55Beautiful spot to enjoy for both the human and dog! Lots of variety of terrain for my puppy to explore and the host was very responsive and helpful!Alice W.
Alice W.
December 2023
Beautiful spot to enjoy for both the human and dog! Lots of variety of terrain for my puppy to explore and the host was very responsive and helpful!
55Such a beautiful meadow, and so much to sniff! The fencing is very secure and has even been reinforced in some areas. Horses are visible but still a ways away. Lots of room to run and lots of things to sniff. No distractions from the car to the spot, and appreciate the garbage cans at the entrance and the clean drinking water on the site. What a beautiful property, thank you for sharing it with us!K G.
K G.
December 2023
Such a beautiful meadow, and so much to sniff! The fencing is very secure and has even been reinforced in some areas. Horses are visible but still a ways away. Lots of room to run and lots of things to sniff. No distractions from the car to the spot, and appreciate the garbage cans at the entrance and the clean drinking water on the site. What a beautiful property, thank you for sharing it with us!
55Great spot, very open, lots of room for dogs to run full speed. The sniffspot is easy to locate with well posted signs. There is a dedicated parking spot right across from the spot.
There are neighbor dogs that barked but didn't last for long. The excitement of a big open space and new smells kept my dogs occupied. There were a few cow pies, but they were avoidable, and my dogs largely ignored them.
All in all, a great spot for dogs and the hill makes for some great cardio for the owners, too! We will definitely be booking again.Jessica B.
Jessica B.
January 2024
Great spot, very open, lots of room for dogs to run full speed. The sniffspot is easy to locate with well posted signs. There is a dedicated parking spot right across from the spot.
There are neighbor dogs that barked but didn't last for long. The excitement of a big open space and new smells kept my dogs occupied. There were a few cow pies, but they were avoidable, and my dogs largely ignored them.
All in all, a great spot for dogs and the hill makes for some great cardio for the owners, too! We will definitely be booking again.
55Lovely spot. I will definitely add to our rotation! Lots of sniffing for the old dog, lots of running for the young one. Fully fenced. Can see chickens and a goat from the space, but my dogs aren’t a problem w other animals. Mandy B.
Mandy B.
December 2023
Lovely spot. I will definitely add to our rotation! Lots of sniffing for the old dog, lots of running for the young one. Fully fenced. Can see chickens and a goat from the space, but my dogs aren’t a problem w other animals.
55My pups had a great time here! Lots of room to sniff and explore, and no foxtails which was really nice. There are shady areas under trees which will be really great in the summertime. It was nice to meet Kristie, thank you for sharing your space!Melissa S.
Melissa S.
December 2023
My pups had a great time here! Lots of room to sniff and explore, and no foxtails which was really nice. There are shady areas under trees which will be really great in the summertime. It was nice to meet Kristie, thank you for sharing your space!
55My dog absolutely loves this Sniffspot! There is so much space and so much to explore. Kristie is an incredibly kind and accommodating host. We will be back soon 😊. Yasmine J.
Yasmine J.
December 2023
My dog absolutely loves this Sniffspot! There is so much space and so much to explore. Kristie is an incredibly kind and accommodating host. We will be back soon 😊.
55Plenty of safely fenced space for giant dogs to get a good run going. The neighbor dogs got agitated and barked, but no one seemed too upset that my dogs barked back. Most of our time here was peaceful and quiet. Something to note if you have a dog who eats things they shouldn't - the pasture was used by big livestock fairly recently so there is lots of manure. Definitely watch your step and you'll be just fine. Kristie gives great directions and was easy to communicate with. Well marked, all the amenities are as stated, and within my budget. It was worth the drive, for sure. We will be back!
Tip for people who might be worried about not having access to a restroom after a bit of a drive: Calero Reservoir County Park is just a couple of miles away and has portable toilets and washstands.Landa R.
Landa R.
