Swim into Summer with Dogs Trust!
This summer, join us for a unique swimming challenge for the thousands of dogs we care for each year.
Starting 1st August 2022 - Swim 1 to 21 Miles in 8 weeks
The Challenge
For the experienced swimmers, the social swimmers who dip with friends on Saturday mornings, or the complete swimming novices. For the wild swimmers, Lido visitors, or traditional swimming pool users – this is an event for dog-loving swimmers everywhere!
Set up your fundraising page today and start raising funds to help more dogs find their loving forever homes.
How to take on the Dogs Trust Doggy Paddle Swim Challenge
At Dogs Trust we have 21 fantastic rehoming centres throughout the UK, purpose built to meet the needs of nearly 14,000 dogs that pass through our doors each year.
To celebrate our rehoming centres we challenge swimmers to swim 1 to 21 miles in 8 weeks depending on ability, starting on 1st August. For each mile completed you will receive a virtual swimming badge to represent the rehoming centre you decided pledged for that mile.
The Solo Puppy Challenge
Swim to your ability to earn a virtual swimming badge of your choice! Swimming long distances is tough, so set a realistic target of maybe 1 to 2 miles if you’re on your own and make sure you enjoy the challenge.
The Labrador Relay
Labradors are known for their love of water. Take on the challenge as a team – maybe you are part of a swimming club, belong to a gym and can galvanise other members, or you have regular meet ups on the beach with friends and family! Share the load and get a group together to cover more distance to earn more badges.
Newfoundlands
Newfoundlands are strongest of the canine swimmers! Maybe this is you and you plan to swim as many miles as possible? We don’t expect many people to swim the full 21 miles and there’s no extra prizes for completing the full 21 miles. We are just excited to see what distance people can achieve.
FAQs
What will I receive from Dogs Trust when I sign up?
All Swimmers will receive a fundraising pack and a fantastic Dogs Trust branded swimming cap as well as support from our dedicated Doggy Paddle Challenge team. Details of how to order your pack and swimming cap will be emailed to you once you have set up your fundraising page.
How do I track my miles?
The easiest way is to use a waterproof smart watch such apple watch, garmin or fitbit. If you have an iPhone or Samsung we recommend using the Strava app linked to MySwimPro, as Strava can be linked to your fundraising page.
If you do not have this equipment, you can always keep track of how many lengths of your pool you have swam (50m Olympic pool a mile is just over 32 lengths, 25m pool a mile is just over 64 lengths).
Can I do a combination of indoors and wild swimming?
Yes, variety just makes this challenge more fun! If you choose to do wild swimming, we recommend logging your distance with an app.
Do I have to pay a registration fee?
No, this event is free to take part in.
Do I need to raise a minimum amount?
There is no set fundraising target for this challenge. However, we encourage you to do your best to raise £99 or more to contribute to the work of Dogs Trust.
Can I get in touch with the team?
Yes, please email the team at fundraisewithus@dogstrust.org.uk and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Hydrotherapy at Dogs Trust
We all know about the health benefits that swimming has for us, but it’s also become an important way for us to improve the health of some of our dogs at our rehoming centres. Ronnie pictured here is just one of the dogs that received hydrotherapy treatment during his stay at Dogs Trust Basildon.
Hydrotherapy is non weight bearing exercise carried out in a pool or underwater treadmill. With the properties of water being used to its full advantage it makes exercising seem weightless and provides a great therapeutic effect. Hydrotherapy can be great for dogs of all size, shape, and age. It’s used for a variety of reasons from post-surgery for an injury to helping with general fitness. There are so many benefits to be seen such as improving range of motion to joints, relieving pain, and building up muscle mass. It’s also a brilliant activity that provides mental stimulation as well as physical!
It's only due to the kind donations from our generous supporters such as yourselves, that we can fund for this state-of-the-art veterinary equipment at our rehoming centres. Ensuring that all dogs receive the love and care they need to before finding their forever homes.
Funds raised
Top fundraisers
Total miles swam
Top swimmers
Swimming badges
Our digital swimming badges are a fun way to mark a single mile and show your appreciation for a Dogs Trust rehoming centre. Maybe you rehomed your dog from Dogs Trust or maybe you just live in a particular area, either way pledge each mile for a rehoming centre of your choice.
Swimming badges can be shared on your JustGiving page or on social media. Once you have completed your mile download your swimming badge here.
You can find out more about each centre and the dogs available to rehome by visiting our website here.
Sign up
Create your fundraising page with JustGiving and Dogs Trust
Create a new, or connect to an existing JustGiving account to take part.
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