Dogbone Meadow is the ghetto of dog parks. It's so sad how downhill it has gone. When I was there yesterday, people had dumped things such as a plastic pool and toys and tote bags, etc. The water fountain in the small dog park does not work. Instead of grass, there is dirt everywhere. There hasn't been any grass planted in years and as the grass that is there wears away, it is going to be a dirt dog park. It's really sad that this fabulous park has fallen into such disarray. I won't bring my dog back and it's not because he doesn't like it. It's because it is not kept up and I'm sure that there will be dogs getting sick there soon if they aren't already. The stench from the trash cans is outrageous and there's a sign there that there is "maintenance" every Wednesday for a couple of hours. A disgrace for Novato. read more

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I love this dog park! It's well taken care of and I counted at least 6 dog toy ramps/jumps for the puppies to run around/jump through or take a token picture around with a frame. Very well kept minus the grass which some of the dogs tend to dig up. Lol watch out on the trails since there's horses nearby. There are also a number of ticks! But at the dog park, I haven't had any encounters. Since my huskies are silver coats, you can really see the black or brown ticks on their paws, and I haven't had any issues while in the dog park itself. The two times we've walked on the trails there have been ticks on their paws, but we were able to get them off before they were embedded in their skin. read more

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Just want to give another four paws up and five stars to this great dog park. We drive about 45 minutes (past several closer dog parks) to come here because: great vibes--people watch and attend to their dogs, great big grassy field, shade, well maintained, picnic tables, agility equipment (my Husky is completely baffled by that), and lots of space for dogs to do their thing or run and play in groups. Never been here when there's been any bad mojo and everyone (human and canine) seems to get along). There are paths around the enclosed space for additional hiking, in case you want to continue once your dog's tired out some. Parking is usually available. There are two water stations, plus a human fountain. My dog isn't into community bowls, so I bring a bowl for her, and some others do the same for their dogs. Treats are allowed. There are some very good focused dogs, so you may have friends! People also bring beverages and snacks. I mention this as I've been to a few dog parks that prohibit any food, treats, or treat bags, even empty. read more

Dogbone Meadows - Resting in the shade in between great chases. Always respectful dogs, so rest is respected, and play is polite and fun. - Pets Near Me - Novato, California

I have been going to this dog park since my girl was about 8 months old. We go 3 times a week. She is a large, friendly breed and gets so much exercise! Sadly there are a few dog owners who are a-holes and so are their dogs. One actually told me all dogs leave bloody. Really? Other dog owners feel it's social hour and pay no attention to their dogs. Poop is not picked up and if the dog is being overly aggressive, the behavior is not corrected. Mostly, I enjoy the park, my dog loves it and she leaves exhausted! There's a nice path to walk (one lap is a quarter mile), there's poop bags, trash cans and water. There is a gentle play area for older, small or timid dogs. Large parking lot and walking paths to O'Hair Park. read more

This used to be our favorite place to take our dog; unfortunately he recently broke his foot there in one of the gopher holes. I really hope they get these filled in / fix this problem as it is a really unfortunate turn of events. read more

This is our neighborhood dog park and the first park we brought our Siberian Husky too after getting all her puppy shots. It's a friendly safe spot for dogs and owners. Nicely kept up by the City of Novato. There is nothing better than grass for dogs to play. I try to change the water regularly as it can be a cause of spreading kennel cough which did happen to us. The pro's outweighs the cons so we come back. Every Sunday from10am-12pm the SF Husky Meetup group (Facebook) meets. It is great time to see the husky's in a pack. IMO The Best dog park in Marin Co. read more

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People not watching their dogs, so be careful where you step. In general a friendly crowd of people, the dogs however are in various stages of instructional control and I have encountered owners of aggressive dogs that brush it off or blamed others to deflect their lack of control over their large breed dogs (100#). read more

This is the best dog park in Novato! They have two areas to include a gated protected area for the small dogs, and a very large area for the bigger dogs. Several benches are available to sit and watch the pups play together. Never had a problem finding parking here. People are down to earth and nice. My doggies and I always have a great time together here. read more

Wonderful dog friendly park to socialize your dog and yourself with neighbors and their dogs. Special events from time to time like Halloween costume contest for your pooch add to this venue. City of Novato recreation department spent a nice chunk of change to make this one of the most spectacular dog parks in the bay area! read more

