Oakland
Dog-loving residents of Oakland have it all: tons of bars and restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating; an overall welcoming attitude toward canines; fenced and unfenced off-leash play areas; and a wealth of open-space trails, many of which don’t require leashes away from developed areas. If what you’re after is a hip, urban vibe with lots of canine-accommodating amenities, this is the place!
Want to visit some cool dog-friendly wineries, craft breweries and taprooms? Check out Oakland's Urban Wine Trail and the Oakland Ale Trail.
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Henry at Temescal Brewing
Photo Credit: @henry_thelabradoodle
Photo: Instagram @thecharliebean
Yes, Oakland is a vibrant urban place to visit, but it’s not all about dog-friendly ale and wine trails, waterfront dining and hotels (more about that below). As dog-centric locals know, one of the pleasures of living here is proximity to many open-space preserves where you can flee the big-city hustle-bustle and revel with your pup in the shade of redwoods or atop grassy ridges with panoramic views. more »
Courtesy: East Bay SPCA
The East Bay SPCA has completely revamped their training classes to accommodate the modern needs of the urban or suburban dog while using the most effective, cutting-edge, scientifically supported learning theory and teaching methods. more »
Head on over to Jack London Square in Oakland on July 28 from 10 am to 2 pm for the East Bay SPCA’s Adopt-a-thon 2019! The shelter hosts almost 30 local animal shelters and rescues. The goal: to raise awareness about the homeless animals in the community.
While you’re there, you can find vouchers for discounted microchips, giveaways from the Oakland A’s and a button-making station. You can also take home a cat, bird, dog, rat and more to grow your family! more »
Sunol Regional Wilderness
Photo Credit: @chico_the_boston_terrier
From easy family hikes to certified huffer-puffers, the hills and streams of the San Francisco Bay Area are at their voluptuous best in spring. Short on time but need some fresh air for yourself, your dog and your kids? Head to Fairway Falls, a 30-foot seasonal gusher in Novato reached via a family-friendly, mile-long round trip. more »
Happy dogs at Point Isabel. Photo Credit: @theemmanation
The Bay Area wouldn’t be what it is without its tawny, oak-studded hills, and we have the East Bay Regional Parks District to thank for keeping many of them accessible to the public. The district manages 65 parks spanning 114,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, offering between them some 1,200 miles of dog-friendly trails. Away from developed areas, four-legged friends trained to come when called can trek with you leash free. more »