What are your hours?
We offer swimming and holistic services by appointment only. Our hours at The Rex Center are shaped by these appointments and by swim coach availability. If you'd like a tour, please email/call us to schedule a tour. We generally swim schedule appointments during these hours:
- Mondays 10a-5p
- Wednesdays 4p-8p
- Thursdays 2p-8p
- Saturdays 9a-4p
- Sundays 11a-4p
Do You Have Swimming Lessons For Dogs?
Learning to swim, for pooches that need it, is part of our initial swim session. Most dogs instinctively know to paddle, but our priority is to make sure your dog feels safe in the water.
Here’s the process:
- We establish a safe space at the pool entry until your dog is comfortable with that.
- Your dog goes into the water. Which may mean just hanging out on the first pool step. As your dog becomes comfortable with that, we gently support your dog by placing a hand under his belly as he enters the pool and then goes back to the first step until eventually he feels comfortable enough to swim the length of the pool and back to the steps.
- When we feel your dog is confident in the water and can safely enter and exit the pool on his own, he can progress to open swim sessions. (Meaning your dog does not require a swim coach in the pool.)
Can I Swim With My Dog?
Sorry, swimming is for dogs and swim coaches only—our insurance coverage, and San Mateo County health codes, don’t permit owners to join their pets in the pool. You can participate by throwing toys from the pool deck for your dog to retrieve.
Who Can Swim?
From the biggest Great Dane to the tiniest Chihuahua, all dogs are welcome at The Rex Center.
Are Your Services Medical Procedures?
No. Healthy, invigorating, restorative, and unquestionably beneficial, but The Rex Center’s services are not considered medical procedures. If your dog has a specific medical condition, we recommend you consult with your veterinarian before beginning at The Rex Center.
Do You Use Life Vests?
No. Generally, dogs swim with more freedom of motion without them. We use Watsu Floats around the neck and/or belly when your dog needs a little lift. If you have your own life vest and feel your dog will do better with it on, then please bring it. (We recommend www.ruffwear.com lifejackets—they can be found at REI.)
Does The Rex Center sponsor discounts for rescue or other organizations?
The Rex Center donates in-kind prizes for events for many organizations such as Pacifica POOCH , SF PAWS , Muttville, Rocket Dog, HopALong, etc.