Belly flops, cannon balls and doggie paddling, the biggest day of summer is for the dogs — literally — at the annual Drool in the Pool event. Registration is open for area dogs eager to participate or even be spectators at this farewell-to-summer pool party where pooches are the center of attention and proceeds raised benefit the homeless pets of The Heritage Humane Society.
A splashy bash for partying pups
Get ready for wagging tails and wet noses when Drool in the Pool 2024 takes place on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at the James City Park & Recreation’s Chickahominy Riverfront Park Pool (1350 John Tyler Highway), this beloved community gathering promises a day of furry festivities for dogs and their owners alike.
For just $10 per dog (their human companions are free), pups will have access to swim in the pool or zoom through the adjacent splash pad. This is a dogs-only swimming event. Only trained event personnel will be allowed in the pool as “lifeguards.”
Post-swim pampering sessions will be available from Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash for a $10 donation per dog. Doggo Den will also be offering nail trims for an additional $5 donation.
Returning for the second year, Cool Concessions 757 will offer a variety of treats, with 10% of proceeds benefiting HHS. Music by WMGB Radio will fill the air.
Wendy Nelson Photography will be on-site to capture professional portraits of dogs as they savor summer. To see candid pictures from past years, a collection of photo albums is available below the online registration page.
The party keeps growing
Last year saw a record-breaking attendance of 355 dogs. This showed us just how much our community values this event. For those eager to participate in Drool in the Pool, but don’t have a dog or want to expand their dog family, The Heritage Humane Society is currently participating in Clear The Shelters. This nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign helps find loving homes for animals in need. For qualified adoptions now through Sept. 10, adopters will get to spin the Wheel of Pet Fortune and enjoy an added prize in addition to giving a pet a second chance at life.
“Drool in the Pool is the splashiest day of the year guaranteeing fun memories while helping to support our area’s largest homeless pet population at The Heritage Humane Society,” says Kimberly Laska, CAWA, Executive Director of The Heritage Humane Society. “We are grateful for the James City County Parks & Recreation for their continued support of hosting this fun, impactful day while also providing dog-friendly offerings year-round.”
Sign up for splash zone fun
Pre-registration for Drool in the Pool 2024 is highly encouraged. People can sign up and make payment online to streamline entry. There are three registration options available.
- Pool Pass — $10
Pool Pass for One Dog (required for entry) - Swim & Spa Pass — $20
Pool Pass & Dog Wash for One Dog - Pampered Pup Pass — $25
Pool Pass, Dog Wash, and Nail Trim for One Dog
Walk-ups are also welcome on the day of the event. All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, and event details will be updated on the HHS website and Facebook page in case of inclement weather.
Professional tail-waggers ready to be adopted
Nearly 250 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
Sponsored Content made possible by
Be Kind to them All- Love them All- Save them All.