Dogbone Meadows - nice dog park - Pets Near Me - Novato, California

Nice clean dog park- We meet as a group and everyone is kind and respectful. Don't have to be concerned my pups will get sick.

it's a great park BUT the people patrons don't pay attention to their dogs and don't pick up their dogs poop. I don't understand how people can have no consideration for anyone but themselves. read more

I've taken my dog here now twice and he absolutely loved it! The people are friendly, it's clean, and there is shade. And an obstacle course that some love. I highly recommend it and can't wait to take him back! read more

Dogbone Meadows - One very happy dog!!! - Pets Near Me - Novato, California

Well kept. Mainly grass, with a concrete path around it (0.2 Mile) and woodchip surround totaling approx. 1 acre. Fully fenced with water, dog obstacle course, poop bags, picnic tables, shade trees and a porta-potty. Closed on Wed's 8am-noon for maintenance. Surrounded by scenic hills. Parking for 20-30 cars with street parking nearby. Nothing to not like! read more

Dogbone Meadows - Obstacle course in the background. - Pets Near Me - Novato, California

I'm sure it'd be a great park if it was ever fn open. "Closed until Sunday." Oh jk "closed til Wednesday." Oh it's Thursday "Closed due to wet conditions". Idgaf if it's wet. Let my dog run. read more

I had my first dog park experience here. I have two small dogs (Shih Tzu and Chihuahua) so I was a little timid at first. I carried them in. Then I walked then around on a leash. One lady who had two little Shih Tzus roaming free around the park spotted us as first timers. She was really nice. She told us stories about her first experience here and how the big dogs are all pretty well trained and don't even notice the little dogs. She pretty much convinced me to try letting my dogs roam free. I finally let my dogs loose. They looked so happy. Other dogs would come by and give a friendly sniff. No aggressive dogs at all. The people here are really nice and always ready to have a conversation with you. The park has a water hose. There is balls all over the place for you to toss around. There's obstacle courses along the side. Clean benches to sit on. The park provides plastic baggies in case you run out or forgot yours. The park itself is very clean except for some random dog poo lying around (not much though). I would definitely come back here again. read more

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It pains me to write this review, but I have to share my experiences with others. I went to dogbone meadows earlier this week and as I left, I knew it would be my last time. I have been going regularly for the past four months with my puppy, although gradually going less and less. This last trip, she was attacked by a dog who clearly was very aggressive towards other dogs. A second dog would not leave her alone and kept humping her. I probably pulled the other dog off her at least a half dozen times before we left. Insult to injury? Tonight, I discovered my puppy has fleas - and I am convinced it is from this most recent trip to dogbone. I love the idea behind dogbone and the fact that the park is open most all the time. My pup goes nuts when we are driving nearby because she can't wait to run free and socialize with other dogs. However, the quality of the dogs (and owners) at times leaves something to be desired. Don't get me wrong, we've met some great people (and pooches) at dogbone but we won't miss it. The park keeps getting dirtier and smellier and at times there are dogs that are a bit questionable at best (i.e, mean dogs, dogs with strange skin conditions, and unfixed dogs/ aggressive humpers). Another frustration about dogbone is there are a lot of families with small children that frequent the park, and by small children I mean barely walking and/or talking. At the very least, I have seen dogs knock over these children, although the dogs do not mean harm. I have also seen people yell and scream at each other about their pups and it can be a very volatile environment. If you do go, enter at your own risk. Keep your eyes open and make sure to stick close to your dog. I will be frequenting the Marin Humane Society dog park. It has limited hours and is quite small but there are separate parks for big/small dogs and at least the MHS staff keeps an eye on things and is aware of any problem dogs/owners. I haven't had any issues whatsoever with the MHS dog park. read more

Its not so much the dog park. Its absolutely beautiful. But if its just there to be looked at. It does no dog any good. My problem with who's assessing day to day operations. Since its reopening. It has been closed more than open. It is now the 24th of jan. It has been closed since jan. 3rd. Yes we had some good rains and the grass was wet. It has not rained since the 20th. Still closed. The website says to check it for daily info. Yet the website does not get updated but maybe once a week. Last post was the 21st. The dog park is for dogs not beauty. If they are so worried about the grass they should have put in sand. read more

