California Canoe & Kayak‘s Oakland location sits right along the Brooklyn basin in the Oakland Embarcadero, and it’s one of the few places in the Bay Area where you can actually take your dog out on the water with proper support. The shop carries sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes available for rent or purchase, along with all the gear you’d need to get started or upgrade your setup.

What makes this place special for dog owners is that they genuinely encourage paddling with dogs and even stock doggie flotation vests in their store. Your dog can come inside to browse and get fitted for a vest before you head out, which takes some of the guesswork out of sizing. The staff clearly understands that not every dog is a natural swimmer, and they’re set up to help make water time safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

If you’ve got a group of ten or more people (they accommodate up to twenty), you can arrange a guided class or group outing that departs from Jack London Square by appointment. This is a solid option if you want instruction on paddling technique or want to explore the water with other people and their dogs rather than going it alone.

Beyond the group outings, you can rent equipment for independent paddling around the Oakland waterfront. The Brooklyn basin area itself is relatively calm and protected, making it a reasonable starting point if your dog is new to being on the water. The shop staff can give you pointers on where to launch and what conditions to expect on any given day.

California Canoe & Kayak also has a location in Rancho Cordova if you’re in the Sacramento area and want to explore paddling in a different part of Northern California.