It’s been a topsy-turvy summer in Germany, with no shortage of rainy days and long stretches of cold gray weather. Days lolling by the side of a swimming pool this summer season were likely unsatisfyingly few. There’s a chance to make up for it this coming weekend; however, you won’t be the one taking a cool, refreshing dip. Instead, it’s all about your faithful four-legged friend.

In what’s become tradition over the past few years, many public outdoor swimming pools throughout Germany open their doors exclusively to dogs of all shapes and sizes on their final days of their summer seasons of operation.

Dog owners need not worry about their beloved pups getting hurt by chlorine– its use is curtailed in anticipation of the event.

The canine companions of members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community are "Herzlich Willkommen" to join local pups in frolicking in the Rodenbach public swimming pool from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on both Sept. 11 and 12.

Each dog’s inoculation records must be presented upon entry, including proof of a rabies shot. The rules are clear: no Impfausweis means no access to the pool. Entry into the pool area costs 1 euro per paw and foot, and must be paid for with an EC or credit card.

The activity is organized in cooperation with the Tierschutzverein Animal Sunshine Farm in Kindsbach, an animal rescue operation whose work depends on reliable volunteers. The swimming pool’s address is Sportstr. 6, 67688 Rodenbach, Germany.

Nowhere near the KMC? Visit https://hundimfreibad.de or HundimFreibad on Facebook for additional dog-swim dates near you.