Take a day trip or stay overnight at Dog & Pony Ranch, a private, dog-friendly property spread across 60 acres in the Sierra foothills, about an hour from Sacramento. The ranch welcomes dogs to run off-leash across fully fenced land with several miles of scenic hiking trails winding through the property.

When you first arrive, you’ll get a brief orientation tour that covers all the activities available. The setup is genuinely dog-focused—there’s a dog-friendly swimming pond for hot days, agility equipment scattered around, and artificial grass lawns perfect for fetch. One of the best parts is watching dogs interact with the ranch animals: horses, mini donkeys, and chickens roam the property, creating those unexpectedly charming moments that make a visit memorable.

The ranch operates with a locked gate, so you won’t have random visitors showing up during your stay. That privacy matters when you’re trying to let your dogs decompress and play without distractions. The property accepts all friendly dogs regardless of size or breed, though they cap visits at five to six dogs maximum. Everyone needs to be current on vaccinations, and the ranch provides dog waste bags throughout the grounds.

The location puts you close to Amador County Gold Country, so if you want to break up your ranch time with other activities, there’s plenty to explore in the area. Some guests come for just a few hours, others stay overnight in the cabins or cottages on the property—both options work depending on what you need.

You’ll spend most of your time simply letting your dogs do what they want across the open acreage. There’s no structured schedule or pressure to participate in specific activities. After the orientation, the time is yours. Bring a picnic, set up a chair, and watch your dogs actually tire themselves out for once. If you want more details or to book, check the DogPony.com website or send an email inquiry.