without causing disorientation. The 45 cm platform height optimizes operator posture, minimizing back strain during extended use. The 15 cm step was selected after testing different heights it’s accessible to most dogs without compromising structural compactness.The 80 cm walls (50 cm fixed, 30 cm adjustable) ensure containment while preserving visibility and communication. These measurements were all chosen to maximize safety, hygiene, and efficiency, while also fostering positive, low-stress interaction between animal and human. Even surrounding maneuver space was carefully studied for smooth operation in tight or public environments.
Our future vision is to expand Shake Off beyond a single product, into a modular platform of solutions dedicated to interspecies wellness. We aim to extend the zooanthropological approach into other aspects of care relaxation areas, educational tools, co-activity systems always prioritizing the emotional and behavioral dimensions of interaction.The interactive features of Shake Off, like paw-activated jets and autonomous access, will be enhanced with adaptive digital systems, personalized to the dog’s temperament and behavior. We’re also exploring smart integrations: behavioral tracking apps, biometric sensors, and tactile feedback for handlers.But most importantly, our mission is to design tools that are not only functional, but emotionally meaningful. We envision a future where pet care design helps deepen companionship, build trust, and elevate the quality of shared life between humans and animals. Shake Off is just the beginning.