Doggy Day Care

Recreational Dog Swim – FAQ

Q: Do you really have an indoor pool for dogs?

A:Yes, and dogs love them!

Q: Do I need to vaccinate & spayed/neutered my dog?

A: YES! Written proof of current vaccinations is required for Rabies, Bordetella & DHPP
Dogs that are older than six months must be spayed or neutered as well.
All dogs must be on some form of flea prevention.

Q: Why do you require Bordetella?

A: Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common strain of kennel cough. Kennel cough is one of the most common illnesses in dogs. It is most commonly spread through public dog spaces as it is highly contagious. While Kennel cough itself is not fatal, it can lead to fatal infections in puppies and in senior or immunocompromised dogs.

Q: How do I prepare my dog to come to your facility?

A: Ensure your dog has been toileted within 30 minutes of attending Dog Swim Vancouver. This means #1 and #2!
Because the pool is a low level of salt, some dogs need to leave the pool after 20 minutes to use the bathroom.
Please ensure that on your first few visits, you take your dog out of the pool at 15-20 minute mark and go outside in case they experience this.

Q: What is the human to do?

A: All dog parents are asked to stay on site while your dog is using the swimming pool.
We always ask you to please keep an eye on your pup and in control of them.
Please – no humans in the pool – we want the dogs to enjoy themselves without us!
If you bring children, please keep an eye on them throughout your stay.

Q: Can my dog swim?

A: Most dogs are natural swimmers, we provide free life vests if needed.

Q: What if I’m afraid that my dog can’t swim?

A: We offer private 1:1 swim lessons with Ed Light. He will get into the water, using positive reinforcement techniques and get your dog comfortable getting in and out of the water. These are very popular and take 45 minutes in length and can be booked online. We have packages for this as well. 

Q: How big is the pool?

A: We have one 32 ft x 16 ft x 4ft deep saltwater pool.

Q: Are the pools heated?

A: The pool is kept at room temperature.

Q: How do you keep the pools clean?

A: The pool is sanitized by saltwater with a small amount of chlorine generated from the salt. The salt concentration is around 100 times less than the ocean. This type of pool is healthier for the dogs’ skin than typical chlorine treated pool water.
The pool is filtered every night through a sand filter, automatic pool cleaning robot and we also clean it manually. Every hour, the pools are also swept with a net.

Q: Do you restrict some dog breeds?

A: No, all dogs are welcome as long as they are social and happy!

Q: Is there a time limit for a visit?

A: All swims are 45 minutes long. The reason is we need 15 minutes to sweep the pool between sessions and dry mop the deck area. Also please remember that all dogs should be toileted at the 15-20 minute mark due to the possible side effects of salt water.

Q: Do you do private swimming sessions or private events?

A: We can accommodate special events off-hours. You can always invite your friends for a dog’s birthday party and we’ll offer a group discount. Please contact us via email or phone.

Q: I want to come when it’s not busy, how can I find out?

A: Try phoning us during “office hours” – Monday to Friday 9-5 are quieter!

Q: How much does it cost?

A: You can check our pricing for dog swims HERE.

Q: Do you have parking available?

A: There is a lot of street parking within 1 block of the facility. Out front on Granville Street, on West 6th and West 7th, there is plenty of street parking.
Please use the front entrance off of Granville Street for the pool access. Back entrance is for daycare only.

Q: How does the staff interact with the dogs?

A: Our staff all have training with dogs. Ed Light, the owner, is a certified dog trainer, specialized in positive reinforcement. Ed trains all of his staff to interact with the dogs in the form of positive reinforcement.

Q: Can I read and sign your waiver online as well as the intake form?

A: Yes, please save time at check-in and fill in our waiver and intake form online VIA Acuity. When you book your dog in online you will be required to fill in both.

Q: What should I bring ?

A: A towel And a toy like a ball or frisbee are a great idea! We rent towels and have balls and frisbees for sale.

Q: Can I purchase Swim Passes as a gift?

A: You can send friends and family to Dog Swim Vancouver by purchasing a gift certificate/package via this link – CLICK HERE.