OVERVIEW
In the East Bay’s unincorporated area of Castro Valley; historically known for its chicken ranches and suburban bedroom community (home to television’s LEAVE IT TO BEAVER), resides Earl Warren Dog Park. This park offers two mid-sized gated off-leash areas segregated by size in a residential community. There is limited seating and water in both dog parks. If you are looking for a little action for your dog in the East Bay, go do the CANGO at Earl Warren Dog Park.
HOW PET-FRIENDLY IS IT?
I would recommend this park if any of the following applies to you: (1) you would like to have a gated area for your dog(s) to play that is size-appropriate; and/or (2) perhaps your dog has inadequate recall to be on a larger trail off-lead, yet, you want them to have a chance to socialize and run around a bit, (3) you would like a place where you could bring children and dogs where they would each have a place to play with their peers.
There is a small play area by the restroom for young children. There are also picnic benches so you could make a day of it for the whole family. It is worth noting that the small dog area is actually big enough for the dogs to really run and play in a pack which is rare; normally the small dog area is very small, bordering cramped.
The other dog owners were very friendly. I also found the dogs in the small dog area to be of good-temperament. However, a few of the people mentioned to me that they were wary of bringing their large dogs into the large dog area because of irresponsible owners with aggressive dogs. As they say, it only takes one bad apple and with the pack mindset of canines, things can go south in a flash- bummer.
It is very easy to dispose of waste in the dog park areas: there are pooper scoopers and large trash cans. I did not see any bag dispensers, probably to reduce waste and cost for the city. I did not see a water fountain in either area but there are a spigot and bowls. I tend to avoid usage of communal bowls because it can increase the likelihood of your dog getting kennel cough or canine flu, but the decision, of course, is yours.
IS IT CONVENIENT OR A PAIN IN THE —?
Earl Warren Dog Park provides all the essentials: There is an oddly shaped (curved) free parking lot. We went on a Saturday afternoon and we were able to find a place to park and the park was far from empty. There are public bathrooms and picnic areas. There is water, pooper-scoopers, and waste areas in each gated area.
It is located in a residential neighborhood but the park itself has some short trails/ pathways by a small creek that provide an opportunity to walk a bit more with your dog on-lead before heading into the respective gated off-leash areas.
Earl Warren Dog Park is fairly close Cull Canyon or the Grove exit off of Interstate 580. Cull Canyon is a much larger park that would require a leash but allow for longer walks (and bike rides without your dog. I used to train for the bike leg of triathlons there. There is a good out and back ride by a nudist camp. The nudists are poor drivers so cyclists beware).
The closest 24/7 emergency vet is VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Hospital located at 14790 Washington Ave in San Leandro. This hospital is about 6.5 miles away or an 11-minute drive. Another option, if your need occurs before midnight, is Castro Valley Animal Hospital located 2515 Castro Valley Blvd in Castro Valley. This hospital is about 3 miles away or an 8-minute drive.
*[Please note: We provide the veterinary locations as a reference and resource, not a referral or endorsement].
Sad to say that you do not have a pet yet? Consider adopting a cat or a kitten from LOVE ALL PAWZ RESCUE. They host adoptions every Saturday at Pet Food Express in Castro Valley.
Click here to explore more dog parks in Alameda County or other counties in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area
