Coral Gables dog owners can register their pups for a swim at the Venetian Pool on Sunday, Oct. 4.
The city's annual Paws in the Pool event returns to the historic coral-rock basin at 2701 De Soto Blvd., opening the normally no-pets facility to dogs for one day. The City of Coral Gables announced the event on X on Thursday, Aug. 27, noting that spots fill quickly.
Two sessions divide the day by dog size. Small dogs under 30 pounds swim from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dogs over 30 pounds get the pool from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Admission for the small-dog session is $15 per dog and $12 per human, according to the city's event page. Pricing for the large-dog session was not listed on the page as of publication.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Day-of registration at the pool is permitted, but no dog may enter without current shot records, a completed registration form and payment.
The Venetian Pool, transformed from a coral rock quarry in 1924 by art supervisor Denman Fink and supervising architect Phineas Paist, normally prohibits animals except service dogs. The spring-fed pool holds more than 820,000 gallons and is refilled daily from an underground aquifer.
The city is also exploring a permanent off-leash option nearby. A feasibility study is underway for a potential dog park at the Youth Center lot, as we reported Thursday, Aug. 27.
What to know
- When: Sunday, Oct. 4. Small dogs (under 30 lbs): 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Large dogs (over 30 lbs): 1:30–4:30 p.m.
- Where: Venetian Pool, 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables
- Cost: $15 per dog, $12 per human (Session 1 confirmed)
- Register: coralgables.com/events/paws-pool
- Required: Current shot records, registration form, payment
- Info: (305) 460-5306
