Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find the questions we get asked the most, hope you find this page helpful!
Getting Started
Q. What are the requirements to swim?
A. Before your pup can swim with us, we require:
- Current fecal exam with negative results.
- Rabies, Bordetella and Distemper vaccines (we accept titer testing).
- Your dog must be medically fit for high intensity cardio exercise.
Q. I’m new, when can I swim?
A. We are appointment based. After your register, it takes us about three days to get the needed records.
Q. How do I schedule?
A. Texting us at 773-922-9282 is the quickest way to schedule a swim! You can also email swim@doggypaddle.com.
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Toys, towels, driers and ear cleaning solution are all provided! All you need to bring is a happy puppy dog!
Q. What age can my puppy learn to swim?
A. Some pups start as young as three months. Once your puppy clears our vaccination and fecal requirements, we are super excited to show them how much fun swimming can be!
Q. Is there parking?
A. Weekends and evenings enjoy ample free street parking. During work hours, we offer a free, no permit required parking garage. The ramp is adjacent to our entry door, which is across the street from the Local Foods entrance. Text us if you are having trouble finding parking.
Q. Do I need to leave a tip?
A. If you liked your Instructor, they will be very grateful if you choose to tip them.
Safety
Q. How do you keep the water safe?
A. With an expertly engineered high rate filtration, salt-water sanitization, UV disinfection aquatics system.
Q. What if my dog doesn’t like swimming?
A. Dogs that are toy motivated will almost always adapt and love swimming in our pools. While there are exceptions, it typically takes three visits before your dog swims in our pools with confidence. Dogs that are not toy motivated are great at getting laps in! We help guide them around the pool so they can strengthen their muscles and get a good workout in.
Q. What training and certification do your employees have?
A. All our team members are certified in Pet CPR. All our team members undergo rigorous in water training to ensure your baby is kept in a safe and controlled environment.
Q. Do you offer rehabilitation and therapy?
A. We love swimming with dog’s who are post-surgery or have a chronic disability to build muscle and flexibility in a fun environment. Administering specific veterinarian supervised rehabilitation is outside of our scope.
Policies
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
A. Keep your sick dog at home. Do not swim if your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms: coughing, vomiting, loose or liquid poop, has an open wound or just not feeling or acting their selves. We do not charge for cancelling a swim.
Q. Can I swim with my dog?
A. No. We are not considered a public swimming pool by the Illinois Department of Health and have no intention of challenging that. Dogs and Doggy Paddle team members only in our pools, including the first step.
Ready to Paddle?
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find the questions we get asked the most, hope you find this page helpful!
Getting Started
Q. What are the requirements to swim?
A. Before your pup can swim with us, we require:
- Current fecal exam with negative results.
- Rabies, Bordetella and Distemper vaccines (we accept titer testing).
- Your dog must be medically fit for high intensity cardio exercise.
Q. I’m new, when can I swim?
A. We are appointment based. After your register, it takes us about three days to get the needed records.
Q. How do I schedule?
A. Texting us at 773-922-9282 is the quickest way to schedule a swim! You can also email swim@doggypaddle.com.
Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Toys, towels, driers and ear cleaning solution are all provided! All you need to bring is a happy puppy dog!
Q. What age can my puppy learn to swim?
A. Some pups start as young as three months. Once your puppy clears our vaccination and fecal requirements, we are super excited to show them how much fun swimming can be!
Q. Is there parking?
A. Weekends and evenings enjoy ample free street parking. During work hours, we offer a free, no permit required parking garage. The ramp is adjacent to our entry door, which is across the street from the Local Foods entrance. Text us if you are having trouble finding parking.
Q. Do I need to leave a tip?
A. If you liked your Instructor, they will be very grateful if you choose to tip them.
Safety
Q. How do you keep the water safe?
A. With an expertly engineered high rate filtration, salt-water sanitization, UV disinfection aquatics system.
Q. What if my dog doesn’t like swimming?
A. Dogs that are toy motivated will almost always adapt and love swimming in our pools. While there are exceptions, it typically takes three visits before your dog swims in our pools with confidence. Dogs that are not toy motivated are great at getting laps in! We help guide them around the pool so they can strengthen their muscles and get a good workout in.
Q. What training and certification do your employees have?
A. All our team members are certified in Pet CPR. All our team members undergo rigorous in water training to ensure your baby is kept in a safe and controlled environment.
Q. Do you offer rehabilitation and therapy?
A. We love swimming with dog’s who are post-surgery or have a chronic disability to build muscle and flexibility in a fun environment. Administering specific veterinarian supervised rehabilitation is outside of our scope.
Policies
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
A. Keep your sick dog at home. Do not swim if your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms: coughing, vomiting, loose or liquid poop, has an open wound or just not feeling or acting their selves. We do not charge for cancelling a swim.
Q. Can I swim with my dog?
A. No. We are not considered a public swimming pool by the Illinois Department of Health and have no intention of challenging that. Dogs and Doggy Paddle team members only in our pools, including the first step.