Rio Rancho hosting Pooch Plunge Adopt-a-thon on Sept. 7

Haynes Pool in Rio Rancho is going to the dogs.

The Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation & Community Services is celebrating the final days of summer with its annual Pooch Plunge.

Pooch Plunge, an always popular event featuring a day of swimming exclusively for dogs, is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 7 at Haynes Pool. It is the final activity held at Haynes Pool before closing for the season.

“That'll be the last day the pool is open. It's not for human swimming; it's just for dog swimming. It's the canine day there,” Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull said. “We're going to have food trucks. It is $5 per dog if you want to bring the dog into the pool. The event itself is free, but if you want to bring a dog into the pool, it's $5 per dog.”

There will be various animal rescue groups and shelters on hand with dogs in search of good homes. There will also be non-food vendors at the event.

“It's also an adopt-a-thon, so it’s a fun time for dogs currently in your household, as well as an opportunity to play match.com with additional dogs for your household,” Rio Rancho City Manager Matt Geisel said.

While the pool is open for the dogs, all dogs must have current vaccinations, have a copy of the vaccination records, be accompanied by an adult, and have a collar and leash to and from the pool.

For more information, call Cabezon Community Center at 505-892-4499.