Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
ATCP 55-89 - Food, Lodging, and Recreation Safety
Chapter ATCP 76 - Safety, Maintenance, and Operation of Public Pools and Water Attractions
Subchapter V - Operation and Management
Section ATCP 76.335 - Dog swims

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง ATCP 76.335

Current through August 26, 2024

A pool operator shall ensure all of the following during dog swim events:

(1) OPERATION.

(a) Water level. Before the dog swim event, the water level shall be adjusted so that the pool water in the basin does not enter the recirculation system. P

(b) Disinfectant residual. Initial disinfectant residual must be 4 ppm free chlorine or 8 ppm if cyanuric acid present. P

(c) Registration. Registration of the dog and caretaker are required. Pf

(d) Rabies vaccination. All dogs shall be 6 months of age or older and the owner shall provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. P

(e) Prohibited. Splash pads, spray features, play structures, whirlpools, diving boards, and slides are prohibited from operation. Pf

(f) Relief area. Grass or an alternate area shall be provided and accessible to patrons with their dogs with adequate space and trash receptacles. Pf

(g) Waste water. Pool water shall be drained by bypassing the filtration system. P

(h) Post-event cleaning.
1. Pool shall be scrubbed and cleaned after draining. P

2. The pool shall be superchlorinated before startup occurs during the following season. P

(i) Restrooms and showers available. Locker rooms may be closed, but restrooms with handwashing facilities and showers must be conveniently located. Pf

(j) Responsible supervisor. The responsible supervisor or designee shall be present at the pool before, during, and after the dog swim event. P

(k) Duration. Event shall be limited to 3 hours total from time when the first dog enters the water. Pf

(2) RULES. The following rules must be conveyed to patrons:

(a) Only dogs are allowed in the pool, except in the event of an emergency.

(b) A dog must be capable of swimming, unassisted by a human, in the depth and type of pool used for the dog swim.

(c) A dog must be willing and comfortable participating in the swim.

(d) A dog exhibiting aggression must be removed immediately.

(e) A dog with an open cut or sore may not enter the water.

(f) A dog with loose stools may not enter the water.

(g) A patron bringing a dog must supervise the dog at all times.

(h) The patron must clean up any feces immediately and dispose of waste properly.

(3) NUMBER OF DOGS PER PATRON. A maximum of one dog per person may participate in a dog swim event.

This section is created eff. 9-24-23 by CR 22-021.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.