LA County’s public pools are going to the dogs this weekend — literally.
The annual “Pooches in the Pool” event returns Saturday, Aug. 15, with five county pools handing over the water exclusively to four-legged swimmers.
Humans are strictly forbidden from taking the plunge.
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and LA County Animal Care and Control are inviting dog owners to bring their furry friends out for an evening of swimming and poolside fun.
The event runs from 5 p.m. To 7 p.m. At five county locations.
Small dogs get first dibs on the water from 5 to 6 p.m.
Big dogs take over from 6 to 7 p.m.
People can hang out around the pool deck and cheer on their pups.
The water belongs exclusively to the dogs.
There are rules, because even dog pool parties apparently require paperwork.
Dogs must have current vaccinations.
Owners are required to bring a completed registration form.
The county’s rules and registration paperwork are available through its Parks and Recreation channels.
One adult handler per two dogs is permitted.
Dogs must remain off-leash on the pool deck only.
A current animal license is required for entry.
The event marks the final splashy send-off before the pools are drained and cleaned for the year.
The tradition gives local pups a chance to paddle and generally make a soggy mess.
The county has hosted similar events in previous years as the summer swim season comes to a close.
In the viral moment that sparked renewed attention this week, the image of dogs taking over public pools while humans watch from the sidelines captured the internet’s imagination. The annual tradition has become a beloved signal of summer’s end across Los Angeles County. Social media posts from past events show packed pool decks with owners cheering as their pets dive in. The sight of Labs, poodles, and mixed breeds alike paddling where Olympians once trained has drawn both delight and envy from human swimmers left dry.
The five participating locations span the county.
Registration details and specific pool addresses are posted through official county channels.
The next scheduled Pooches in the Pool event will be held Saturday in Los Angeles County.