55Love this spot! Easy to access, beautiful space! My pup loves running around in the grass and carrying around sticks from the excellent selection provided :)Kristina G.
Kristina G.
May 2024
Love this spot! Easy to access, beautiful space! My pup loves running around in the grass and carrying around sticks from the excellent selection provided :)
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55So good. Our dog loved this space, and it was such a nice sunny day retreat for his adults, too. Recommend booking some pool time, you’re gonna want it. Erin I.
Erin I.
May 2024
So good. Our dog loved this space, and it was such a nice sunny day retreat for his adults, too. Recommend booking some pool time, you’re gonna want it.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55This place is GORGEOUS. What a treat to be able to experience this. Pro tip: amazing sunset views. My dog didn’t want to leave (neither did I TBH); so we will be back! Aash B.
Aash B.
May 2024
This place is GORGEOUS. What a treat to be able to experience this. Pro tip: amazing sunset views. My dog didn’t want to leave (neither did I TBH); so we will be back!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55A terrific spot - great lawn area for playing and training. Lots of sun and shade options along with water bowl and toys for pup and chairs for us. Excellent instructions re arriving and departing. Home run. Thank you for making this spot available.Jane M.
Jane M.
May 2024
A terrific spot - great lawn area for playing and training. Lots of sun and shade options along with water bowl and toys for pup and chairs for us. Excellent instructions re arriving and departing. Home run. Thank you for making this spot available.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55This was a beautiful place. My dogs and I enjoyed the peacefulness. My little dog enjoyed the bird sounds and flower scents. The yard is very clean, well kept, overall very lovely. It was a hot day and so the ground around the pool was a bit hot, I recommend bringing extra towels to wet & lay down so your dogs have cool surface to walk on if you choose to use the pool. I really liked the ease of the entrance/parking. We had a great time.Angelica R.
Angelica R.
May 2024
This was a beautiful place. My dogs and I enjoyed the peacefulness. My little dog enjoyed the bird sounds and flower scents. The yard is very clean, well kept, overall very lovely. It was a hot day and so the ground around the pool was a bit hot, I recommend bringing extra towels to wet & lay down so your dogs have cool surface to walk on if you choose to use the pool. I really liked the ease of the entrance/parking. We had a great time.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55We had the BEST time! Such a wonderful yard, some nice shady spots. Beautiful grass and the flowers around the yard are absolutely gorgeous. Host was responsive and so nice. We will be back again soon! Ashley P.
Ashley P.
May 2024
We had the BEST time! Such a wonderful yard, some nice shady spots. Beautiful grass and the flowers around the yard are absolutely gorgeous. Host was responsive and so nice. We will be back again soon!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55We had the best morning here! Our dog loved sniffing around and playing fetch in the yard. Awesome assortment of dogs toys and great seating and shade for the humans. We’ll definitely be back soon and really appreciated Karin’s help with coordinating!Isabella J.
Isabella J.
June 2024
We had the best morning here! Our dog loved sniffing around and playing fetch in the yard. Awesome assortment of dogs toys and great seating and shade for the humans. We’ll definitely be back soon and really appreciated Karin’s help with coordinating!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Lovely spot! Oso enjoyed eating grass and my goddaughter and I had a nice visit! Newbies - stay right on Highland (don’t take private road) or you will have to back down a scary steep long road! Cecelia B.
Cecelia B.
June 2024
Lovely spot! Oso enjoyed eating grass and my goddaughter and I had a nice visit! Newbies - stay right on Highland (don’t take private road) or you will have to back down a scary steep long road!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Our dogs had a blast playing in Karin’s beautiful space! Our foster Aussie hadn’t been properly exercised since leaving the shelter and this Sniffspot was the antidote. The space is exactly as described, with ample green space, shady corners to explore, and toys thoughtfully left out for the pups to discover!Heidi S.
Heidi S.
June 2024
Our dogs had a blast playing in Karin’s beautiful space! Our foster Aussie hadn’t been properly exercised since leaving the shelter and this Sniffspot was the antidote. The space is exactly as described, with ample green space, shady corners to explore, and toys thoughtfully left out for the pups to discover!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Beautiful space. Clean and peaceful large yard. I recommend paying the extra money for the pool use. The pool was also very clean and the temp was perfect. Lots of dog toys and an assortment of pool floaties. Sophia A.
Sophia A.
July 2024
Beautiful space. Clean and peaceful large yard. I recommend paying the extra money for the pool use. The pool was also very clean and the temp was perfect. Lots of dog toys and an assortment of pool floaties.
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Such a great hour play for my dogs, especially the dog-reactive pup. A tired dog is a happy dog and they are both pretty pooped out. I will go back!Margie F.
Margie F.
September 2024
Such a great hour play for my dogs, especially the dog-reactive pup. A tired dog is a happy dog and they are both pretty pooped out. I will go back!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Wonderful place for all sizes of dogs to romp around ( even super high energy athletes like mine). The gardens are maintained well, and pups have the back hill to explore if they want to step into the wild side.
The instructions were details and very helpful.
We go frequently to San Rafel for our son’s games. This is our go to spot from now..
Thanks Karin and John for sharing your wonderful space with our here..
Appreciate You Rupesh R.
Rupesh R.
October 2024
Wonderful place for all sizes of dogs to romp around ( even super high energy athletes like mine). The gardens are maintained well, and pups have the back hill to explore if they want to step into the wild side.
The instructions were details and very helpful.
We go frequently to San Rafel for our son’s games. This is our go to spot from now..
Thanks Karin and John for sharing your wonderful space with our here..
Appreciate You
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55My shy small pup enjoyed an hour of pure bliss in this beautifully inviting fully fenced yard. The host thought of everything to make our time feel welcoming, safe, and clean. We can't wait to visit again! Currie B.
Currie B.
October 2024
My shy small pup enjoyed an hour of pure bliss in this beautifully inviting fully fenced yard. The host thought of everything to make our time feel welcoming, safe, and clean. We can't wait to visit again!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Koji had a wonderful time zooming and sniffing around Karin's lovely yard. He enjoyed the stick and pinecone library as well! Looking forward to bringing him back! Tanya D.
Tanya D.
October 2024
Koji had a wonderful time zooming and sniffing around Karin's lovely yard. He enjoyed the stick and pinecone library as well! Looking forward to bringing him back!
Lawns, Gardens, Views, Pool, in San Rafael | Sniffspot
55Spot is beautiful. The host has poop bags available if you run out or forget. Water is also available for your thirsty pup. Toys are also available. Everything you need for you and your pup to have a wonderful time.Annie A.
Annie A.
October 2024
Spot is beautiful. The host has poop bags available if you run out or forget. Water is also available for your thirsty pup. Toys are also available. Everything you need for you and your pup to have a wonderful time.
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 our 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. 96% 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 115 fully fenced dog parks in the area. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our 24 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.
Sniffspot has 115 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 2 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 Kara's happy dog tails and hiking trails ranch.
Are there dog agility courses for rent in San Rafael?
Sniffspot has dog parks with agility equipment and/or dog obstacles in or near San Rafael. The most popular agility option is Agility practice field and large backyard.
Where in San Rafael can I find a pool for dog swimming?