Saltdean Lido welcomes thousands of dogs for tenth annual Dogtember event
Over 16,000 dogs and their owners are invited to enjoy swimming at Saltdean Lido across four weekends this September and October.
Saltdean Lido is preparing for a splash-tacular September and October as it welcomes thousands of four-legged friends for Dogtember, the beloved dog-friendly swimming event that's now celebrating its tenth year.
Over 16,000 dogs and their owners are expected to enjoy the lido's heated 40-metre crescent pool across four weekends: September 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27, with a final weekend on October 3-4.
A Decade of Doggie Paddlers
Jules Shepherd, founder of Wag-Fest and a trustee at Saltdean Lido, expressed the team's enthusiasm for welcoming back familiar faces and new furry visitors. "It's so eccentric, letting thousands of dogs and their humans swim and paddle together in our beautiful pool, but it works," she said.
The event has proven remarkably popular, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. Past attendees have travelled from Edinburgh, Cardiff, London, and the Isle of Wight, with some international visitors journeying from as far afield as Oregon and Ohio.
Tailored Fun for All Dogs
Dogtember caters to dogs of all confidence levels and breeds. The event includes special breed meet-ups and features a splash pool with jets and a slide specifically designed for less confident swimmers.
Dr Emma Chandley, a vet working with event sponsor Petgevity, highlighted the health benefits of the programme. "Swimming provides low-impact exercise that improves muscle strength, general fitness and joint mobility while placing less strain on joints than land-based exercise," she explained. "The buoyancy of water also helps dogs exercise more comfortably, especially if they have painful joints or reduced mobility."
Supporting the Community
Dogtember serves an important purpose beyond canine fun and fitness. The annual event is a crucial fundraiser for the Saltdean Trust, which works to keep the pool and community building open and accessible to the public. Unlike many leisure facilities, Saltdean Lido receives no subsidy from the local council, making events like Dogtember essential to its continued operation.
Making it Possible
The organisers credit the event's ongoing success to the generous support of sponsor Petgevity and an impressive team of 85 volunteers who help make Dogtember happen each year.
Full event details and tickets are available through WeGotTickets.com, where visitors can secure their spot for what promises to be another memorable weekend of wagging tails, splashing paws, and community spirit.
Source: 16,000 dogs to take over popular outdoor pool for swimming event