55We booked this spot for the first time in the evening so it was dark out, but my dog still had a great time running around! Kristie was helpful and responsive, and they offer toys, poo bags, etc. which is a nice touch! Will definitely book again.Gloria H.
Gloria H.
November 2024
We booked this spot for the first time in the evening so it was dark out, but my dog still had a great time running around! Kristie was helpful and responsive, and they offer toys, poo bags, etc. which is a nice touch! Will definitely book again.
55The space was perfect! Large area. Secure, a couple of places to sit, lots of water and some toys for the dogs to play with. I will definitely be back. Andrew M.
Andrew M.
November 2024
The space was perfect! Large area. Secure, a couple of places to sit, lots of water and some toys for the dogs to play with. I will definitely be back.
55This is such a great Sniffspot. My 3 year old husky needs to run a LOT and Hillside Meadow is a perfect workout for him. It's huge, with big trees on the perimeter for shade and it is beautifully maintained - the grass is cut, plenty of fresh water, a doggie pool for splashing in, some balls and a shaded overhand with chairs and a picnic table for the humans. The owners are wonderful. Love this spot!Laurie T.
Laurie T.
November 2024
This is such a great Sniffspot. My 3 year old husky needs to run a LOT and Hillside Meadow is a perfect workout for him. It's huge, with big trees on the perimeter for shade and it is beautifully maintained - the grass is cut, plenty of fresh water, a doggie pool for splashing in, some balls and a shaded overhand with chairs and a picnic table for the humans. The owners are wonderful. Love this spot!
55My dogs loved their morning here! It is private and safe and clean and perfect for two city dogs who have spent most of the last few years indoors to experience the outdoors safely. The terrain is varied, there are shade trees and a hill and flat land and leaf piles to dig in so dogs who are scent driven can explore and dogs who want to run have plenty of space to do so. I will be back and am excited to see how the property looks as the seasons change.
I missed the parking spot, when you enter the driveway it is on the immediate left, don’t go to the main property or you have gone too far.Trasie S.
Trasie S.
September 2024
My dogs loved their morning here! It is private and safe and clean and perfect for two city dogs who have spent most of the last few years indoors to experience the outdoors safely. The terrain is varied, there are shade trees and a hill and flat land and leaf piles to dig in so dogs who are scent driven can explore and dogs who want to run have plenty of space to do so. I will be back and am excited to see how the property looks as the seasons change.
I missed the parking spot, when you enter the driveway it is on the immediate left, don’t go to the main property or you have gone too far.
55Gorgeous property, large space, amazing spots for both dogs and people! Covered chairs + lots of shade and even splash pools! The sounds around us were not a big deal at all- the chickens were quieter than I expected! We will be back!Katie B.
Katie B.
September 2024
Gorgeous property, large space, amazing spots for both dogs and people! Covered chairs + lots of shade and even splash pools! The sounds around us were not a big deal at all- the chickens were quieter than I expected! We will be back!
55Our three Aussies had a blast at this spot. The space was clean. Poo bags and water were provided. They loved the little pool for splashing. We’ll be again and would recommend this spot to others. Kim A.
Kim A.
September 2024
Our three Aussies had a blast at this spot. The space was clean. Poo bags and water were provided. They loved the little pool for splashing. We’ll be again and would recommend this spot to others.
55Has everything we’d need! Huge space, fully gated. Has trash cans, a covered area with a bench, several chairs, little water pools, potty bags, and paper towels. Our pups loved it!!Shahryar (Shawn) N.
Shahryar (Shawn) N.
September 2024
Has everything we’d need! Huge space, fully gated. Has trash cans, a covered area with a bench, several chairs, little water pools, potty bags, and paper towels. Our pups loved it!!
55Large space to play fetch with your dog or to just let him/her run around. The fencing is chain-link so we did see some friendly neighborhood dogs and chickens through the fence while we were there. It wasn't a problem for my dog since he loves other dogs but just noting it here in case others have reactive dogs. Connie Y.
Connie Y.
September 2024
Large space to play fetch with your dog or to just let him/her run around. The fencing is chain-link so we did see some friendly neighborhood dogs and chickens through the fence while we were there. It wasn't a problem for my dog since he loves other dogs but just noting it here in case others have reactive dogs.