December 2023
Plenty of safely fenced space for giant dogs to get a good run going. The neighbor dogs got agitated and barked, but no one seemed too upset that my dogs barked back. Most of our time here was peaceful and quiet. Something to note if you have a dog who eats things they shouldn't - the pasture was used by big livestock fairly recently so there is lots of manure. Definitely watch your step and you'll be just fine. Kristie gives great directions and was easy to communicate with. Well marked, all the amenities are as stated, and within my budget. It was worth the drive, for sure. We will be back!
Tip for people who might be worried about not having access to a restroom after a bit of a drive: Calero Reservoir County Park is just a couple of miles away and has portable toilets and washstands.
55Loved this Sniffspot. Plenty of room to run around, in a completely secured fenced in area. Fresh water and a poop disposal pail at the entrance. Kristie is also very responsive and gave us perfect instructions to access the space. Will definitely be back. Deepika B.
Deepika B.
December 2023
Loved this Sniffspot. Plenty of room to run around, in a completely secured fenced in area. Fresh water and a poop disposal pail at the entrance. Kristie is also very responsive and gave us perfect instructions to access the space. Will definitely be back.
55Omg! What a fun spot! My dog and I had a blast. The host was amazing and made sure got into the spot with no issue.
The land has a lot to explore! So much to sniff and see. My dog found a huge stick and wouldn’t put it down. Will def be back!
If your dog has sensitive paw pads I’d advise some silicone booties for pawtection! Yasmine J.
Yasmine J.
December 2023
Omg! What a fun spot! My dog and I had a blast. The host was amazing and made sure got into the spot with no issue.
The land has a lot to explore! So much to sniff and see. My dog found a huge stick and wouldn’t put it down. Will def be back!
If your dog has sensitive paw pads I’d advise some silicone booties for pawtection!
55What a great spot! My shepherd thoroughly enjoyed all the space to run! This meadow is fully enclosed and so big! Guest advice - watch your step for the ground squirrel holes. It’s more sniffing enrichment for the dogs! Haha. The fences are all chain link and border a neighbor’s backyard on one side and two horses visible across a driveway on the other side. This was not an issue at all for my dog who is only reactive to dogs but sharing the info. We had such a good time! Kristie is a kind host and provided all the instructions we needed to have an awesome time. Will definitely come back! Becca T.
Becca T.
December 2023
What a great spot! My shepherd thoroughly enjoyed all the space to run! This meadow is fully enclosed and so big! Guest advice - watch your step for the ground squirrel holes. It’s more sniffing enrichment for the dogs! Haha. The fences are all chain link and border a neighbor’s backyard on one side and two horses visible across a driveway on the other side. This was not an issue at all for my dog who is only reactive to dogs but sharing the info. We had such a good time! Kristie is a kind host and provided all the instructions we needed to have an awesome time. Will definitely come back!
55My dog Koda did have a wonderfully time playing frisbee, fetch and sniff around.
The property is big enough for a god dog exercise besides just walking. Fully fenced.
For sure we will comeback.
Thank you Kristie!
Clemencia H.
Clemencia H.
December 2023
My dog Koda did have a wonderfully time playing frisbee, fetch and sniff around.
The property is big enough for a god dog exercise besides just walking. Fully fenced.
For sure we will comeback.
Thank you Kristie!
55This was such a fun spot for my 100 lbs German Shepherd. There are signs that direct you to a designated parking spot and to the sniff spot entrance.
The property is pretty flat at the entrance and begins to slope a bit more when you walk further into the area. There are logs, plants, grass, and so many great things for my dog to sniff and get stimulated. Just be wearing of some livestock manure throughout the property.
There are two gates and a lot of separating space between the Sniff Spot and the neighboring backyards, but you can still hear the neighbors dogs barking when you stay near the entrance. We walked further into the property where two fences and a road separate you from a horse, so the dogs didn't bother us after that. You can hear the horse neighing and some cows mooing, but they are out of sight for the most part and not a problem for my dog.
My dog and I are excited to come back! The host is very friendly and has a phone number posted on the gate if you need anything at all. Charity K.
Charity K.
