Alexandria’s Annual Swim Days Set for Dogs Large and Small

Treat your pooch to a late summertime dip at one of the City of Alexandria’s Annual Dog Swims. Dogs under 50 pounds can enjoy a pool to themselves at the Itty Bitty Doggie Dive on Friday, September 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center Memorial Pool (901 Wythe St.). Dogs of all sizes can enjoy the Big Dog Day Swim on Saturday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Old Town Pool (1609 Cameron St.). Tickets are required to attend.

Following the end of the summer pool season, these annual events provide dogs with the opportunity to swim and play games in the City’s outdoor pools before the pools are drained and cleaned for the winter. Due to the generous support of Your Dog’s Best Friends, admission is free.

Tickets may be reserved online for your preferred time frame at the swim that best suits your dog. Dog handlers must be at least 16 years old and cannot enter the pool with their dogs. Dogs must be sociable and remain leashed while on the pool deck. In order to gain entry, each dog must either wear a current vaccination tag or have a current rabies certificate or veterinarian letter. Space is limited to 100 dogs in the pool area at one time.

For more information about the annual Doggie Day Swims, visit alexandriava.gov/Aquatics.