Pooches dip their paws at Saskatoon’s Dog Day of Summer

Dogs of all varieties enjoyed a refreshing dip at City of Saskatoon’s Dog Day of Summer event at the Mayfair Outdoor Pool on Tuesday as Saskatoon sizzled under 30 C temperatures.

The annual event, which the city has held for the past 10 years, allows people to register their dogs to swim for free in the city facility before city crews drain the pool for the season.

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“Initially we had an inquiry to for service dog to do a swim in the pool back in 2014 … now it’s a tradition here in Saskatoon,” said Brad Babyak, facilities manager for the City of Saskatoon.

The event , which also featured a barbecue fundraiser for the Saskatoon SPCA, started at 10 a.m. with service and therapy dogs being given the chance to be the first to get their paws wet.

The annual event accommodates canines of all sizes, with small dogs getting two sessions to enjoy the water. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)

Small dogs then jumped in from 11 a.m. to noon, before the pool opened to dogs of all sizes from noon to 7 p.m.

Smaller dogs were also given second chance to go into the pool by themselves for an hour starting at 7 p.m.

Babyak said the 2025 edition of the event was one of the biggest to date and up to 60 dogs could swim at the same time.

“One of the earlier sessions, we had an owner bring her dog, the dog wouldn’t go into the pool or swim at the lake. Found out a year later they got swimming lessons for the dog because their dog was afraid of going into the water,” Babyak said. “Everyone has an opportunity and learn how to swim.”

Sarah Pahlke brought her chihuahua to the event and had it swimming in the pool doing multiple laps. She said her dog learned how to swim at the event.

“She’s doing quite well,” said Pahlke. “This is her third or fourth year at Dog Day of Summer. That first year she just got stuck at the side and couldn’t figure out how to get out — now she’s stuck, but at least she’s moving along the side.”

— with files from Shane Clausing