OVERVIEW

In the East Bay’s City of Pinole; known for its architectural heritage and historic past that includes Native American settlements dating back over 5,000 years, resides Pinole Valley Dog Park. There are two gated off-leash segregated dog park areas with one area for small dogs (under 30 lbs.) and another area for larger dogs. There is some seating in patio chairs and picnic tables with benches and water in the off-leash areas. Dogs are required to be on-lead when you exit the dog park area and enjoy the small picnic/ barbecue area. If you are looking for a small neighborhood pet-friendly activity in the East Bay, go do the CANGO at Pinole Valley Dog Park.

HOW PET-FRIENDLY IS IT?

I would recommend this park for the following reasons: (1) you can bring a dog to a segregated park that allows bigger dogs to go all out without worrying about hurting a smaller dog, and it provides a place for small, or shyer dogs, puppies and senior dogs to play safely; and (2) there are wide pathways that are accessible to the disabled and a small picnic area to have a family-friendly outing as well.   

We went to this park frequently when Lovie was a puppy because it is safe for puppies to play in the small dog side of the off-leash gated dog park area. When Lovie was a puppy he loved to wrestle, but as he got older he was able to enjoy walking on trails which this park does not offer. This is a small neighborhood park that allows for canine play and interaction in a contained area not a scenic park with longer trails for those who seek steady-state exercise with a view.

It is very easy to find a place to dispose of waste in the dog park areas and there are multiple doody bag dispensers that are well-stocked with bags. There is water in both areas but not water fountains; instead, there are some stainless steel bowls available. I tend to avoid communal bowls because there can be a greater risk of exposure to kennel cough and the canine flu, but they are there and most people just rinse them out before giving their dogs fresh water from the spigot.

IS IT CONVENIENT OR A PAIN IN THE —?

The biggest downside to this park is that there is very limited parking in the back area closest to the off-leash dog areas but that is really only an issue on weekends; however, on the plus side, it is FREE to park. [Tip: You can park near the ball fields in the front off of Pinole Valley road and walk in instead of entering on Adobe.]

Pinole Valley Dog Park is very close to the Pinole Valley exit off Interstate 80 (close to the intersection with Highway 4). The park is located in a somewhat residential area off of the main drag, Pinole Valley Road which I believe goes through the entire City of Pinole.

The closest 24/7 emergency vets that I could find is SAGE Veterinary Centers located at 1410 Monument Blvd in Concord. This center is roughly 20 miles away or a 30-minute drive. The other option would be PETS Referral Center located at 1048 University Ave in Berkeley. This center is roughly 13 miles away or a 20-minute drive. Your selection will likely be greatly influenced by traffic: in the morning between 7-10 AM, heading southwest is basically a parking lot of stopped traffic, so SAGE would be a better option. In the afternoon between 2-6 PM, traffic comes to a near standstill heading northeast, so PETS would be a better option.

[Tip: You could take San Pablo Avenue from Pinole to Berkeley instead of I-80 or Alhambra Valley Road instead of Highway 4 to go from Pinole to Concord.]

*{Please note: We provide the veterinary locations as a reference and resource, not a referral or endorsement}.