DPR Customer Service: (202) 673-76470
DPR Media Contact: Gwendolyn Crump, (202) 288-6027, [email protected]


(Washington, DC) - The DC Department of Parks and Recreation will host the Eighth Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 12 pm to 4 pm at DPR's Upshur Main & Kiddie Pool (4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW); Francis Pool (25th & N Street, NW); and Randall Pool (South Capitol and I Sts., SW).

With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one day opportunity to partake in the pools, enjoy a swim and play fun aquatics games.

Admission is free, however all dogs must have a valid and original DC Department of Health (DOH) issued dog license (no photo copies) and tag to enter the pool. If an application for a license is needed you must have the required documentation (i.e. proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations; and proof of spaying/neutering).   Dog licenses will be issued on site. Only money orders or personal checks are accepted (no credit cards nor cash), made payable to "DC Treasurer."  The cost of the license is $15 for dogs that are spayed/neutered and $50 for non-spayed/neutered dogs. For more information on how to obtain a dog license, please visit the DOH Dog License website page.

Follow DPR's social media accounts, @DCDPR on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook; using the hashtag #DC_DDS2016 for Doggie Day Swim 2016.

Attendance on the day of the event will be based on capacity at the time of arrival. During Doggie Day Swim, there will be a capacity limit in terms of the number of dogs allowed in the pool at one time; 75 dogs at Upshur Pool, 75 dogs at Randall pool and 150 dogs at Francis Pool.

To maintain order and to ensure a safe and fun event, dog owners are asked to follow these rules:

• All dogs MUST have and wear a valid DC dog license.
• Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
• Dog handlers cannot swim or enter the pool with their dogs.
• Dogs must be sociable and remain leashed while on the pool deck.
• All dogs must be current on vaccinations including rabies and distemper.
• All dogs must be spayed/neutered.

To volunteer for Doggie Day Swim, please contact [email protected]

Please note that Doggie Day Swim will take place rain or shine.

About DPR

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.

For information on DPR events, facilities, programs & activities, be sure to follow DPR
on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Join our Mailing List, Sign up for Text/Email Alerts,
Register for a Program or visit the DPR Website.