Dogs get Trousdell's activity pool Oct. 24-25 for the 20th Puppies in the Pool. Entry is $4.75 a dog and $4.75 a person; the swim slots and vaccine rules.
Dogs get the pool to themselves at Trousdell Aquatics Center later this month. The city’s 20th annual Puppies in the Pool runs Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the activity pool only.
The City of Tallahassee announced the dates in a release on Oct. 14. Space is limited, and the city encourages owners to register ahead.
Swim times by size
Dogs are split into two groups by weight, each with set swim times. The times are the same both days, except for one extra slot on Saturday.
| Dogs | Swim times |
|---|---|
| Over 40 pounds | 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Saturday only) |
| Under 40 pounds | 1 to 2 p.m. |
Small dogs have one hour each day, so owners of dogs under 40 pounds should plan around the 1 p.m. slot.
What it costs and how to register
Entry is $4.75 a person and $4.75 a dog, the city said. There are two ways to sign up:
- Online, through the city’s recreation registration site.
- In person at Trousdell Aquatics Center, 298 John Knox Road, during pool hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The rules for dogs
Dogs 6 months or older can take part. Owners must bring current health records for each dog, and dogs without them will not be allowed in the pool, the city said. Each dog must have:
- a current rabies vaccination
- a current Bordetella vaccination
- a current DAPP, DA2PP or DHPP vaccination
- a negative fecal test within the past year
- been spayed or neutered
People cannot get in the water with their dogs. The city said that rule comes from the Florida Department of Health in Leon County. Dogs must be leashed when they are out of the pool and supervised at all times.
Pets Ad Litem, which the city describes as an alliance of advocates and professionals providing a legal voice for animals, will run a dog wash station just outside the pool and will take donations.
What it means for you
- Register early. Slots are limited, and small dogs have one hour a day.
- Pull the paperwork now. If your dog’s vaccine or fecal test records are not at home, ask your vet this week. No records means no swim.
- Bring a leash. Dogs must be leashed whenever they are out of the water.
- Questions: call Trousdell Aquatics Center at 850-891-4901.
More places to take a dog in town are in our dog-friendly Tallahassee guide, and the rest of the city’s parks are in our parks and trails guide. For this weekend, see things to do in Tallahassee.
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