Can dogs cool off at splash pads?

Splash pads built for kids almost always ban dogs, even leashed ones. The reason is regulatory: state health departments classify these as Aquatic Venues, and dogs can shed fecal bacteria and parasites that contaminate the recirculated water and pose a Crypto risk to children. A growing number of cities have responded by building separate dog splash pads at dog parks — these have non-recirculating water, no kids, and no pretense of sanitation. If you want to cool your dog off, look for a dog park with a splash feature, a dog-friendly beach, or a pet-safe lake. Bringing a dog onto a kid splash pad can result in a fine and is unfair to the families using it.