photo by: Mike Yoder/Journal-World

Local dogs participate in the annual Pooch Plunge Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, and get the opportunity to swim at the Outdoor Aquatic Center before the pool is drained for the season.

The City of Lawrence announced Friday it’s rescheduling the Pooch Plunge, the annual pool day for local dogs.

The plunge was previously scheduled for Monday, Aug. 14, but it has now been pushed back a week to Aug. 21. The event will still take place during the same time period, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Outdoor Aquatic Center, 727 Kentucky St.

A social media post from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department notes that all currently registered dogs and their owners have been notified of the change.

The annual event provides an opportunity for dogs to splash and swim before the pool is drained for the season. The pool’s chemicals will be neutralized to make the water safe for canines. The outdoor pool will still close on Aug. 13.

The Pooch Plunge rescheduling occurred because of maintenance issues at the indoor aquatic center that Kent Rettig, recreation operations manager, said staff needed to address prior to opening the indoor pool.

Rettig said Friday afternoon that the city had received 62 registrations for the Pooch Plunge. People who are interested in signing up their four-legged friends can register online for a $5 fee. Onsite registration will also be available at the gate the day of the vent.