Dog Splash Days return to Templeton Sept. 8-9
–Vineyard Dog Park organizers will celebrate their 12th year anniversary of hosting the Annual Dog Splash Days in Templeton on September 8 and 9 at the Templeton Community Pool. This popular annual event attracts locals as well as tourists looking for a unique experience with their family dogs.
This year’s swim schedule is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Saturday 10 a.m. swim session and Sunday 3 p.m. session are reserved for small dogs (under 30 pounds) and senior or infirm dogs. Small and senior dogs are also welcome at all other swim sessions.
Both the tot pool and the shallow end of the adult pool are open for dog swimming. Swim sessions are scheduled on the hour and limited to 20 dogs at a time to ensure a quality and safe playtime for all dogs. Dog life vests and lots of floating retrieval toys are provided.
Dogs only are allowed in the pool for the event. Local dog trainers and therapists wearing wetsuits volunteer their time as dog “lifeguards” to assist dogs in entering and exiting the water. Dog life vests are available for dogs that are new to swimming. Pool toys such as rubber ducks, rubber bananas, and Frisbees are also available.
The Templeton Community Pool officially closes for the season on Labor Day but opens for one last weekend of frolic. Parks4Pups, a non-profit group, organizes the 2-day event with all proceeds benefitting Vineyard Dog Park in Templeton. In 2017, 250 dogs participated in the event.
The Templeton Community Pool is located at the corner of Old County Road and 6th Street and adjacent to the downtown park in Templeton.
Dogs must be 5 months or older and adult male dogs must be neutered. Paper proof of current rabies vaccination must be presented at the registration table prior to admission to the pool area. Any dog displaying aggressive behavior will be required to leave the pool area immediately with a full refund.
Admission is $20 per dog per swim session and advance reservations for a swim time are recommended but not required. Dogs with pre-paid reservations are admitted before walk-ins on a space available basis.
Paid reservations can be made at www.parks4pups.org using a credit card. Optionally, reservations can be made by mail at PO Box 795, Paso Robles, CA 93447. Include name, phone number, and desired date and time for swimming. Checks should be made payable to Dog Splash Days. For more information about this event, call (805) 239-4437.
For those without dogs, a lawn area is available adjacent to the pool for spectators. Many visitors bring a picnic lunch and lawn chairs to spend the afternoon watching the spectacle.
Dog Splash Days is the main fundraising event to support Vineyard Dog Park in Templeton. This park is supported entirely from donations and proceeds from this event. Vineyard Dog Park is located at 1010 Semillon Lane off of Vineyard Drive, 1.5 miles west from the 101 Freeway. For more information about Vineyard Dog Park, visit www.vineyarddogpark.org or call (805) 239-4437.
