Sassy Swimmers/ Alabama Canine Swimming

Each session is a private 30-minute swim in a climate-controlled pool, tailored to the dog’s needs. Dogs are introduced to water with life jackets, guided through safe entry/exit, and encouraged with toys. Sessions focus on building strength, confidence, and mobility. No group classes; all sessions are one-on-one with Sherri. Veterinarian referral required for all dogs, including healthy ones.

Pricing Summary

Single swim/evaluation: $60.00 for 30 minutes. 4-pack: $210.00 (saves $30). Sessions are 30 minutes in the pool, with total visit time around 45 minutes. Payment accepted via cash, check, or Venmo. Cancellation requires 24 hours’ notice; less than 24 hours results in full session charge.

Policies

Cancellations require 24 hours’ notice. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged the full session fee. All dogs must have a veterinarian referral and up-to-date vaccinations before participation.

Sassy Swimmers is a canine swimming facility in Hoover, Alabama, serving Birmingham and surrounding areas, founded by Sherri in memory of her dog Sassy, who had Degenerative Myelopathy. Sherri provides swimming therapy for dogs with conditions such as obesity, arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, ligament injuries, pre- and post-operative recovery, luxating patella, and aging-related mobility loss. Dogs also come for general fitness, confidence-building, and socialization. Sessions are conducted in an 84-degree indoor pool during winter and an outdoor pool in summer, with life jackets provided for safety. Sherri personally guides each dog through swimming exercises, helping them learn to enter and exit the pool safely while making the experience fun and stress-free. All dogs require a veterinarian referral and up-to-date vaccination records. The facility offers one-on-one sessions with no group classes, and Sherri’s deep personal connection with dogs and her background in animal rescue and photography enhance her compassionate approach.

Sherri also offers in-home training for clients with their own pools. The facility is not a traditional dog trainer but provides therapeutic swimming as a form of physical rehabilitation and conditioning, which supports behavior, mobility, and overall well-being. Dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds are welcomed, including seniors, amputees, and paralyzed dogs. Towels and drying stations are provided after each session.

Sherri has been helping dogs since her own dog’s diagnosis in 2004, making her experience rooted in over 15 years of dedicated care.

The business does not offer traditional obedience training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services. Its unique advantage is its specialized aquatic therapy tailored to dogs with medical needs, delivered by a passionate, experienced owner who treats each dog like family.

Accomplishments

Sherri began her canine swimming journey in 2004 after her dog Sassy was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy. She developed the facility to help other dogs avoid the struggles she faced finding aquatic therapy. She has helped hundreds of dogs recover from surgery, lose weight, and improve mobility, with many clients traveling long distances to continue sessions. Her work has been recognized through numerous heartfelt testimonials from clients.

How to Get Started!

Owners must complete the Veterinarian Referral form and Wellness Report from the Forms page. Then, contact via phone or the online form to schedule an initial evaluation swim. Sherri will assess the dog’s needs and begin the first session.