Hello!

If you are a dog lover too, you are in the right place! We’re Tina & Angela, the humans behind Approved by Dog, a guide to the best dog-friendly things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We share our favorite spots for dog-friendly travel, hikes, restaurants, and events—all tested and approved by our very picky pups, Tako and Tobi 🐶🐾

Angela and Tina, Bay Area dog moms and creators of Approved By Dog, holding their pups Tako and Tobi in a scenic outdoor hike, one of their many regular dog-friendly adventures.

Our Mission

Our goal is to help dog owners spend more meaningful time with their dogs by discovering, sharing, and creating fun, unique experiences they can enjoy together — whether it’s a weekend getaway, brunch with the pack, or a scenic trail hike.

Approved By Dog creators Angela & Tina sitting with their dogs, Tako and Tobi, in a redwood forest in the Bay Area.

About The Humans

Tina & Angela first met as freshmen UC Berkeley (Go Bears!), and have been friends ever since.

Angela got Tobi (her childhood dream dog, a Dachshund) as a puppy. She was a bit surprised to find that he was more a cat than a dog, but luckily he still loves to go on adventures!

Tina fostered several dogs until she met Tako (a Shiba), but as soon as he came along, she knew he was the one!

When we found ourselves constantly searching for reliable, dog-friendly spots around the Bay (and realizing other dog parents were, too), we decided to build something better. And just like that — Approved by Dog was born.

Tako & Tobi — our Chief Adventure Officers and resident Bay Area pups — are here to help dog parents sniff out the best dog-friendly adventures and tips from our pup-approved blog.

Tobi

  • 9 Years Old

  • Mini Dachshund

  • Loves Sunbathing

  • Signature Move: Rolling Over

Tako

  • 7 Years Old

  • Shiba Inu

  • Loves Human Food

  • Signature Move: Tail Whip