Best Places Where Dogs Can Swim In Minnesota

Even though they're part of the family, dogs don't get as warm of a welcome at public swimming pools. High-energy dogs need the nice, cool release as much as kids, though, and nothing pampers geriatric joints more than the low-impact stretch out of a good swim. When temperatures rise, and that furry fella needs a cool dip, count on these five Minnesota swimming holes for the perfect poolside day for your pup.

Alimagnet Dog Park
1200 Alimagnet Pkwy.
Burnsville, MN 55337
www.alimagnetdogpark.org

Price:  $20 yearly permit

Voted among the top dog parks by Dog Fancy Magazine, Alimagnet Dog Park is owned and operated by the city of Burnsville. More than seven acres of play space and pet-friendly treats promise perks every pooch will love. Amenities include a dog-washing station and natural wetland pond for swimming. Alimagnet Dog Park also provides a weather shelter and a special-needs dog run designed in 2005 by the People of Alimagnet Caring for K9s for dogs that are fragile or elderly.

Bloomington Dog Park
Parks and Recreation
1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd.
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027
(952) 563-8877
www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/

The Bloomington Dog Park sits at 111th Street between Nesbitt and Hampshire avenues. The 25-acre, off-leash park's pond is perfect for a summer dip. Dogs must be licensed in your city, and pet owners must clean up after and supervise their licensed pets. Those dog licenses, purchased at Bloomington City Hall, are key to playing in the off-leash area of the park. Dog walkers be warned, this place puts the dogs per handler max at two, so plan accordingly and always have a leash in hand.

Related: Tips on Dog Park Etiquette

Keene Creek Dog Park
West Duluth near Grand Avenue and I-35
www.duluthmn.gov/

Price: $8 licensing fee

Keene Creek Dog Park in Duluth offers off-leash playtime and a pond perfect for swimming. The park is actually completely fenced in, making it one of the safer spots in the area. Dogs younger than 4 months old and children ages 8 and younger are not allowed in this park. As with other dog parks, clean up after the dog is required, but otherwise both the owner and dog are free to enjoy the park as they wish. Allow your dog off leash upon entering the park, per park recommendations.

Woof Dah! Inc.
12250 Portland Ave.
Burnsville, MN  55337
(952) 895-3088
www.woofdah.com

Prices: $28 single-day daycare/$15 for five hours

Woof Dah! is basically a full-service spa for dogs and includes one of the few indoor dog pools in the area. Services range from daycare and boarding to overnight stays as well as grooming and veterinary care. Woof Dah! also allows pet owners the opportunity, much like with daycare services for children, to keep and eye on their pets via doggy web cams, and iPhone and Android apps. Run by a caring staff of true dog lovers, staff at Woof Dah! goes above and beyond to accommodate each pet, and pet parent's, needs.

Related: Best Dog Parks in the Twin Cities

Christina Majaski is a full-time legal assistant and freelance writer for online and print publications and has a growing fondness for all things related to social media. She currently resides with her daughter in central Minnesota. She writes a sometimes humorous blog at www.solitarymama.com and welcomes you to follow her on Twitter @cmajaski. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.