As summer winds down, dogs around the country make a splash: See pictures of doggy dip days

Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY
Updated ·2-min read

Warning: Major cuteness ahead!

As summer comes to a close and public pools across the country shut down their operations for the year, dogs and pets are getting a chance to take a dip for one last hurrah.

Hundreds of dogs from Iowa to Washington participated in "doggy dip days" at public pools before the water was drained for the season. Over 200 dogs participated in the "Doggie Dip" event at Liberty Pool in Spokane, Washington, Spokane Parks and Recreation Coordinator Josh Morrisey told USA TODAY, while the "Paws for a Dip" day in Thornton, Colorado had 286 dogs participate, Renee Dodson at Thornton Parks, Recreation and Community Programs told USA TODAY.

At the Boone Municipal Pool in Iowa, 119 dogs and 1 pig participated in the annual dog swim day, the pool said in a post on Facebook. While most doggy dips were free, some events like the "Puppy Plunge" in Kearny, Nebraska had a small fee to raise funds for the local animal shelter and dog park.

Take a look at the pictures of the dogs enjoying a splash in pools across the country.

Spokane, Washington

Pups take a dip in the pool in Spokane, Washington.
Pups take a dip in the pool in Spokane, Washington.
Fun in the sun. A dog swims during the Doggie Dip at Liberty Pool in Spokane, Washington.
Fun in the sun. A dog swims during the Doggie Dip at Liberty Pool in Spokane, Washington.
Shake it off!
Shake it off!
Over 200 dogs participated in the "Doggy Pool Day" in Spokane, Washington, Spokane Parks and Rec Josh Morrisey told USA TODAY.
Over 200 dogs participated in the "Doggy Pool Day" in Spokane, Washington, Spokane Parks and Rec Josh Morrisey told USA TODAY.
A dog swims during the Doggie Dip at Liberty Pool in Spokane, Washington.
A dog swims during the Doggie Dip at Liberty Pool in Spokane, Washington.

Thornton, Colorado

Dogs and their owners enjoy a dip in the pool during "Paws for a Dip" day in Thornton, Colorado.
Dogs and their owners enjoy a dip in the pool during "Paws for a Dip" day in Thornton, Colorado.
A dog takes a dip at City Pool in Thornton, Colorado.
A dog takes a dip at City Pool in Thornton, Colorado.
The City of Thornton in Colorado bid goodbye to the summer by arranging the "Paws for a Dip" event during which dogs of all ages and sizes splashed it out in the pool.
The City of Thornton in Colorado bid goodbye to the summer by arranging the "Paws for a Dip" event during which dogs of all ages and sizes splashed it out in the pool.

Boone, Iowa

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Chillicothe, Ohio

Dogs of all sizes play in the Chillicothe City Pool in Ohio during a dog only event.
Dogs of all sizes play in the Chillicothe City Pool in Ohio during a dog only event.
Dogs play at the Chillicothe City Pool in Ohio during a dog only event.
Dogs play at the Chillicothe City Pool in Ohio during a dog only event.
Dogs of all sizes play in the Chillicothe City Pool in Ohio during a dog only event.
Dogs of all sizes play in the Chillicothe City Pool in Ohio during a dog only event.
A dog takes a dip at the Chillicothe City Pool in Chillicothe, Ohio during a dog only event.
A dog takes a dip at the Chillicothe City Pool in Chillicothe, Ohio during a dog only event.

Kearney, Nebraska

A pup takes a dip during the "Puppy Plunge" on August 26, 2024 at Harmon & Centennial Pools in Kearney, Nebraska.
A pup takes a dip during the "Puppy Plunge" on August 26, 2024 at Harmon & Centennial Pools in Kearney, Nebraska.
A dog chills in the pool during the "Puppy Plunge" at Harmon & Centennial Pools in Kearney, Nebraska,.
A dog chills in the pool during the "Puppy Plunge" at Harmon & Centennial Pools in Kearney, Nebraska,.
Dogs play during the "Puppy Plunge" at Harmon & Centennial Pools in Kearney, Nebraska.
Dogs play during the "Puppy Plunge" at Harmon & Centennial Pools in Kearney, Nebraska.

Tips to keep in mind when taking your dog for a dip

If the pool day for your dog has not yet taken place in your city and you plan on taking your dog for a dip, keep the following tips in mind as outlined by the Thornton Parks and Recreation:

  • Carry a leash at all times and remain inside fenced areas with your pet.

  • Pick up after your dogs and don't leave any mess behind.

  • Ensure your dog is on its best behavior at all times.

  • Don't take your dog if it tends to be aggressive or is in heat.

  • Ensure your dog's vaccinations are up to date

  • Take bite-sized treats for your pet.

  • Be considerate of other humans and their dogs.

  • Be mindful of the rules at your local pool.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dogs make a splash during dip days: See pictures of pool paw-ties

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