Northern California leads the nation in the number of hotels—a dozen to date—certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The road to certification is long and rigorous, involving strict standards for energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and such. Choosing a LEED-certified property for your next DogTrekking expedition shows you care: It’s like giving Mother Earth a pat and a scratch behind the ears.

Greenest of the green is Bardessono Hotel and Spa in tiny Yountville. It’s one of just three LEED platinum-level hotels worldwide and one of few in the United States to have tapped into geothermal energy.

The beautifully understated, highly luxurious property boasts a Fido-friendly patio restaurant and is within walking distance of Michelin-starred (and dog-friendly) Redd and Bouchon, among other noted Napa Valley eateries. Money flowing too fast from your wallet? Walk a few blocks to Tacos Garcia, a food truck parked behind the local dive bar, Pancha's saloon. It’s the budget toque of the town, no kidding.

Pet fee at Bardessono is $125 per stay. Rates for people? Well, if you have to ask…

LEED certification isn’t the only indicator that a hotel is working hard to reduce its environmental impact. Other, less costly programs also underscore commitment to sustainability. Among the eco-standouts in our region is Inn Marin, first hotel in the state to be awarded certification at the Leadership level through the California Green Lodging Program. Its 70 pet-friendly rooms feature bamboo floors, recycled toilet paper, organic shampoos and all manner of energy conservation features. The large green lawn at the center of the smartly restored, motel-like property is the perfect place for canines and humans alike to stretch their legs and soak up some sunshine. A pet fee of just $20 is good for stays of up to a week.

Moving “up the hill” to Lake Tahoe, eco-conscious DogTrekkers can settle in without guilt at Cedar House Sport Hotel, a 42-room, contemporary-styled property on the outskirts of Truckee that has won many kudos for its green architecture and sustainable practices. Pet fees starting at $50 cover cleaning, use of dog bed and bowls and, best of all, great advice on places to go and things to do with Fido in the Tahoe area.

Photo Credits:

Photo Credits:
"Green Building Medallion" - Janet Fullwood
"Bardessono" - Bardessono Resort
"Cedar House" - Cedar House Sport Hotel
"Orbee Ball" - Planet Dog
"Sasha" - Smiley Dog Rescue

An entire industry has grown up around dog products that claim to be environmentally friendly. Google around, and you’ll find everything from the practical (biodegradable poop bags) to things you could probably live without (chemical-free aromatherapy spritzes and dental wipes).

We’ve sniffed like bloodhounds to uncover a few products every DogTrekker can enjoy without clogging up the landfill. Here are a few of our favorites.

Toys filled with polyester fluff are no-nos for eco-conscious dog lovers. A more Earth-friendly and lasting alternative is to be found in sturdy, recyclable Orbee-Tuff products from PlanetDog, a socially conscious vendor that devotes 25 percent of each purchase to the training, placement and support of service dogs. (The buoyant, bouncy and minty Orbee Ball, $7-$16.50 depending on size, is especially appropriate for Earth Day, given that it’s modeled like a globe.)

Hemp is in, and you don’t have to inhale to get a kick out of a hemp dog collars from EarthDoggy or a hemp dog bed from Bambeco.

When it comes to bath time, you’ll find as many eco-friendly shampoos on the market as there are breeds of dogs. They all have their merits, but one line we can strongly recommend is Buddy Wash. Coconut-based and infused with botanicals and other natural ingredients, it leaves your dog’s coat shiny, soft and smelling… well, take your pick from lavender and mint, rosemary and mint or green tea and bergamot. Luscious stuff.

Since 2000, lucky dogs on their last day in Bay Area shelters have found a safe place to land at Smiley Dog Rescue. Among them--our own past cover boy Rowdy.

This all-volunteer group takes them into foster homes, where they receive lots of TLC and socialization with people and dogs. Currently about 200 dogs a year, almost all from East Bay shelters, are adopted through Smiley Dog, through its website and at its mobile adoption events at Pet Food Express in Alameda and Lafayette.

Sasha, a sweet three-year-old retriever mix, is the rare Smiley Dog who didn't come from a shelter; she's a foreclosure victim. Her family lost their home but left her in the garage and kept feeding her while begging a friend who worked with the rescue to take her to safety. Sasha is now doing well in foster care, regaining her cheerfulness, and starting to look forward to a new life.