Kim Sirett has been involved in the pet industry for over 20 years and is deeply passionate about developing a dog’s confidence to face any situation. She first tried dock diving with her Golden Retriever, Abby, in 2014 at the annual Comox Valley Exhibition (Courtenay, B.C.), which set up a mobile dock.
Each year, Kim saw familiar faces around the event as she ran with Abby and her next Golden Retriever, Gracie. Many of them wondered who could open a permanent diving facility on the island, but it seemed that no one wanted to take the leap. Finally, Kim decided to open her own facility after a lot of idle time during the pandemic. She found a private lease and established Pooch Pool School in 2021.
Located in Nanaimo, B.C., Pooch Pool School is Vancouver Island’s only official-sized, NADD-sanctioned diving facility. The 50’ pool is available by appointment for fitness, aqua therapy, swim lessons, recreational swimming and dock diving practice. Pooch Pool School also hosts canine pool parties, dock diving workshops and weekend competitions.
Beyond its 40’ dock, Pooch Pool School has a distant view of the Nanaimo River as well as the gorgeous mountains surrounding Vancouver Island. Visitors might even catch a glimpse of the bald eagles living in the area!
More information on this facility can be found at poochpoolschool.ca.
