Labor Day means the end of summer, sadly, but it also means dog swim season! Many local pools have a day where owners can bring their dogs to swim. Since they have to drain and clean the pools for the winter anyway, why not let the pooches paddle around and have some fun, too?
Dog swim season is here!
The first local dog swim comes the day after Labor Day, on Tues., Sept. 6, at the Old Town Pool in Old Town Alexandria. Their annual Doggie Day Swim is held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 1609 Cameron St. There is a $5 per dog admission fee, and proceeds benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Dogs, and the people standing nearby, all get wet at the dog swim.
The rules for participation are:
- Dog handlers must be 16 or older.
- All dogs should wear current vaccination tags or proof of vaccinations must be shown.
- Bring your own doggie dish for water.
Chatham, Sundae and I went to this dog swim last year and it was a lot of fun. There’s a wide set of stairs for the dogs to get in and out of the pool, and also about a 6-inch lip right at water level so particularly athletic dogs can pull themselves up and out of the pool at any point.
Sundae uses the pool shelf to pull herself out.
There’s also a toddler wading pool that’s perfect for smaller dogs or ones who are scared of the deep water.
The wading pool is great for small or timid dogs.
A lot of people come to this, so it can get chaotic. It’s probably not the best event for dogs who get scared or aggressive when a lot of other dogs are running around.
Rain date is the following Wednesday. For additional information call 703-746-5553.
Two Dog Tales 
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