Aldershot Lido’s Dog Days sell out in roaring third year success

Aldershot Lido’s much-loved Dog Days event sold out with a record 2521 tickets, as hundreds, if not thousands, of our four-legged friends enjoyed splashing around ahead of the lido closing for the season.  

Now in its third year, the sessions give dog owners the chance to let their pets paddle or swim, treat them to dog-themed goodies, and enjoy entertainment from their very own DJ.   

Fast becoming a local favourite, the event saw dogs of all sizes making friends and unleashing their excitement. It even attracted attention from The Times.  

Paul Kelly, General Manager at Places Leisure, said: “Now in its third year, it’s great to see this event growing in popularity. We know how important dogs are in our local community, and we’re thrilled to offer our four-legged friends the chance to enjoy the lido as much as we do.  

“When we first started Dog Days, we sold just over 800 tickets and didn’t think it would grow so quickly. We’re thrilled with the feedback from the local community, and I know it’s one of the team’s favourite days; a perfect way to end the lido season.”  

For some dogs, it was a chance to burn off some end of summer energy. For others, it was a well-earned treat for their hard work, with Water Rescue Dogs and retired bomb disposal puppies taking some well-deserved play time.  

The event was also supported by local dog businesses, who hosted stalls, and by the local dog rehoming charity DogsnHomes Rescue, who attended across the weekend. The charity recently welcomed 14 new rescues on their 'Happy Bus' from Portugal the weekend before and almost all of whom are now in loving homes.  

Gary Baxter from DogsNHomes said: “We’re proud to support Aldershot Lido’s Dog Days. It was wonderful to see so many dogs enjoying themselves, and events like this really highlight the special bond between people and their pets. 

“Since the start of the Ukraine war, we have been collecting donations from companies and the local community and have so far sent over 280,000 kgs of aid – including food, veterinary supplies and essentials – to support companion animals in Ukraine.” 

Paul continued: “It’s definitely not what I thought I would be running when I started at Aldershot Lido, but the success of Dog Days shows how Places Leisure can cater for the communities we serve. We’re already planning next years’ session to be bigger and better.” 

To see all the fun from the weekend, visit our photo album over on Facebook – Aldershot Lido.  

Health and safety:  

The event is open to all ages, however, those wanting to go in the water with their dog must be at least 16 years old. There is a maximum of two dogs per owner. All dogs must be kept on a lead, when not in the water, and owners have a responsibility to make sure their dog is healthy and has no infectious illnesses before entering the water. Owners are also asked to pick up after their dogs and to not groom or brush their pet near the lido.