The eastern side of the Bay is world-renowned for its dog-friendly outdoor recreation. It’s also home to amazing animal welfare organizations that have cared for furry friends for several generations.
Two standout organizations are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024. conThe East Bay Regional Park District, the largest of its kind in the U.S., turns 90. A short distance away, the East Bay SPCA turns 150! It’s one of the oldest such organizations in the country, and one of the region’s most innovative.
The East Bay Regional Park District, 90 years young this year, spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco with more than 125,000 acres in 73 parks and 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, nature study—and, of course, dog walking/hiking.
The Park District offers lakes, shorelines, campgrounds, visitor centers, interpretive and recreation programs, picnic areas, indoor/outdoor rental facilities and much more. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education as well. And, for dogs and the humans who follow, the EBRPD is one of the most dog-friendly entities in the state of California.
Proud of its legacy of innovation and leadership since its founding in 1874, the East Bay SPCA has continuously evolved to address community needs and animal welfare challenges. Key milestones include establishing its first shelter in downtown Oakland in 1922, implementing spaying and neutering initiatives in 1962 and 1988, and opening the Spay/Neuter Surgery Center, the largest of its kind in the country.
Editor’s note: Pleasant Hill has become the preeminent place to stay on the sunny side of San Francisco Bay, thanks to convenient, affordable lodging and the It’s a Dog’s World initiative. DogTrekker appreciates Pleasant Hill’s support of the EBRPD and East Bay SPCA.
