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.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Wow, what a gorgeous space!! My dog loved all the grass and I had the best time just smelling the beautiful flowers, looking at the view, and hearing the birds chirp. My dog was also obsessed with the awesome stick and pinecone collection the hosts leave out. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing space with the dog community!Amanda J.
Amanda J.
June 2025
Wow, what a gorgeous space!! My dog loved all the grass and I had the best time just smelling the beautiful flowers, looking at the view, and hearing the birds chirp. My dog was also obsessed with the awesome stick and pinecone collection the hosts leave out. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing space with the dog community!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Each visit to this magical sniff spot has brought a different adventure. All providing joy and enrichment. Now back home my pup sleeps with a smile, no doubt dreaming of this fabulous wonderland. J C.
J C.
May 2025
Each visit to this magical sniff spot has brought a different adventure. All providing joy and enrichment. Now back home my pup sleeps with a smile, no doubt dreaming of this fabulous wonderland.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55I love it here! Clean safe and loads of fun for my pup. Beautifully landscaped garden with lawns and great exploration everywhere. A million thank-u’s to the host!J C.
J C.
May 2025
I love it here! Clean safe and loads of fun for my pup. Beautifully landscaped garden with lawns and great exploration everywhere. A million thank-u’s to the host!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55This spot was as advertised! My pup enjoyed sniffing around and rolling in the grass. I appreciate how thorough the instructions were with all the extra details for what could be used in the space. Marissa G.
Marissa G.
May 2025
This spot was as advertised! My pup enjoyed sniffing around and rolling in the grass. I appreciate how thorough the instructions were with all the extra details for what could be used in the space.
55NIce spot. The back of the yard does have ivy vs grass. The pool has no fence around it, even though my dog doesn't like water, we were worried her ball was going to fall in. Christine G.
Christine G.
May 2025
NIce spot. The back of the yard does have ivy vs grass. The pool has no fence around it, even though my dog doesn't like water, we were worried her ball was going to fall in.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55The best most magical peaceful beautiful place for me and my pup. It’s safe clean fun with adventure galore. I am so happy and most grateful the hosts have offered up their garden for pups to enjoy. Thank you Karin and John! We cant wait to return!J C.
J C.
May 2025
The best most magical peaceful beautiful place for me and my pup. It’s safe clean fun with adventure galore. I am so happy and most grateful the hosts have offered up their garden for pups to enjoy. Thank you Karin and John! We cant wait to return!
55Our golden retriever, Sophie loved this place so much we came back two days in a row! We appreciated how safe it felt for her to run off leash, explore the ivy and play ball on a nice spacious lawn. Thanks so much!Michelle G.
Michelle G.
May 2025
Our golden retriever, Sophie loved this place so much we came back two days in a row! We appreciated how safe it felt for her to run off leash, explore the ivy and play ball on a nice spacious lawn. Thanks so much!
55Great spacious backyard!!! My staffy loved trotting around sniffing and chasing lizards. My 7 month old son loved watching his fur sister run freely while he himself played in the grass collecting pine needles. Perfect area for my girl to get some pent up energy out. Thank you.Mo B.
Mo B.
May 2025
Great spacious backyard!!! My staffy loved trotting around sniffing and chasing lizards. My 7 month old son loved watching his fur sister run freely while he himself played in the grass collecting pine needles. Perfect area for my girl to get some pent up energy out. Thank you.
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 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 221 fully fenced dog parks in the area. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our 330 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.
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