If our dogs were writing this review they'd give the place 5 stars without a doubt. What dog doesn't love a place where they can run like crazy off-leash and get some pick-up, tag-team doggy wrestling action? What dog doesn't love the fact that they're surrounded not only by dogs but by dog lovers and there's a good chance they'll sniff out treats in a perfect stranger's pocket and~hot diggity dog!~be offered some. They LOVE it. They can hardly contain themselves when we drive the route to bring them to this puppy playground. They don't mind that the place is a giant mudhole much of the time. In fact, I suspect they think "the more mud, the better." I mean--they're dogs. But the problem is that most times we take them here they end up needing a full-fledged bath at the end of their jaunt, not just a hose down. Even during the summer and fall when conditions were dry, someone decided it was a great idea to place a kiddie pool around the faucet to allow the dogs to cool down. Yeah. Nice for the dogs but the indirect effect was to cause an enormous quagmire. The dogs look like wallowed pigs by the end of their visits. And while most people pick up after their pups, plenty do not. C'mon people. Is this something you really have to be told? Really? Still, there's no charge for visits and sometimes there are even poop bags available for use in the dispenser--but usually not. You should definitely remember to bring your own. It's close, it's free and it's the only dog park we have in Novato. Your dog(s) will love it. BUT BRING TOWELS. The backseat of your car will look like a Saturday night mud-wrestling pit if you don't. read more

Jasmine (my miniature dacshund) and I always have a great time when we come to this dog park! While I wish there was a place for smaller dogs, it's still the best (and most beautiful) dog park in Marin! read more

A bunch of crazy dogs running around, whats better than that? I love dogbone meadows. You can pretty much depend on at least a few dogs being at the park but its never been insanely crowded. Parking is free and plentiful. Chase loves this place. Even though he is only a puppy he manages quite fine, fitting in somewhere between the big dogs and little dogs. The dog owners are all fairly respectful here, looking out for each other's dogs and taking their dogs out when begin to bully. The place is big enough to throw balls, frisbees and even for the ball that gets thrown out of the big plastic thing. There is a great dirt "track" around the outside of the field for owners or dogs who want to walk. Little obstacle course equipment if your dog likes that, chase would prefer to chew on the equipment than actually do anything that requires agility. The grass in the middle is usually pretty poop free though a little muddy at times. There are always a few dirty tennis balls or frisbees on the ground. If you choose to bring your dogs own toys just expect that it may not be coming home with you, as the method of "free for all" kind of rules at this park. And I can't begin to say enough positive remarks about the after effect. My dog snoozing under my feet for the better part of a day. Thank you dogbone meadow dogs for tiring out my golden retriever, not an easy task. read more

Went here today with my two mini-dachshunds and had a great time. It was a little misty and overcast but there were still a decent amount of dogs running around. The park was basically a ring track with grass in the middle and small benches and dog exercise equipment on the outside. My only complaints are the muddy areas in the middle and on the track and the not-picked-up poo around the lot. I found like 4 or 5 piles that hadn't been picked up. It is really a shame as the park has pooper scoopers and poop bags available for people to use. I would definitely bring my dogs back here again when the weather is nicer so they can meet some more friends :) read more

Great local dog park. We usually hit it up on weekends, when we want a break from a long walk with Doggie, and there have always been plenty of other dogs hanging out. The park is large, with a grassy area in the middle and a long dirt track around the perimeter. We usually end up walking the loop a few times, with our dog running alongside, in front of, and behind us. There are plenty of water options (a hose, bowls, and a trough for water dogs that are into that sort of thing) and some random agility training equipment around the sides. Most owners I have seen when I've been there have been attentive, though there are definitely trees and little corners where a dog could sneak off and quickly do his or her business without the owner seeing it. The area immediately around the double gate smells very strongly of dog pee -- I'm sure just about each and every dog takes a whiz upon entering and exiting, but it's to the point I almost gag. I'm not sure who's responsible for maintenance, but that area could use a serious hose-down. The park is great on a nice day, but I think we'll avoid it on rainy days, since I bet both the grassy area and the dirt track get pretty gross. read more

Finally the whole dog park is open!! They didn't end up opening the side for the little dogs which I find extremely irritating because I'm tired of people who have small dogs complaining about how bigger dogs wanna play with they're dogs. Why bring your small dog here if you can't handle bigger dogs wanting to play with your playful dog?! Go fucking home and save everyone at the dog park from hearing you bitch about you think there dogs are being "too rough" with your tiny dog that is probably asking for it. Seriously DO NOT BRING YOUR LITTLE DOG HERE IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE RUDE AND ANNOYING ABOUT HOW DOGS ARE SUPPOSED TO PLAY. ASSHOLES. read more

