Public Water Fountains for Dogs (for councils)
It’s quite unbelievable that most councils still have not invested in public water fountains for dogs, considering we are having hotter summers and heatwaves. Obviously don’t take dogs out in hot weather.
Kind shop keepers often leave out bowls of water in warm weather. But these can get dirty (or empty) before busy staff have a chance to refill them.
Learn more on how to keep pets safe in warm weather. And how to keep dogs safe at the seaside.
Abroad, many towns and cities install public water fountains for dogs (and people). These spurt out fresh filtered cool water, and are more hygienic, and let thirsty dogs quickly hydrate, if the weather suddenly turns warm.
These are great ideas for councils to do one big good thing for local pooches. The Parks Foundation (in Dorset) is fundraising to install public water fountains for all local and visiting dogs in the area.
In Belgium, fountains have paw-height pivoting arms, so dogs can nudge or press the arm themselves to activate fresh filtered water into a built-in stainless steel bowl. The bowl is sloped with drainage, to prevent stagnant water.
Where to buy public dog water fountains
Although shops sell water fountains for personal households, there does not seem to be much of a market for public versions. A shame, as this one change would be hugely popular nationwide. So councils may need to order from abroad, for now from experts like The Dog Park Company.
Ensure fountains are easy to clean and safe to use, do not use toxic chemicals (never antifreeze) and are secure.
Fountain of Woof (a Californian fountain)
In the affluent small city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a Fountain of Woof spurts out fresh water for thirsty dogs. Often called the most dog-friendly town on earth, it also has police patrolling the beach to ensure no dogs are left in cars.
A couple of hours north of San Farncisco, there is even an annual dog calendar, with profits helping local shelters. Doris Day had a dog-friendly hotel here, and all the restaurants and shops offer fresh water and dog biscuits!
No dog fountains in your town yet?
Ruffwear makes food-safe collapsible water bowls for dogs. The single-wall is easy to clean, and the stable shape and non-slip bottom keep water in the bowl. There is also a reflective trim, for visibility in low-light conditions. And an accessory loop to clip to your backpack.
Hand wash with mild unscented detergent, rinse and air-dry.
Ruffwear says water needs vary between breed and size. But a good rule of thumb is to carry at least 8 hounds of water per dog, per hour of walking or hiking.
