Dogs in Togs has quietly become one of Swim Zone Morrinsville’s favourite end‑of‑season traditions — the one day a year where the pool goes to the dogs literally before it gets drained for winter.

Dogs in Togs has quietly become one of Swim Zone Morrinsville’s favourite end‑of‑season traditions — the one day a year where the pool goes to the dogs literally before it gets drained for winter. This year, 15 small dogs and 50 big ones showed up with their owners, bringing wagging tails, wet floors, and the kind of joyful chaos only a labrador at full speed can provide.

What started as a simple “why not let the dogs have a swim?” has turned into a genuinely useful day for our Animal Control team too. It’s a chance to talk to dog owners without the usual stress that comes with lost dogs, wandering stock, or that one goat that refuses to stay in its paddock. People chatted about everything from registration tags to potential new dog parks to the proposed changes in the dog bylaws — all while trying (and failing) to keep their dogs from diving back in for “just one more go.”

One of the best parts? Seeing dogs that were once rehomed through our team bounding into the water with their new families. That’s the kind of full‑circle moment that makes the day special.

Pool staff had one hour to get the chlorine levels down to “dog friendly,” and they nailed it. After five years of running this event, they’re pretty used to catering to a clientele that sheds, shakes, and occasionally tries to drink the pool.

By the time everyone was towelling off, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Dogs in Togs continues to be a feel‑good way to wrap up the Swim Zone Morrinsville season — a bit messy, very splashy, and always worth it.