San Francisco Bay Area

The 9-county San Francisco Bay Area just may be the most dog-friendly region in the world. From the coastal counties of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma and San Mateo where you'll find beautiful beaches to the hip, urban vibe with lots of canine-accommodating amenities in Oakland and the East Bay, this is the place!

The Bay Area is also your gateway to the beautiful wine country featuring Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and the Livermore Valley, where everyone, two-legged and four, is welcome.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

Photo: Rocco Roll / Muttville

Muttville founder Sheri Franklin was named a Top 10 CNN hero in 2016 for her efforts in changing the way people think about and treat older dogs. Her organization’s goal is to create better lives for aging canines through rescue, foster, adoption and hospice. more »

Wag Tails for Oakland!

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 »

Go Soon to Suisun!

Wooden Valley Winery - Photo Credit: @egoldswo

When it comes to dog-friendly wineries, Suisun Valley wineries in Solano County are just a hop-skip away from Vacaville, San Francisco and Sacramento. This unpretentious “Rustic Wine Country” is one of California’s best-kept secrets and holds many surprises, including regional parks, a half-dozen dog-friendly tasting rooms and lots of farm-stands selling fresh regional produce. more »

Dog Access Pilot Program in San Mateo County

From the San Mateo Parks website: A pilot program is underway to expand on-leash recreational opportunities in San Mateo County Parks for dogs and their owners.

A Dog Work Group, which has brought together members of the public, Parks Commissioners and staff, is developing the program and working to identify potential county park locations where on-leash dog walking can be piloted and evaluated in keeping with San Mateo County's newly revised dog ordinance. The group includes Coastside Dog.

Coyote Point Recreation Area and Junipero Serra Park have been added to the pilot program. The complete list of accessible trails in the San Mateo County Parks is: more »

East Bay Regional Park District

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 »