After a two-year absence, Doggy Swim Day is scheduled to make its comeback from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Poplar Bluff R.W. Huntington city pool in Hillcrest Park.
Sponsored by the Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA) and Poplar Bluff Parks & Recreation, the 2019 event was rained out and the 2020 event was canceled by COVID-19.
“Doggy Swim Day is always popular with the public; so we’re glad we can revive it this year,” said park director Lanny Corcimiglia.
Admission to Doggy Swim Day is just $1 per dog; their humans get in free. Light refreshments for two-legged and four-legged friends will be available for purchase.
“Doggy Swim Day is inexpensive fun and a way for us to build awareness and good will with folks in this area,” said AWA President Marge Van Praag.
Pet owners may swim with their untethered dogs or walk along the side of the pool with their dogs swim on a leash. Lifeguards will be on duty.
Pet owners must bring proof their pets have current vaccinations and will be required to sign a liability waiver. All dogs must be leashed while out of the water and must be under adult supervision. Puppies 12 weeks old or younger will be restricted to the baby pool for their own safety.
Doggy Swim Day marks the end of the swim season at the city pool.
Chlorine levels will be allowed to dissipate somewhat before the event to make sure the pool water is safe for people but not too irritating for pets, according to organizers.
The event is open to the public. Reservations are not necessary. The Poplar Bluff city pool is located at 430 North 2nd St. Participants should bring their own towels as well as chairs, if they wish to sit. Dishes of water for thirsty pets will be provided. Liability waivers are available in advance on the Parks & Recreation website (www.pbparks.org) or at the event.
Information on Doggy Swim Day also is available on AWA’s website, www.awasemo.org and its Facebook page at facebook.com/awasemo.
The Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri is registered with state and federal regulators as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations to AWA are tax deductible and can be sent to PO Box 647, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902, or made through PayPal on AWA’s website.
AWA’s primary goal is to establish a regional, no-kill animal shelter. Meanwhile, the organization spends up to $2,000 a month on programs. With the cooperation of Poplar Bluff’s Animal Control officers, AWA helps provide vaccinations for puppies and kittens in the city’s shelter. AWA also provides $50 vouchers for qualifying pet owners to help with spay/neuter costs. Since its first full year of operation in 2009, AWA has spent more than $90,000 to help spay and neuter area dogs and cats.