Doggy Paddle Aquatic Center For Dogs

We came here regularly during the colder months for about 1–2 years and overall had positive experiences. I originally brought my dog to help her lose some weight and support her mobility as she’s now 10 years old and has elbow arthritis. When I went to renew our group swim pass the following year, I was asked to provide updated medical records, which I did, as I had in the past. After reviewing them, I was told she could no longer participate in group swims due to a past history of incontinence. This was surprising and disappointing, as she had previously been allowed in group sessions, and the new records clearly stated that she had not had any incontinence issues for several months (close to half a year). Despite this improvement and clearance, my renewal for group swims was denied. I was told private swims would still be an option, but they are significantly more expensive. I had also shared that I was going through financial hardship and was trying to continue group swims as a way to help my senior dog stay active and manage her arthritis. Communication around this situation felt inconsistent and at times dismissive, particularly over text regarding membership policies. While staff were friendly in person, the tone during membership discussions felt abrupt and inflexible. I understand that businesses have policies in place, but the change in eligibility despite updated medical clearance felt frustrating and discouraging after being longtime customers. Because of this experience, I’ll likely look for a more accommodating option for my dog moving forward.

I’m deeply disappointed by my recent experience with Doggy Paddle, despite the fact that there are things they do well. The instructors who actually swim with the dogs are consistently lovely, kind, and attentive (Julian especially), and the facilities are clean and well maintained. Unfortunately, the customer service and administrative processes completely undermine those positives. Last August, after my friend’s dog Maverick passed away, she contacted Doggy Paddle to transfer his remaining swims to me as a goodwill gesture in his memory. Doggy Paddle accepted the transfer — they requested and received my dog’s vet records the same day. However, I never received any confirmation showing how many swims were transferred, what type they were, or when they expired. There is also no online portal or way for customers to check their balance or expiration dates. Over the following months, Doggy Paddle emailed me multiple times asking for a fecal test, which reasonably implied the swims were active. At no point did anyone mention an expiration date or warn that the swims were nearing expiration. When I attempted to schedule a swim this month, I was told the transferred swims had expired and that I needed to purchase a new package. Apparently, the swims my friend had purchased had expired one year after purchase, on January 1, 2026. When I called to discuss this, they acknowledged there had been no communication on their part, but repeatedly stated that it was my responsibility to ask or my friend’s responsibility to tell me the expiration date, and that expiration dates do not reset upon transfer. They refused to make any exception or accommodation and said there was “nothing they could do.” Sorry, but asking my grieving friend when her passed dog's swim packages expired wasn't a priority. This should have been on Doggy Paddle to communicate to the customer at time of transfer. They'd already earned the money from the previous sale; they lost nothing by extending the expiration date a little longer. Scheduling itself is also unnecessarily frustrating. You can only book via text or email, which often becomes a long back-and-forth, and there is no transparency about available times — you can’t see a schedule, only ask and wait for someone to tell you what’s open. Holding customers to expiration policies that were never disclosed, combined with limited scheduling access and no account visibility, is extremely frustrating. The lack of empathy given the context — a transfer following a dog’s death — made the experience even more disappointing. It’s unfortunate, because the staff and facility are unique in Chicago. My dog loves swimming and we relied on Doggy Paddle during rehab, but I will not go again. This was a senseless policy to hold the line on given the circumstances.

All three of my dogs LOVE Doggy Paddle Aquatic Center. They have done several group swim sessions together now and I can’t wait to take them again! The staff is super friendly and nice (and clearly all dog lovers) and they make sure all of them have a chance to try to get in on their own, they help them swim across (my two nervous ones) and back in the large pool. They have ear cleaning solution and cotton balls, and they also bring fluffy warm towels to dry them off 🥹 oh, and they have life vests if you don’t have any!! If you are considering taking your dog to Doggy Paddle for a test swim, DO IT! Your dog will feel right at home with their help and tons of toys to chase after ❤️

We love this place! We have come twice - both for our corgi’s birthdays, and he absolutely loves swimming here! The guides are super kind, supportive, and always there to help Monty get up steps and just have fun in the water. Thank you for everything! 100% recommend!

Looking for a way for my dog to get exercise after surgery and Doggy Paddle provided it. Took 3 visits for Coco to feel completely comfortable getting in and out of the pool but she took to swimming right away. The staff is amazing, very kind to dogs in and out of the pool. Highly recommend!