55Beautiful location and green grass. Plenty of area to run and play. Shade available. My dogs had a ball. Host (Karin) was very responsive to my questions.Alison S.
Alison S.
August 2025
Beautiful location and green grass. Plenty of area to run and play. Shade available. My dogs had a ball. Host (Karin) was very responsive to my questions.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55I had such a wonderful experience renting this yard for my dog! It was incredibly clean, serene, and beautifully maintained—a truly peaceful space. My dog absolutely loved running around and exploring, and I appreciated how comfortable and relaxing it was for me too. The communication was excellent leading up to our visit, which made everything smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a safe and lovely space for their pup!Dinna E.
Dinna E.
August 2025
I had such a wonderful experience renting this yard for my dog! It was incredibly clean, serene, and beautifully maintained—a truly peaceful space. My dog absolutely loved running around and exploring, and I appreciated how comfortable and relaxing it was for me too. The communication was excellent leading up to our visit, which made everything smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a safe and lovely space for their pup!
55This Sniffspot is one of the best we've visited! The yard is spacious, beautifully maintained, and offers plenty of room for dogs to run, sniff, and explore freely. There are multiple seating areas for owners to relax, a water hose and water bowl available, and even toys for the dogs to enjoy.
The pool, while not to use, adds a lovely touch to the scenery and enhances the overall peaceful atmosphere. Everything is clean and well-kept, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. I usually book an hour, but at other Sniffspots, my dog is often ready to leave after 30 or 40 minutes. Not here! He was so happy and engaged that I had to chase him for a few minutes because he didn’t want to leave, that’s always a good sign :) We'll definitely be coming back!
YOSR B.
YOSR B.
August 2025
This Sniffspot is one of the best we've visited! The yard is spacious, beautifully maintained, and offers plenty of room for dogs to run, sniff, and explore freely. There are multiple seating areas for owners to relax, a water hose and water bowl available, and even toys for the dogs to enjoy.
The pool, while not to use, adds a lovely touch to the scenery and enhances the overall peaceful atmosphere. Everything is clean and well-kept, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. I usually book an hour, but at other Sniffspots, my dog is often ready to leave after 30 or 40 minutes. Not here! He was so happy and engaged that I had to chase him for a few minutes because he didn’t want to leave, that’s always a good sign :) We'll definitely be coming back!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55It was my first time ever using Sniffspot and I was so pleasantly surprised. This beautiful, spacious, sunny yard with everything my two big dogs needed. Gorgeous and sunny and peaceful, the dogs had a ball, literally! Elena B.
Elena B.
August 2025
It was my first time ever using Sniffspot and I was so pleasantly surprised. This beautiful, spacious, sunny yard with everything my two big dogs needed. Gorgeous and sunny and peaceful, the dogs had a ball, literally! 
55I brought 3 rescue dogs & a surrendered havanese to play in the gardens & lawns here .
They zoomed around the beautiful soft grass joyfully , and sniffed all the gorgeous bushes & flowers .
This special setting let’s them hope again !
I had to drag them away .
They were happily tired .
We will be back again for sure !Kristine G.
Kristine G.
July 2025
I brought 3 rescue dogs & a surrendered havanese to play in the gardens & lawns here .
They zoomed around the beautiful soft grass joyfully , and sniffed all the gorgeous bushes & flowers .
This special setting let’s them hope again !
I had to drag them away .
They were happily tired .
We will be back again for sure !
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Fantastic location, the best hosts, dogs had a wonderful time. Lots of sun and fresh grass. For those pups who love the water, I'm sure this would be a winner too! Highest recommendation!Tim B.
Tim B.
July 2025
Fantastic location, the best hosts, dogs had a wonderful time. Lots of sun and fresh grass. For those pups who love the water, I'm sure this would be a winner too! Highest recommendation!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55This Sniff Spot just gets better & better .
I brought my little cocker who has jaw cancer & he is so happy in the beautiful setting
I brought an abandoned Havanese that I am fostering .
With us also was an emotional support dog from Canine Companions ( my friend’s ) & a rescue poodle .
Everyone had a great time at this magical place .
Many thanks !!!!Kristine G.
Kristine G.
July 2025
This Sniff Spot just gets better & better .
I brought my little cocker who has jaw cancer & he is so happy in the beautiful setting
I brought an abandoned Havanese that I am fostering .
With us also was an emotional support dog from Canine Companions ( my friend’s ) & a rescue poodle .
Everyone had a great time at this magical place .
Many thanks !!!!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55This is a FABULOUS sniff spot! It is such a lovely yard with everything you need provided. Our dogs were so happy and it revived our sweet senior dog Denny which is priceless.Kristine G.