December 2023
This was such a fun spot for my 100 lbs German Shepherd. There are signs that direct you to a designated parking spot and to the sniff spot entrance.
The property is pretty flat at the entrance and begins to slope a bit more when you walk further into the area. There are logs, plants, grass, and so many great things for my dog to sniff and get stimulated. Just be wearing of some livestock manure throughout the property.
There are two gates and a lot of separating space between the Sniff Spot and the neighboring backyards, but you can still hear the neighbors dogs barking when you stay near the entrance. We walked further into the property where two fences and a road separate you from a horse, so the dogs didn't bother us after that. You can hear the horse neighing and some cows mooing, but they are out of sight for the most part and not a problem for my dog.
My dog and I are excited to come back! The host is very friendly and has a phone number posted on the gate if you need anything at all.
55Kristie was so accommodating, even when we had to change the appointment time due to heavy rain! The Sniffspot itself was plenty of room for both my dogs to run, sniff, and play! Shannon Y.
Shannon Y.
December 2023
Kristie was so accommodating, even when we had to change the appointment time due to heavy rain! The Sniffspot itself was plenty of room for both my dogs to run, sniff, and play!
55Easy to find and clear signage for where to park etc. Big fenced-in field, there were one or two gaps that a smaller dog could have fit through. Water and trash cans available. Dogs in yard next door barked most of the time so if you have a dog that is sensitive to dogs barking, might not be the best spot for you. Ilene W.
Ilene W.
December 2023
Easy to find and clear signage for where to park etc. Big fenced-in field, there were one or two gaps that a smaller dog could have fit through. Water and trash cans available. Dogs in yard next door barked most of the time so if you have a dog that is sensitive to dogs barking, might not be the best spot for you.
55We brought our 4 dogs to meet and great before the holiday in a nuetral environment and this was great for that . We will be back. Lots of zoomies we’re had by allLinda W.
Linda W.
January 2024
We brought our 4 dogs to meet and great before the holiday in a nuetral environment and this was great for that . We will be back. Lots of zoomies we’re had by all
55My Lola enjoyed this spot. I was a bit worried about the cow poo. Lola is a Lab and tends to eat everything but she wasn't phased by the poo. Huge lot, nice bark covered hill for fun climbing. Lola is ball obsessed so plenty of room to fetch. Great place to keep your pup safe during this virus. Will return the first week of January and bring another friend with us. Definitely will return. 🐾🐾Amanda B.
Amanda B.
December 2023
My Lola enjoyed this spot. I was a bit worried about the cow poo. Lola is a Lab and tends to eat everything but she wasn't phased by the poo. Huge lot, nice bark covered hill for fun climbing. Lola is ball obsessed so plenty of room to fetch. Great place to keep your pup safe during this virus. Will return the first week of January and bring another friend with us. Definitely will return. 🐾🐾
55This was our first time visiting this spot, and it was a great experience all the way around! The space was nicely tended and large. My dogs had the best time, and we are going to make this a regular outing! Highly recommend! Amy M.
Amy M.
December 2023
This was our first time visiting this spot, and it was a great experience all the way around! The space was nicely tended and large. My dogs had the best time, and we are going to make this a regular outing! Highly recommend!
55This was an awesome place! The perimeter is very well fenced - there are a few teeny tiny gaps where a super small, super determined dog *might* be able to get through, but they clearly maintain the fence very very well. My dog is 45 lbs and a proven escape artist, and I felt safe letting her run here. The neighborhood is pretty quiet, and the views were beautiful! A bonus: even after a full day of rain, the ground was firm. Keats I.
Keats I.
December 2023
This was an awesome place! The perimeter is very well fenced - there are a few teeny tiny gaps where a super small, super determined dog *might* be able to get through, but they clearly maintain the fence very very well. My dog is 45 lbs and a proven escape artist, and I felt safe letting her run here. The neighborhood is pretty quiet, and the views were beautiful! A bonus: even after a full day of rain, the ground was firm.
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.