Register for Annual Dog Swim This Weekend in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Treat your pooch to a late summertime dip at one of the City of Alexandria’s Annual Dog Swims, coming up this weekend at the City pools. Here's all the scoop, courtesy of the City:

Smaller dog swim Friday: Dogs under 50 pounds can enjoy a pool to themselves at Itty Bitty Doggie Dive Friday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center’s Memorial Pool, 901 Wythe St.

Dogs of all sizes swim Saturday: Dogs of all sizes can enjoy Big Dog Day Swim on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St.

This year, Saturday’s event also features FestDOGVal, a dog expo featuring veterinarians, groomers, specialty food and toys, obedience and CPR classes and more. Plus, prizes will be awarded for best doggie outfit.

Admission is free this year: Following the end of the summer pool season, these annual events provide dogs with the opportunity to swim and play games in one of the City’s pools. This year, due to the generous donation by Your Dogs Best Friend, admission is free. Register Online Now to reserve a space for your dog (Itty Bitty Doggie Dive: activity number 184390 or Big Dog Day Swim: activity number 184391).

Dog swim rules: Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older and cannot swim or enter the pool with their dogs. Dogs must be sociable and remain leashed while on the pool deck. All dogs should wear current vaccination tags or must have a current rabies certificate or letter from their veterinary stating that they have received the shots in order to gain entry to the event. Space is limited to 100 dogs in the pool area at one time.

For additional information, contact Ralph Baird, Aquatics Supervisor, at 703.746.5435 and ralph.baird@alexandriava.gov or visit www.alexandriava.gov/Aquatics.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City's Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Ralph Baird of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5435 (VA Relay 711) or ralph.baird@alexandriava.gov.

PHOTO by Rick Uldricks (Patch staff)