East Bay Area
Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano Counties make up the East Bay, one of California's most dog-friendly regions. Cities like Oakland, Concord, Berkeley, and Vacaville sit alongside the East Bay Regional Park District, which manages over 73 parks and 1,200 miles of trails with many designated off-leash areas.
From the waterfront paths at Jack London Square to wooded hillside trails in Tilden Regional Park, dogs and their people have endless outdoor options. Point Isabel in Richmond is one of the West Coast's largest off-leash parks. The East Bay also offers dog-friendly dining patios and urban dog parks throughout.
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Stories about East Bay Area
Dog-friendly Sacramento River Delta: where to take your pup
If you're scouting a spring getaway that doesn't require a four-hour drive or a June reservation made in February, point the car east from the Bay Area toward the Sacramento River Delta.
Heatstroke and hot pavement: California dog summer safety
Heatstroke kills 50–64% of affected dogs, and 3 out of 4 cases are caused by exercise — not hot weather alone. Here's what California dog owners need to know about hot pavement, warning signs, emergency cooling, and the state law that lets you break a
Best dog-friendly hikes in the East Bay
The East Bay Regional Park District manages over 125,000 acres across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. From Point Isabel's off-leash shoreline to Mission Peak's steep summit climb, these are the regional parks every Bay Area dog should know.
ADA accessible dog-friendly trails in the Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area offers one of the most extensive networks of accessible, dog-friendly trails in California. From the paved waterfront promenades of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the wide levee paths maintained by the East Bay Regional Park District, we've found
Dog-friendly patios in California: Your spring outdoor dining guide
Spring in California means one thing for dog owners: patio season is officially open. California legalized dogs on restaurant patios in 2014, and since then the dining scene for pup parents has only grown. Our statewide guide to dog-friendly outdoor dining from SoCal beaches to
Best dog-friendly trails in California
California has more dog-friendly trails than any reasonable person could hike in a lifetime. We've narrowed it down to ten picks that deliver the best combination of scenery, dog access, and that post-hike feeling of having actually done something with your weekend—from Lands End to
Best ADA and guide dog friendly trails in California
California is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, and everyone deserves to experience them — including hikers with guide dogs, service dogs, and mobility needs. These ADA-accessible trails offer breathtaking scenery without barriers.
New for you: DogTrekker’s ulti-mutt spring event guide
Spring brings a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from fun runs and beach festivals to wine tastings and costume parades. Many raise funds for animal welfare organizations, so you and your pup can play while making a positive impact.
Skylar and the long way home
Skylar was a young street dog and new mom when she landed in a high-kill shelter with time running out. A Bay Area rescuer pulled her with minutes to spare, and her story highlights the difference rescue makes.
DogTrekker® 15th anniversary
DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind -- whether at.
Bark and Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane's Bark and Meow Around the Block street fair returns August 23 at 2700 Ninth Street in Berkeley. Hundreds of adoptable dogs from more than two dozen Bay Area shelters will be on hand, alongside live music, food trucks, and a beer garden.
Illness shuts down Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara
Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara closed indefinitely after multiple dogs fell severely ill and one died following visits. City officials are testing for toxins while pet owners share stories of sudden vomiting, seizures and emergency vet trips.