Taoyuan to open Taiwan's 1st public dog splash pool

桃園將開設台灣首座公共寵物用戲水池

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taoyuan City Government said Thursday that Taiwan’s first free public dog splash pool will open in August at the animal protection park in Taoyuan District, offering recreational and hydrotherapy services.

Taoyuan's Animal Protection Office Director Wang Te-chi (王得吉) said the pool measures 10 meters in length and 4 meters in width, with a total area of approximately 195 square meters and a maximum depth of 85 centimeters, per CNA. The pool features a sloped entry to help ease dogs' fear of water as they enter the facility.

Wang said the pool was designed with the needs of senior dogs in mind, particularly those with common issues such as joint degeneration and limited mobility. He said the facility was developed in consultation with veterinarians to ensure it is also suitable for those recovering from surgery.

The pool is equipped with a system to filter out chlorine from the water, as excessive exposure may cause breathing problems, hair loss, and stomach issues in dogs if they drink too much pool water. Additionally, the facility features a circulation and purification system, as well as a hair filtration device, to keep the water clean.

The office said the pool is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and national holidays. Online reservations are now available for pet owners. Only dogs that have been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and spayed or neutered are allowed to enter the pool.

The office added that owners must accompany their dogs while in the pool. Dogs are not allowed to chase each other or bark excessively near the poolside. If a dog relieves itself on-site, the owner is required to clean up immediately.

In January, the city government established the animal protection park in Taoyuan District, which features a dog and cat adoption center and an animal medical center staffed by a team from the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Asia University.