By Robert Garrova for LAist
Originally published Aug. 10, 2026
Topline: The dog days of summer are coming to an end with a dog day at your local county pool this Saturday, Aug. 15.
The details: Five pools — from Cerritos to Sylmar — are participating in this year’s “Pooches in the Pool” day. The event turns select county pools into dog splash zones, with swim times separated by small and large dog sizes.
The rules: If you’re wondering how the county prevents canine aquatic anarchy, there is a list of rules to follow, including one adult handler per two dogs, off-leash on the pool deck only, no humans in the pool and a current animal license for entry. You’ll need to bring a completed form with you to the swim.
For a full list of rules and requirements — and to see if your local pool is on the list — visit the county’s website. Small dog swim is 5 to 6 p.m.; large dog swim is 6 to 7 p.m.
Don’t forget the paperwork: Kelly Court, an area pool supervisor with L.A. County Aquatics, told LAist that it’s important for humans to remember to bring the required paperwork and have it fully filled out. Court said the event, now in its second year, is a favorite of county staff, too. “They love seeing the dogs come in and play. The dogs really do love it: I believe it got a five bark review from them,” Court said.
Uh, cleanup? And if you’re worried about what floating horrors might await you on your next day at the public pool: this Saturday is the last day of the pool season before county pools are drained and cleaned for the year.
