Health department: No more doggy dips at the pool

Dogs across the suburbs will have to find another way to cool down as this summer comes to a close.

Amid mounting concern from state public health officials, several local park districts have canceled annual events that give pups a chance to play in the pool.

So-called doggy dips are usually held at the end of the swimming season. Pooches are invited to take a swim in the pools before they're emptied for the winter.

In Streamwood, the fifth annual Dog Days of Summer, which was scheduled for Sunday at Aquarius Pool, has been called off.

"It's a bummer. This is such a shame," said Kim Harrison, aquatic supervisor. "This is my favorite program, so I am very disappointed we had to cancel it."

On Wednesday, Harrison fielded a phone call from a resident so upset by the cancellation that she was crying.

Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said officials issued letters to licensed pools in 2004 and 2006, saying it's against good public health to allow animals into pools.

"Swimming with pets is inherently dangerous due to physical contact with the animals," the letter states. "Dogs and other pets are unpredictable and may injure their owner or another patron. Additionally, animals may be carrying pathogens that will lead to water-borne illnesses."

Last June 19, another letter was sent out to public health administrators, reiterating concerns.

"Those animals can carry parasites and other diseases," Arnold said Wednesday.

At the Bartlett Aquatic Center, officials are still considering whether to call off the Sept. 4 Doggie Dive.

"We're still studying whether or not we will do it," said Executive Director Rita Fletcher.

Palatine also called off its annual Puppy Paddle at Family Aquatic Center for this year.

Park officials in Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg and Buffalo Grove have held such events in the past, but none were scheduled for this year due to the rising health concerns.

Towns like Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates and Barrington haven't ever had a dog swim day.

There have been no incidents of any sicknesses relating to the doggy dip, but Arnold said they're not waiting for that to occur.

"Our goal is to protect human health," she said. "When people go to a public swimming facility, they shouldn't have to worry about getting sick."

Holding the dog swims could result in a revocation of a swimming facility operations license for next season.

Each individual case will carry its own penalty, she said.

•Daily Herald Staff Writer Amy Boerema contributed to this report.