I don't know if bloods and short tails acutally NEED to be able to soak, but they seem to enjoy it.

Both of my short tails can soak in their water dishes if they want to. They also tend to hang out in them when they're getting ready to go into shed as well.

I'm keeping an eye on it though, I don't want them to develop any problems from doing that. They don't have mites either.