Everything you need to know about your visit to Doggie Paddle.
We allow up to 5 dogs per 30-minute session.
The general guidelines are 12 weeks old and ONLY if they have had their full course of Vaccinations for their own protection. A solo session is required prior to booking group swims.
In our experience most dogs can swim as can almost any animal. If your dog is struggling we have life jackets from mini to extra large to assist and also swim assist jackets with a handle on the top so we can help it with support.
Yes, but not for group sessions. We do however work with your dog to encourage it to get maximum fun swim time and we will provide a guide in group. However, if you wish to have a one-to-one swimming session then we will provide assistance with full harness and manual support to help your dog learn to swim and become confident. Please book a solo session for your first time here and advise on the booking that you’re unsure of your dog's ability to swim.
Most dogs are natural swimmers although some may need a little encouragement the first time but most get on fine and swim around with very little encouragement. Please note that it may take more than one session to build your dog's confidence. Once they have been a few times and got the confidence to swim they absolutely love the pool, toys and attention received.
We recommend speaking to your vet prior to booking them in for a fun or leisure swim. We do not at this time offer hydrotherapy although we do have a canine massage therapist and Canine Reiki practitioner in house; she is not a Hydro therapist. Your vet will advise if it is safe or beneficial and may even suggest some exercise that you could pass on to us. You may in this instance make a solo booking for your dog to get the maximum benefit. If your dog fits this criteria then you MUST inform us at the time of booking or at least before you get here and you MUST also have the vet form on this site completed by your vet.
Yes we do accept banned breeds but they must be registered, insured and only for solo swims or with dogs of the same household or friends base.
No it isn’t heated. This is something we plan to do at the end of the summer season.
A maximum of 3 people in the pool for up to 5 dogs.
It is entirely up to you if you would like to enter the pool, however there can only be 3 people maximum including our staff member in the pool per 5 dogs. You must make it known that you would like to come in at the time of booking.
Your assisted session will include 2 staff to assist your pets in the water and administration to ensure maximum fun while you sit back and enjoy the session and take video or photographs while encouraging your dog to play from pool side.
If entering the pool, you should wear a suitable costume covered with a long sleeve tee shirt and shorts to prevent getting scratched and soft soled shoes such as beach canvas shoes or verruca socks etc.
If entering the pool, you should bring towels and suitable clothing to change into.
You will need a towel for your dog and if you have a warming jacket for it bring that too along with any favourite toys. Doggie Paddle sells pool robes at cost price so please ask when you visit. Only bring toys that float, do not bring toys that take on water or bleed colour and please don’t forget to take these home with you.
Yes, we have a small and basic changing room. We also ask that prior to intending to enter the pool that you shower at home.
All children are welcome to attend to watch enjoy and encourage their family friend however they are your responsibility and must be kept under control and not interfere with other clients or enter the pool other than if pre-arranged and following the guidelines in our Terms and Conditions. Any disruptive child or parent that is not attentive will be asked privately and quietly to leave. This is at the discretion of the staff running the session.
Yes of course but please be aware of the privacy of others using the pool with you in group sessions.
No your dog must not be fed up to 2 hours before entering the pool. This is covered in our Terms and Conditions.
This point is covered fully in our Terms and Conditions and I refer you to the payments section.
We are located at: Rainbows End, Beeches Road, Battlesbridge, SS11 8TG. There are buses and a train station within walking distance of us. Please email for directions. If travelling by car then use our postcode or ask for directions. Click on MAP for directions.
Please read fully our Terms and Conditions. These answers are just a few of those commonly asked to assist you in the short term. All answers are available within the Terms and Conditions which should be read and understood fully. Please ask by email prior to booking if you need clarification of any point.