55This place has such a lovely view driving up there. Really appreciated the designated parking spot and the signage to help guide me to where I needed to be. I love the variety of open space, the shaded area for moms and dads to sit and the shaded tree area and the kiddy pool and the open sunny areas. My puppy loves exploring every inch of the area. Thank you for putting a chair on the far side for us to sit down, that was super convenient and appreciated. Our host was super kind and sweet and definitely will make this a part of Dukes weekly activities.Renae R.
Renae R.
September 2024
This place has such a lovely view driving up there. Really appreciated the designated parking spot and the signage to help guide me to where I needed to be. I love the variety of open space, the shaded area for moms and dads to sit and the shaded tree area and the kiddy pool and the open sunny areas. My puppy loves exploring every inch of the area. Thank you for putting a chair on the far side for us to sit down, that was super convenient and appreciated. Our host was super kind and sweet and definitely will make this a part of Dukes weekly activities.
55This place is the best Sniffspot in the South Bay.
These are the good things about this place:
1. There are clear signs that show the entrance and parking spot.
2. There is a private entrance.
3. A tall fence completely separates the land, with no holes or gaps.
4. The land has a flat area.
5. There are shades.
6. There is a clean-shaded area with a new bench for guardians.
7. There is a water hose and several buckets to fill.
These are the things that make this place challenging for reactive dogs:
1. There are chickens on the other side of the fence in the neighbor’s yard. They are visible.
2. Sometimes, unattended dogs bark a lot in the neighbor’s yard. They are not visible.
3. There is a shelter on top of the hill; sometimes, you can see and hear dogs and people.
Somaieh A.
Somaieh A.
September 2024
This place is the best Sniffspot in the South Bay.
These are the good things about this place:
1. There are clear signs that show the entrance and parking spot.
2. There is a private entrance.
3. A tall fence completely separates the land, with no holes or gaps.
4. The land has a flat area.
5. There are shades.
6. There is a clean-shaded area with a new bench for guardians.
7. There is a water hose and several buckets to fill.
These are the things that make this place challenging for reactive dogs:
1. There are chickens on the other side of the fence in the neighbor’s yard. They are visible.
2. Sometimes, unattended dogs bark a lot in the neighbor’s yard. They are not visible.
3. There is a shelter on top of the hill; sometimes, you can see and hear dogs and people.
55This was my first time going to a sniff spot and it was everything promised! Parking spot was right in front of the gated entrance with a wonderful picnic bench in a wooden overhang for comfortable shade. There was deep shade at the fence line that was perfect to walk in and for my dog to rest in. Property was extremely well maintained. No foxtails at all! The hillside was perfect to tire out my girl and when she got hot there was a wonderful kiddie pool with water and huge bowls of water for her to drink. We had a blast! Thank you so much to Kristie for the perfect spot.
Maria “.
Maria “.
September 2024
This was my first time going to a sniff spot and it was everything promised! Parking spot was right in front of the gated entrance with a wonderful picnic bench in a wooden overhang for comfortable shade. There was deep shade at the fence line that was perfect to walk in and for my dog to rest in. Property was extremely well maintained. No foxtails at all! The hillside was perfect to tire out my girl and when she got hot there was a wonderful kiddie pool with water and huge bowls of water for her to drink. We had a blast! Thank you so much to Kristie for the perfect spot.
55Hillside meadow was a wonderful experience for our 2 year old golden. Lots of room to run around. Very safe. Easy access & parking. Water & lots of different places with shade. Bryden Y.
Bryden Y.
September 2024
Hillside meadow was a wonderful experience for our 2 year old golden. Lots of room to run around. Very safe. Easy access & parking. Water & lots of different places with shade.
55It was really convenient and a located on a nice sized lot. It gave my dog a lot of room to run free and chase his ball. It takes a lot for him to be tired and this place get him KO’d. It was also clean and had PLENTY of water buckets and a little pool that he loved! I was a fun time.Haley L.
Haley L.
September 2024
It was really convenient and a located on a nice sized lot. It gave my dog a lot of room to run free and chase his ball. It takes a lot for him to be tired and this place get him KO’d. It was also clean and had PLENTY of water buckets and a little pool that he loved! I was a fun time.
