Marin is doggie heaven. 70% of Marin residents are said to have dogs and they are woven into our lives. They ride shotgun in our cars, come with us to work and even accompany us shopping. With wide open spaces and many parks and trails, Marin is the ideal place for Fido to make her home.
Doggin the Trails
Some of the many trails that allow dogs off leash but under voice control include:
Doggone Dog Parks
Field of Dogs - Near the San Rafael Civic Center with plenty of shady trees, water bowls for dogs, hoses to fill the bowls and benches for humans to sit.
794 Civic Drive, San Rafael
Bayfront Park - The Mill Valley Dog Run - Wide open grassy areas opening onto Richardson Bay Front, emergency poop bags provided and even a Friday evening happy hour for dog owners.
498 Sycamore, Mill Valley
Sausalito Dog Park - A well-loved and maintained dog park by the local community.
100 Ebbtide, Sausalito
Red Hill Dog Park - Fully fenced, shade structures, plenty of trees, water fountains for dogs and humans and plenty of tennis balls.
100 Shaw Drive, San Anselmo
Bring Poochy to work!
Some of Marin County’s dog friendly companies include Compass, AutoDesk, Glass Door, Guide Dogs and Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners.
The Pick of the Litter
Marin Humane Society is a local non-profit that transforms lives through animal care, human education and advocacy. They provide dog and puppy training and more advanced course work such as nosework, agility training, trick, stunt dog, circus dog, and freestyle training.
They also provide veterinary services, have a lost and found pet hotline, pet care assistance for seniors, pet emergencies, animal-related complaints and dog licensing. Marin Humane Society also provides adoption and rehoming of dogs, cats and other animals.
Guide Dogs for the Blind - Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind has been creating partnerships between people, dogs and communities. With exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, Guide Dogs prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision throughout the United States and Canada, all provided free of charge to their clients. Dogs that do not become Guide Dogs are also available for adoption.
The Rules
Marin County Parks and Open Space
Friendly dogs are welcome at many Marin County parks. Dog handlers are responsible for knowing and following each park's rules. Check the dog rules at specific park location pages. Where dogs are allowed, they must always be under the control of a responsible person. Dogs must not enter playground or play areas, marshes, tide pools, ponds, or other sensitive wildlife areas. Individuals accompanying dogs must clean up and dispose of all pet waste. Do not leave a dog unattended in a vehicle at any time. No dogs are allowed at McNears Beach Park, Paradise Beach Park, or Stafford Lake Park, except dogs trained and used as service animals.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)
Dogs are permitted on signed trails and identified areas. Dogs must be on leash or under voice control when allowed off leash. Dogs must be on leash in parking lots and picnic areas. Dogs aren’t allowed in Park buildings and facilities including outdoor restrooms, public showers, fishing piers, or campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed at Muir Woods, Tennessee Valley Road and Alcatraz. Dogs must be on leash in all parking lots and picnic areas.
Run, Spot, run!