Dog swims have become a very popular end-of-the-season activity at outdoor municipal pools. Normally, these events take place the day after the pool closes for the season.

Each municipality has its own way of handling dog swims.

Helpful tips

Advance preparations

Pre-register all pets. Event organizers should verify that all pets are current with vaccinations (rabies, distemper, parvo virus, bordetella) and gather contact information for the owners.

As part of pre-registration, it is highly recommended to have a signed “release of liability” form stating that the community is not responsible for injuries to pets, humans, etc.

One dog per one human owner.

Verify with the owners that their dogs have experience swimming, especially in pools.

Set a minimum age for all dog owners or handlers.

Day of event

Visually check that dogs appear to be in good health with no obvious signs of illness.

Owners must be able to handle pets without difficulty.

If a dog acts aggressively toward other dogs and/or humans, do not allow the dog and owner into the pool area.

NO humans in the water with the dogs.

NO pet or human food in the pool area.

Be sure that dogs are on a leash when outside of the fenced-in pool area.

Remove dog waste from the grounds on a regular basis. Usually, event organizers will make this the responsibility of the dog owners.