F.A.Q's

Do I need to be referred by a vet?

If your dog is coming for rehabilitation, senior, mobility or weight loss swims, yes, we will require a vet referral. These forms can be printed out and taken in to your vet to fill out. Club K9 recommends veterinarian approval for all other swim programmes.

Please download veterinarian referral form here.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes, you do need to ring to make a booking. Please bear in mind that weekends are popular so it pays to book these times well in advance.

How long is each session?

Each session is ½ hour long. Initially your dog may not swim for the whole session until fitness levels increase. Remember that 15 minutes of swimming is the equivalent of 1 hour running, but without the impact on joints!

What happens if I arrive late for my appointment?

If there is a scheduled booking directly following your dog’s booking, your dog’s session will be shortened to meet the scheduled completion time.

How many sessions does my dog need?

This depends on the condition of your dog and the rehabilitation that is required. For post-operative swims your dog may visit Club K9 twice weekly for a few weeks then come once a week when their fitness improves. Some dogs visit Club K9 once a week for mobility and senior swimming or just for fun!

Will there be other dogs in the pool with my dog?

No, you and your dog have exclusive use of the pool enclosure for up to ½ hour (you may book a longer session if you wish). This makes Club K9 a great place to exercise dogs that may be uncomfortable around other dogs.

Can I bring more than one dog to my appointment?

For rehabilitation or introductory swims we only allow one dog in the pool at a time. For other swim programs there may be a possibility of swimming more than one dog at a time, after each dog’s initial introductory swim.

Is swimming in a hydrotherapy pool the same as taking my dog to the beach, creek or river?

No, Club K9 provides safe, controlled swimming in warm, clean water. Our pool is heated to an ideal temperature for rehabilitation and conditioning swimming. Swimming in warm water allows the muscles to work more efficiently. Cold water swimming constricts blood vessels close to the skin restricting blood flow to the muscles.

How does my dog enter the pool?

Your dog walks into the water via a wide non-slip ramp. We do not employ the use of a harness or hoist system. Canine life jackets are provided to aid in confidence and to support your dog in the water if needed.

My dog is not confident in the water and does not like swimming, how can you help?

Many dogs that visit Club K9 are not “water dogs”. Some can take a few sessions before they find their confidence and start to enjoy their swims. We have found that many of these same ‘non water dogs’ soon turning into real water babies! Your dog will be gently guided into the water wearing a life jacket. We take our time to gain your dogs trust and confidence and try and make swimming at Club K9 a positive experience.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes, please bring your vaccination certificate on your first appointment. If you and your vet have your dog on an alternative vaccination protocol, please ring us to discuss.

Can I feed my dog prior to swimming?

Please do not feed your dog for at least 3 hours prior to swimming and 1 hour after swimming.

Are there any conditions you would not recommend hydrotherapy for?

Yes, open wounds, bitches in season, infectious or contagious conditions such as gastric upsets, kennel cough, ear, eye or skin infections, heart conditions, epilepsy, or bleeding.

Can I swim with my dog?

There may be an option to move toward owner assisted swims. One person per dog only. This will be discussed with you during your dog’s first appointment. If your dog is not comfortable with being handled by others, please ring to discuss your options for being included in our swimming programs.

No persons under the age of 18 are allowed in the pool. Please do not ask us if children can swim in the pool as refusal may offend.

Does my dog require rinsing after their swim?

Yes, shower facilities are provided in the pool enclosure for rinsing off only. We also offer a combination swim/bath package if you would like to shampoo your dog and use our DIY dog wash facilities (although it is not necessary to shampoo your dog after every swim).

What do I need to bring?

• Your dog!
• Your dogs leash
• Your dogs vaccination certificate for their initial swim
• Towels (we do have towels for hire)
• Your dog’s favourite toy (we provide a good selection of pool toys onsite)

What should I do when we first arrive?

Please toilet your dog! Even if your dog went at home it is a good idea to toilet them on arrival as car journeys can be very exciting! Please pick up after your dog, there is a rubbish bin for waste outside the main door.

If your dog defecates in the pool there will be a fouling fee as it means we will have to shut the pool down in order to sanitise it.
Please do not allow your dog to toilet inside Club K9.

Bring your dog in on a leash and under control. Club k9 has an on-leash policy and no dogs are allowed off leash until otherwise directed by a staff member. Your dog may be friendly but, not all dogs are comfortable with other dogs approaching them.

Giving your dog a good brush to remove loose hair before their swim will be greatly appreciated.

What if I have to cancel?

We understand that sometimes appointments may need to be rescheduled. We would appreciate at least 24 hours notice.