A dog taking a dip in the pool at City Terrace Park during the Pooches in the Pool event held at select locations in LA County. (Photo Courtesy of LA County Parks)

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks), in partnership with the Department of Animal Care and Control, is announcing the return of Pooches in the Pool, an event taking place at five select locations on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This dog-friendly splash bash invites pups to dive in and make a splash before pools close for the season. To keep the event safe and tail-friendly, swim times are divided by dog size, with the first hour, between 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., dedicated to small dogs and the second hour, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., for large dogs. The event also marks the final day of LA County’s seasonal pools program. 

Following Pooches in the Pool, all pools will be drained and cleaned for the year, with no additional swim programs for humans until the next season.

To participate, dog owners must bring proof of current pet licensing and vaccination records, along with a completed registration form that can be found here: parks.lacounty.gov/pooches-in-the-pool. No exceptions will be made.

For everyone’s safety, humans will not be allowed in the pool with their four-legged friends.

Pooches in the Pool will take place at these five locations:

  • El Cariso Park – 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar, 91342, (818) 367-5043
  • George Lane Park – 5520 W. Ave. L-8, Lancaster, 93536, (661) 722-4301
  • City Terrace Park – 1126 N. Hazard Ave., LA, 90063, (323) 260-2371
  • Ted Watkins Park – 1335 E. 103rd St., LA 90002, (323) 357-3032
  • Don Knabe Park – 19700 S. Bloomfield Ave., Cerritos, 90703, (562) 924-5144

Dog day pool rules include:

  1. A current animal license is required for entry. Current licenses from other cities and counties will be honored. It is the responsibility of the owner/handler to provide proof of the current active license and current rabies vaccination upon entry.
  2. Dogs will be allowed to be off-leash on the pool deck only.
  3. Owners/handlers must clean up after their dogs (bags and receptacles are provided)
  4. Aggressive dogs are not allowed. Owners/handlers of any dog(s) exhibiting aggressive or unruly behavior will be removed.
  5. There must be at least one owner/handler for every (2) dogs admitted.
  6. Owner/handlers must be over 18 years of age. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  7. Female dogs in season/heat are not allowed.
  8. Dog owners/handlers are both personally and legally responsible for their dogs and their actions. Each individual is using the facility at their own risk.
  9. Any actions that are considered by staff to be unsafe, potentially dangerous, injurious or nonbeneficial to guests and dogs will not be allowed.
  10. Owners/handlers are allowed to bring balls, rubber toys and retriever training toys to the event.
  11. Humans are not allowed to be in the pool (except lifeguard staff).

For more information on Pooches in the Pool, visit parks.lacounty.gov/pooches-in-the-pool and LA County Parks on Instagram @lacountyparks or Facebook at parks.lacounty.gov.