As summer draws to a close, cities in Ontario are throwing their last pool parties before the covers go on—and this time, the guests are expected to have a little more bark than bite.

Pools in Toronto and Windsor are giving local dogs a chance to dive, dogpaddle, and generally make a splash.

The City of Toronto is hosting free swim sessions for dogs on two Sundays, September 6 and September 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. No reservations are required—only proof of rabies vaccination. One adult can bring up to two dogs and needs to be on the pool deck to supervise, the city said.

On September 6, 2026, the following pools will be open for dogs:

• Greenwood Park Outdoor Pool
• High Park Outdoor Pool
• Mitchell Field Community Centre
• Lambton – Kingsway Outdoor Pool
• Monarch Park Outdoor Pool
• North Toronto Memorial Outdoor Pool
• Northwood Community Centre
• Rotary Peace Park Outdoor Pool
• Stanley Park South

On September 20, 2026, these pools will host the event:

• Fairbank Memorial Community Centre
• Goulding Community Recreation Centre
• Heron Park Community Recreation Centre
• Kiwanis Outdoor Pool
• McGregor Park Community Centre
• Riverdale Park East Outdoor Pool
• Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool

Windsor’s Pooch Plunge

On September 13, Riverside Centennial Outdoor Pool is closing out its season with the third annual Pooch Plunge.

The event takes place the weekend after the pool closes for regular public programming. The city plans to adjust pool chemistry specifically for the canine swim before the facility closes for the season.

The 2026 event is divided into four sessions. Small dogs weighing under 50 pounds get the first session, from noon to 12:45 p.m. An all-sizes session follows from 1:15 to 2 p.m., while large dogs weighing more than 50 pounds get sessions from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:45 to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 per dog, while humans get in free — although they don’t get to swim. Each dog must have its own registration and at least one accompanying human who is responsible for the dog.

There are, naturally, a few more rules than you might find at the average backyard pool party.

Dogs must arrive with a collar and leash, proof of vaccination and spay/neuter status, and a completed waiver. Only fully vaccinated dogs and puppies over 4 months old can join the swim.

The city says the Pooch Plunge event illustrates how municipal pools can become community gathering spaces beyond traditional swimming programming.

Activities include dog-focused entertainment, merchandise, donations, and a “Barkuterie Treat Bar”.

The registration and other details can be found here.