Kristine G.
July 2025
This is a FABULOUS sniff spot! It is such a lovely yard with everything you need provided. Our dogs were so happy and it revived our sweet senior dog Denny which is priceless.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Lots of areas to explore, plus a big grassy lawn for throwing the ball. Spotlessly clean, shady areas for resting, water and a big basket of toys. My dogs had a blast!Robin C.
Robin C.
June 2025
Lots of areas to explore, plus a big grassy lawn for throwing the ball. Spotlessly clean, shady areas for resting, water and a big basket of toys. My dogs had a blast!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Fab! Enough room for large dogs x2 to break into a sprint, and many different environs to sniff and explore. Comfortable grass, concrete patio, small clear hillside, no foxtail risk. Pool was an added bonus. Toys and sticks and sunshine, oh my! Lara R.
Lara R.
June 2025
Fab! Enough room for large dogs x2 to break into a sprint, and many different environs to sniff and explore. Comfortable grass, concrete patio, small clear hillside, no foxtail risk. Pool was an added bonus. Toys and sticks and sunshine, oh my!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55This was our first time reserving a Sniffspot and we are so happy with our experience!
The yard is beautiful and the pool was perfect. Lulu had a great time!
Thank you Karin!
We will be back.Lynn P.
Lynn P.
June 2025
This was our first time reserving a Sniffspot and we are so happy with our experience!
The yard is beautiful and the pool was perfect. Lulu had a great time!
Thank you Karin!
We will be back.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55This was a beautiful spot for our dog to explore and play fetch in! It was super easy to get in and out and our hosts were so sweet and accommodating. We heard some barks from around the neighborhood, but our dog doesn’t care about that too much. We had the best time and there was plenty of seating for us to enjoy as well. Will definitely be back!Shelly T.
Shelly T.
June 2025
This was a beautiful spot for our dog to explore and play fetch in! It was super easy to get in and out and our hosts were so sweet and accommodating. We heard some barks from around the neighborhood, but our dog doesn’t care about that too much. We had the best time and there was plenty of seating for us to enjoy as well. Will definitely be back!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55I have visited this magical sanctuary several times and it never disappoints. Both me and my pup are so very grateful for this gorgeous clean safe place to play. A million thank you’s to the hosts! J C.
J C.
June 2025
I have visited this magical sanctuary several times and it never disappoints. Both me and my pup are so very grateful for this gorgeous clean safe place to play. A million thank you’s to the hosts!
55It was great to be back. We appreciated the shaded area under the trees this time too. Thank you for sharing your backyard for safe off leash play.Michelle G.
Michelle G.
June 2025
It was great to be back. We appreciated the shaded area under the trees this time too. Thank you for sharing your backyard for safe off leash play.
How do San Rafael's private dog parks work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly or annual credits! Learn more!
FAQ About San Rafael Dog Parks
Are dog parks good for dogs?
It is important for dogs to have off leash exercise to sniff and run. But the free and open nature of public dog parks has drawbacks. There could be aggressive dogs, disease transmission and cleanliness issues. For this reason, many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. Sniffspot private dog parks only allow one guest to book at a time and are not open to the public, which solves many of these issues.
Are dog parks safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks much safer than public dog parks. With Sniffspot all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 1% of reviews on Sniffspot visits in the San Rafael area are 5 stars.
How do I know if a dog park works for my dog?
You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our 227 fully fenced dog parks in the area. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our 336 off leash areas where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can also filter locations to avoid other domestic animals and people. We also recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host with any questions.
What is the best dog beach near San Rafael?
The best Sniffspot dog beach near San Rafael is Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. At Sniffspot beaches dogs can generally be off leash.
Does San Rafael have any fully fenced dog parks?
Sniffspot has 227 fully fenced dog parks in or near San Rafael. Browse all fully enclosed options.
Where are good dog hiking trails near San Rafael?
The San Rafael area has 7 Sniffspot locations with private trails for you and your dog to walk or hike. Dogs can generally be off leash on Sniffspot trails. The most popular trail is The Gulch Lake.
Are there dog agility courses for rent in San Rafael?
Where in San Rafael can I find a pool for dog swimming?
Sniffspot has swimming options in the San Rafael area. The highest rated option is Camp Run Amuck In Petaluma.
Can I rent a field for my dog to run near San Rafael?
There are 78 Sniffspot dog parks that offer fields in or near San Rafael where dogs can be off leash. The most popular field is Fully Fenced, Peaceful, Beautiful Dog Park.
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