Pune’s pets dive into summer pool sessions

Most weekends through the summer, Abhijeet Jadhav finds himself poolside, watching his two dogs, Marco, 7, and Polo, 10, exploring water. Through the summer, the Pune-based lawyer brings them in every couple of weeks. "Once they’re in the pool, the two mostly spend their time chasing a ball across the pool. They absolutely love it. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are natural swimmers. So, it's hard to get them to come out,” he laughs.

Across the few pet pools in the city, swim sessions for dogs have turned into a seasonal activity. As soon as the temperature starts soaring, so do the bookings at these pools.

Go solo or with a group

Weekends often turn into small social gatherings, with friends bringing their pets together for shared swim sessions. At Wagtime Dog Swimming and Spa in Aundh, the rush has begun. “Summer is our busiest time. We’re currently fully booked till the next weekend,” says Gargi Dabholkar, manager, adding that a standard swimming session is typically reserved for a single dog, though pet parents can also book group sessions.

Happy pets = Happy weekend

According to Derek Demitrius, owner of Pune Pet Park in Lohegaon, their large pool can accommodate 15-20 dogs at a time. "We run dedicated sessions as well as shared two-hour swimming slots where multiple dogs are in the pool at the same time. The idea is simple, keep the pets happy while giving them a safe way to cool off,” Demitrius says. On any given afternoon, the scene at these pools is a mix of confident dives and hesitant first steps. Labradors leap straight in while more cautious Indies test the water slowly. Either way, as the summer heat intensifies, Pune's pet dogs are having a splash!

Toys to carry along:

• Floating tennis balls
• Frisbees
• Rubber rings
• Floating hoops
• Squeaky toys

Before taking your dog into the pool

• Start slow: Let your dog enter the water gradually
• Wet them first: Spray or rinse them before they enter the pool
• Keep sessions short: Dogs usually swim in short bursts
• Bring toys: Floating toys encourage play
• Stay nearby: Always keep an eye on your dog
• Avoid peak heat: Morning or evening slots work best
• Dry them well: Dry ears and paws properly after the swim

Cost

Rs 600-1000

Depending on the type of session, membership and add-ons