55This was our first time using Sniffspot and the hosts were so kind. It was super clean and the dogs enjoyed all the new smells, the kiddie pool, and the 2 acres to run around. There is a specific parking spot just for Sniffspot, which I totally drove past, but should have seen becasue it's clearly marked. They really make you and your dogs feel welcome and safe.Kim L.
Kim L.
September 2024
This was our first time using Sniffspot and the hosts were so kind. It was super clean and the dogs enjoyed all the new smells, the kiddie pool, and the 2 acres to run around. There is a specific parking spot just for Sniffspot, which I totally drove past, but should have seen becasue it's clearly marked. They really make you and your dogs feel welcome and safe.
55Easy to find. Very secure land. Huge water bowls available for the dogs with other supplies such as waste bags. Nice little shaded area with chairs as well. Host was responsive and nice. Definitely will be back. Devon G.
Devon G.
September 2024
Easy to find. Very secure land. Huge water bowls available for the dogs with other supplies such as waste bags. Nice little shaded area with chairs as well. Host was responsive and nice. Definitely will be back.
55Beautiful place, easy to find and they even had a table, bench, shade for us, and a mini pool for dogs! Not only my dog but I enjoyed this place as well. Will visit again.Keiko K.
Keiko K.
October 2024
Beautiful place, easy to find and they even had a table, bench, shade for us, and a mini pool for dogs! Not only my dog but I enjoyed this place as well. Will visit again.
55Huge and inviting meadow to tire out the dogs! Loved the kiddie pool and big tubs of water, very special touches here and there like a sheltered picnic table with bench near the entrance, and chairs placed underneath a shady tree in the far part of the meadow. Thank you for getting our dogs good and exhausted. 😊😊😊Elaine H.
Elaine H.
October 2024
Huge and inviting meadow to tire out the dogs! Loved the kiddie pool and big tubs of water, very special touches here and there like a sheltered picnic table with bench near the entrance, and chairs placed underneath a shady tree in the far part of the meadow. Thank you for getting our dogs good and exhausted. 😊😊😊
How do Castro Valley's private dog fields 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 credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Castro Valley dog fields
Are dog fields safe?
If you are looking for an adventure, but also looking for safety, Sniffspot dog fields are a great option. While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, distracted dog owners, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer than public dog parks. With Sniffspot all bookings are private space for just you and doggy friends you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). Especially for training, privacy is ideal. Contrary to public dog parks, all Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog for off leash exercise or outdoor training. 93% of reviews on Sniffspot visits are 5 stars, while public dog parks often do not even have verified reviews. All payment is done securely online by credit card in a few simple clicks.
All park rental information is available online. Start by filtering parks by fencing, size and distractions, to find a private spot that works for your dog. If your dog has poor recall, you can visit one of our secure fields. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our dog fields where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can review the details of the listing to make sure it works as your desired activity space, for example, safe dog exercise, dog training, a stress-free adventure with your furry friend or even a puppy event. You can even check the park amenities chart for amenities such as indoor training facilities, agility field, synthetic turf, exercise balls or field parking availability in advance. If inclement weather is an issue or poor field conditions, you can reschedule your visit up to 2 hours in advance.
What are the requirements to bring my dog to a Sniffspot dog field?
We require that all four-legged friends have basic vaccinations or equivalent titers. We do not allow dogs with a bite history. We require that guests sign our waiver and agree to follow our safety rules. Make sure to check host rules before visiting to ensure, for instance, that you are following allowable sports activities rules and any special events rules.
Will there be other dogs at the Sniffspot field at the same time as me?
No. Facility rentals are for private play time and any host dogs are required to be kept away from the area during visits, so this is perfect for a private adventure for you and your doggie friends, and perhaps a human friend. Hosts understand that many guests have dogs in training and are nervous owners. So when you book a Sniffspot dog field you have the entire private spot to yourself. We also enforce 30 min time buffers between time slots so you will not run into other guest dogs or a previous person when coming or leaving in the field parking area. Some hosts may have multiple fields, but there is always a buffer between fields.