At the end of the summer season, some NoVA pools and swim spots open their doors to dogs for their own morning or afternoon of fun. Take your dog to one of these six pools for some splashy splendor for an end-of-summer dog swim before the pools close their doors until next year.
Dogwood Recreation Area Dog Paddle
September 7, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
Dogs are welcome to take a dip in the Dogwood Pool. All dog handlers must be 18 or older, and people are not permitted in the water with dogs, per health department rules. Registration is required and handlers must show proof of current dog license and up-to-date rabies vaccine. All sizes of dogs are welcome to attend, except during Small Dogs Only hours, which is 4–5:15 p.m. Guests can register for multiple 75-minute visits. Currently, the 10 a.m.–11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. timeslots are full. Fees are $15 per Reston Association members in advance, or $20 the day of the event (if space is available) and $20 for non-members. 2460 Green Range Dr., Reston
Dog Daze at The Water Mine
September 7, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
The family swimming hole opens its doors to dogs in this annual event to benefit parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Dogs of all sizes are welcome to attend, and the cost is $10 per pup. 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
16th Annual Dog Swim in Leesburg
September 7, 9–10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The AV Symington Aquatic Center will be open for dogs only on September 7. Pups must be 6 months old, legally licensed, vaccinated, and visibly wearing their dog licenses. Space is limited and pre-registration is required with a two-dog max per person. Human attendees must be at least 12 years old and dog handlers should be 16 or older. The cost is $5 per person and registration is currently available through WebTrac or by visiting the front desk at the Ida Lee Recreation Center. 80 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg
Drool in the Pool at Woodlands Pool
September 7, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Well-behaved canines are welcome at this event, which costs $5 per dog. A donation of a 3.5-pound bag of dog food, unscented laundry detergent, or towels is requested for the Stafford County Animal Shelter. Owners will need to provide proof of a current rabies vaccine as well. 2 Northampton Blvd., Stafford
Stone Ridge Pooch Party
September 14, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dogs that attend this pool party should be at least 6 months old, spayed or neutered, friendly, and used to group play. Four-legged attendees should be physically fit for swimming and playing and capable of safely entering and exiting a swimming pool. The cost is $10 per dog, with half of the proceeds going to Friends of Homeless Animals. Note: the event is for Stone Ridge residents only. Stone Carver Pool: 24605 Stone Carver Dr., Stone Ridge
Warwick Pool Dog Swim
September 14, 11 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
Friendly dogs of varying sizes can enjoy an end-of-summer dog swim in the Warwick Pool in 45-minute increments beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 3:15 p.m. Owners need to show proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations for the pets. Note: currently the 11–11:45 a.m. and noon–12:45 p.m. timeslots are waitlisted, but 1:30–2:15 p.m. and 2:30–3:15 p.m. are available. 3315 Landover St., Alexandria
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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