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Pool & Hydrotherapy
A 15,000-gallon in-ground heated saltwater pool with a gentle beach entry — for therapeutic hydrotherapy and supervised recreational swimming, added to any boarding or daycare stay.
New customer
Come experience Chicago’s only heated saltwater dog pool — at Pet Care Plus in the West Loop, serving dog owners since 1998. Exclusions apply.
Pet Care Plus is home to Chicago’s only in-ground heated saltwater dog pool — a 15,000-gallon facility with a gentle beach entry, used for therapeutic hydrotherapy and supervised recreational swimming.
Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, building strength, losing weight, or simply loves the water, our pool offers something no other Chicago boarding or daycare facility can. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints by up to 90% compared to land-based exercise.
Located at 350 N. Laflin St. in the West Loop and trusted since 1998, pool time is available as a boarding or daycare activity add-on — part of a full day or overnight stay.
The pool
Not a repurposed human pool, not a wading tank. Every detail — from water chemistry to entry design — was chosen for canine safety, comfort, and therapeutic benefit.
Why it helps
Water-based therapy has been used in veterinary rehab for decades — it lets dogs exercise, recover, and move in ways simply not possible on land.
Buoyancy reduces joint load by up to 90%. Dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia move more freely in the pool, with real pain relief and better range of motion.
After TPLO, hip replacement, or spinal surgery, controlled water exercise is often recommended by surgeons to rebuild strength without joint stress.
Water provides natural resistance, so every stroke builds and tones muscle. A 10-minute swim is roughly a 30-minute run for cardiovascular benefit.
Intense calorie-burning exercise without the pounding impact on already-stressed joints — often the foundation of weight programs for less mobile dogs.
Warm water soothes aching joints while buoyancy lets older dogs move in ways daily life no longer permits — meaningfully improving quality of life.
Warm water, activity, and sensory stimulation calm many dogs — a natural, medication-free way to manage overstimulation and anxiety.
Why saltwater
Most dog pools use chlorine. We chose saltwater — and it makes a real difference for your dog’s comfort, safety, and therapeutic experience.
Chlorine strips natural oils and can irritate sensitive skin. Many dogs who can’t tolerate chlorine swim comfortably in our saltwater pool.
Our saltwater has a much lower chemical concentration — comparable to natural tears — so most dogs have no eye irritation even after long swims.
Chlorine can dry and crack paw pads. Saltwater is naturally moisturizing — far better for dogs swimming regularly or recovering from paw injuries.
Saltwater provides slightly greater buoyancy, making it easier for small dogs, weak swimmers, and dogs with limited mobility to stay afloat.
Best candidates
Every dog can enjoy swimming, but some see dramatic improvements from regular pool sessions.
Osteoarthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia — any degenerative joint condition. Hydrotherapy can improve quality of life and reduce pain-medication dependence.
After TPLO, FHO, hip replacement, or spinal surgery, controlled aquatic exercise is often part of rehab. Always confirm with your surgeon first.
Aging dogs that are slowing or stiffening often see a remarkable improvement in mobility and energy after regular swims.
Swimming gives intense exercise with virtually zero joint impact — making weight loss possible even for dogs that struggle to walk comfortably.
Labs, Goldens, Spaniels, Border Collies, Vizslas — working and sporting breeds that need more than daily walks can provide.
Retrievers, Setters, Spaniels, Portuguese Water Dogs, Standard Poodles — breeds bred to work near water that live for the pool.
How it works
Pool time is an activity add-on during boarding or daycare — giving your dog access to the pool as part of their stay.
Pool time is available during any boarding or daycare visit. Reserve online or call (312) 397-9077.
Request the Pool Time activity package when booking or at drop-off, and we’ll schedule your dog’s swim. Contact us for pricing.
For post-surgical rehab or a medical condition, we recommend clearance from your vet first. Call to discuss before booking.
We handle the rest — supervised swim sessions, drying off, rest between activities, and webcam access to watch every splash.
Packages
Add pool time to any stay. Mix and match with other activity packages. Contact us for current pricing and availability.
No weekly commitment
Overnight + daily swims
Extra-gentle care
Why Pet Care Plus
The only in-ground heated saltwater dog pool in Chicago.
Fully supervised swim sessions — trained staff at all times.
Saltwater — gentler on skin, coat, eyes, and paws.
Beach entry — safe for seniors, recovering, and small dogs.
Combined with full boarding or daycare — suite + 24/7 staff.
Live webcam — watch your dog swimming from anywhere.
TLC package for senior and post-surgical dogs.
Trusted by Chicago dog owners since 1998.
“Our English springer spaniel has been going to PCP for over 5 years and it truly is his home away from home. The staff are amazing and always make us feel welcome. When we go on trips, we know our pup will be in great hands. Could not be happier with the service, care, and amenities.”— Sam D. · Google Review
Hours & requirements
Required vaccinations
Neighborhoods
At 350 N. Laflin St. in the West Loop — an easy drive from every part of the city.
FAQ
Our pool is a heated saltwater pool — not chlorinated. Saltwater is significantly gentler on your dog’s skin, coat, eyes, and paws, and provides slightly greater buoyancy — especially beneficial for therapeutic swimming and dogs with mobility challenges.
Our beach-entry design — a gradual slope from shallow to deep — makes the pool accessible even for dogs that aren’t confident swimmers. Staff supervise every session. If your dog has never swum before, call us to discuss how we introduce first-timers.
Many arthritic and post-surgical dogs benefit enormously — buoyancy dramatically reduces joint stress. However, we strongly recommend consulting your veterinarian or a rehab specialist before starting, and we’re happy to work alongside their recommendations. Call (312) 397-9077.
Pool time is a daily activity add-on. When booking or at drop-off, request the Pool Time activity package and we’ll schedule your dog’s swim. Contact us at (312) 397-9077 or book online for pricing and availability.
Yes — every session is fully supervised by trained staff. No dog is ever left unattended in or near the pool. We monitor swimming ability, energy, and comfort throughout, adjusting each session for the individual dog.
350 N. Laflin St., Chicago IL 60607 — in the West Loop, convenient from Fulton Market, The Loop, River North, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Wicker Park. Call (312) 397-9077 or book online.
Chicago’s only in-ground heated saltwater dog pool — add pool time to any boarding or daycare visit. First day free for new customers.
Here to help — ask us anything
For bookings or anything specific, please call (312) 397-9077.