Always fun for our dogs. Love the atmosphere, dogs and owners are all very courteous and park is very clean and well maintained. Space to play catch with your dog. Backs to trails for walking as well. If there are dogs that don't get along with our dog we just pack up and go for a walk. Can't expect every dog to get along. As for mud, yes sometimes it is muddy, but it does get a lot of use and overall is very clean. I would love to see everyone clean up after their dog, but the majority of pet owners do and I always clean up a pile that is not from ours if I see it left. Pay it forward, that is my motto. read more

Let me start by saying I take my dog to a LOT of different dog parks and beaches, usually for 1-2 hours at a time (he's pretty spoiled). Here are my thoughts on Dogbone Meadows. Pros: Decent-sized Double-gated for safety Has an agility course Unusually nice poop bags supplied (on several occasions when I've been there, the dispensers were empty, though) Water supply/short hose and lots of bowls, along with a horse trough for dogs to jump into on hot days Nice mature trees (although they are all on the perimeter) A path around the perimeter for walking Pretty friendly people Views of hills in almost every direction It's right next to a big nature park with a big creek, where you can walk your dog (on-leash) Cons: It's not uncommon for there to be no or very few dogs present on weekdays. Often very muddy or very dusty, depending on the season, and sometimes both simultaneously because of an irresponsible person running water all over the place. Often very windy. But the main problem by far is that a fair number of people come here primarily to socialize and those people pay very little attention to their dogs. This results in two unpleasant things. 1. A LOT of dog crap on the ground, especially on the grass to the right of the gate as you enter. By far the most poop lying around per square inch of any dog park I've visited. I wouldn't walk anywhere but on the path itself when the light is getting dim. 2. Obnoxious dog behavior going unchecked (for example incessant barking or jumping on people)--and this could easily result in dog fights, though I have never seen that happen. I was there this past weekend and there was a bulldog ranging all over the park for at least 45 minutes without my being able to tell who the owner was. And I was looking, because I wanted to point out the big pile of poop their dog left while they were busy ignoring him. You would have thought that he'd been abandoned. I live in Novato now but this is generally my last choice in dog parks. I usually go outside of Novato or to the other Novato dog park, which is at the Marin Humane Society off 101 at the Bel Marin Keys exit. They have two parks there, one for small dogs, one for large. They are considerably smaller than Dogbone, but the footing is well-kept lawn, the people generally pay attention to their dogs and police themselves (I was there once when a guy brought in an unneutered male dog, which is illegal to do in Marin county, and 5 or 6 different people instantly descended on him telling him he couldn't be there), and there is very little unpicked up poop--at least in the large dog park, which is the one I use. read more

This gotta be one of the nicest looking dog parks. You can keep good eye on your dog. Good sitting area, toys to play with and a good watering system. They also have fancy poo bags. And a really nice forest environment! read more

This is the biggest dog park which we have ever visited. It's amazing. Secondly, it has so many things for the dogs to explore: trees, exercise equipment, pool, water, shade, people, other dogs, etc. Thirdly, lots of trees and grass area. Lastly, all the dogs play together. Great place to socialize all sized dogs. We have a 1 yr. old chocolate lab and loved the fact that he could run and run and run. I did not put a 5-star, because I really am biased towards artificial turf, which it is easier to pick up dog poop. read more

Went to this dog park for the first time yesterday with our newly adopted young Flat-Coated Retriever. It was fully fenced, and our dog could run his heart out and play with other dogs to his heart's content. The other people and dogs at the park were very friendly too. We'll definitely be back!!! read more

Drainage was poorly planned but on the perimeter of most of the park there is bark mulch which is a good area for the dogs to run when the rest of the park is muddy due to rain or when people hose off their dogs ... the park is located in a "wind alley" and can be quite breezy ... watch out for the gopher holes in the northwest quadrant ... having said that, however, Dogbone Meadows is a beautiful, picturesque park in a serene setting with turkeys gobbling in the surrounding forest in the early spring and Canadian geese migrating overhead ... a great place to let your dog run and socialize and to take a break for a while, kick back and enjoy nature. read more