Frequently Asked Questions

All appointments are private and by appointment. In order to respect our clients’ privacy, we kindly ask for you to call 207-230-8455 and ask for a convenient time to come check out the pool.

In a nutshell, 2 friends + 2 dogs = a swim date. Since safety is a top priority, Kate does need to see each dog for a private single session in order to assess their swimming style. If she feels your dog is capable to safely swim with another dog, then “swim date” appts can be scheduled!

No. The pool is not a dock diving facility.

Unfortunately due to liability issues, owners cannot get in the pool with their dogs. Kate will be in the water with your dog to ensure he/she has a safe swim with appropriate rest breaks. You are welcome to sit along the side and encourage your dog while he/she swims.

Water Bark Wellness is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, you can call WBW and set up a time. Before the first appt, you’ll need to fill out the “client questionnaire” form that you will find on the website. The “client questionnaire” form is about you and your dog. Please bring in that form all filled out with you to your first appt. You may also email it to WBW ahead of time. Kate will fax the “veterinary assessment” form to your veterinarian (clearing your dog to start a swim program) and your veterinarian will fax that form back to WBW. WBW requires all dogs to be current on their rabies vaccination.

Yes! Please review our pricing information.

WBW provides lifejackets (as well as other flotation aids).   Starting out, Kate requires all dogs to wear life jackets until she has spent enough time with your dog and gauges what kind of a swimmer he/she is.   Kate will be in the pool with your dog assisting him/her as needed.  

The new pool is 13 x 21 x 3.5 feet deep. The year-round water temperature will be kept at 86 degrees. It is equipped with a salt-water chlorinator, and UV sanitation system to clean and soften the pool water. Salt water is safe for dogs. It is gentle on their skin and eyes and much less harmful than common bleach chlorination. In addition, the UV sanitation destroys over 99.5% of pool pathogens with a powerful, precision engineered ultraviolet ray. UV is a continuous, reliable, proactive method of disinfecting pool water.

Appointments are about 40 minutes long. The 40 minute appointment allows for 25 minutes of swimming and 10-15 minutes to rinse, towel/blow dry and schedule another session. The first appointment may take a little longer, allowing time to go over paperwork, and making sure your dog is comfortable with Kate before getting into the pool.

Please do not feed your dog 2-4 hours before swimming.  Arrive early so you have *plenty* of time to walk your dog around on its leash so he/she has time to go to the bathroom. This is really important. WBW has a designated area with a receptacle and disposal aids provided.

Also, *please* do not put on any kind of flea topical product on your dog within 7 days of your appointment. If your dog comes in to swim and there’s an obvious area where he/she has been recently treated, your appointment will be rescheduled.

No.  Water Bark Wellness is not a physical therapy rehabilitation center.  After surgery, there are 2 places about an hour away that have Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners:  

1)    http://www.veazievet.com/animal-wellness-rehabilitation-center/    (Veazie Veterinary Clinic in Veazie, Maine)  

       (207) 941-8840

2)    http://www.thebrunswickvetclinic.com/id-3745     (The Veterinary Clinic in Brunswick, Maine)

       (207) 729-3412

The first appointment is a really important one. WBW wants your dog to feel at home when in the building. This is the time to sniff and check out the place. The ultimate goal of this first appointment is a “meet and greet” and to go over your paperwork and to get to know both you and your dog. Your dog will be encouraged to check out the pool and get in with Kate. It’s really important for your dog to feel safe here. The pool time might not be as long as you hope for…..it’s all about your dog’s needs and comfort level.

Your dog will be required to stay in the pool with Kate during the session (and all future sessions) instead of going in and out, which will seem quite foreign to your dog at first. He/She may or may not swim this first time while in the pool. There will landing areas where your dog can comfortably stand and rest without needing to swim.  Kate needs to build a relationship with your dog so your dog feels he/she can trust Kate. This first appointment is 45 minutes.

Please wear comfortable clothes (pants you can roll up) and expect to get wet.  

WBW kindly requests you to call at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment so we can try to fill that spot.

Depending on whether or not there is someone scheduled to come in directly after you, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

No worries! WBW has a textured anti-slip ramp built just for dogs leading up to the pool. There are both stairs and a ramp going into the pool as well. Kate will help your dog get in and out as safely as possible. For certain dogs, she might ask you to help her getting the dog into the pool.

WBW asks that you call and reschedule your appointment.

If your dog happens to poop in the pool, WBW will have to cancel your appointment and clean & disinfect the pool. During this time, all appointments for the next 24-48 hours will have to be rescheduled. Therefore, WBW needs to charge a “poop fee” of $200.

Appointments are private from start to finish.   When you arrive with your dog, please walk him/her around on leash to go to the bathroom.  Once your dog has done its business, please put him/her back in your car.   To ensure the comfort and safety of all dogs, we ask that you first come into the building alone.   At that time, I will let you know how when to bring in your dog.