Cooper the Lab mix lived ten adventure-packed years as an avid DogTrekker, from winery visits at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma to Shirley Canyon hikes at Palisades Tahoe and beach romps at Fort Funston. His owner Niki shares how DogTrekker shaped…
Read more
Sacramento American and Sacramento rivers meet at Discovery Park, where the 32-mile Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail offers riverside scenery and wildlife. Start in Old Sacramento or loop William Land Park south of downtown.
Read more
Should your dog share your bed? An SF SPCA behavior expert debunks the dominance myth, weighs legitimate safety concerns, and explains how co-sleeping can strengthen your bond and even improve your rest.
Read more
Concord, just 30 miles from San Francisco, pairs a booming craft beer trail with thousands of acres of open space near Mount Diablo. Dog-friendly hotels, breweries, and the Iron Horse Trail make it an easy getaway.
Read more
Winter is the best time to visit Yosemite with your dog, when crowds thin and the scenery is stunning. Dogs can walk paved trails to Lower Yosemite Fall and Bridalveil Fall, and gateway town Groveland has charming dog-friendly hotels.
Read more
The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco combines dog-friendly wine country, craft beer trails, and tens of thousands of acres of open space where dogs can roam off-leash. Pleasanton Ridge, Dublin Hills, and Del Valle Regional Park are standout picks.
Read more
Suisun Valley in Solano County offers unpretentious wine country just a short drive from Vacaville, San Francisco, and Sacramento. With half a dozen dog-friendly tasting rooms and farm stands selling fresh produce, it's a perfect fall day trip.
Read more
You do not need to drive hours for a great dog-friendly camping trip. Folsom Lake, Samuel P. Taylor, Point Mugu, and Campland on the Bay in San Diego all offer close-in outdoor fun with your pup.
Read more
Pleasant Hill in the East Bay offers affordable dog-friendly hotels, patio restaurants like Wence's Oyster Bar, and the 63-acre Paso Nogal Open Space with fenced dog parks. A solid base for exploring the Bay Area with your pup.
Read more
Whether you've already fallen for a specific dog or you're open to possibilities, choosing your next rescue companion starts with honest self-assessment. A veterinary behaviorist explains how to work with adoption counselors to find the right match.
Read more
The Sacramento River Delta is just minutes from downtown and loaded with dog-friendly wineries, live music patios, and funky eateries. From Scribner Bend Vineyards to Husick's BBQ in Clarksburg, a taste of rural California awaits.
Read more
It was one of those "Yahoo" moments that I found out the way to bring my little Jo to Yosemite. It was rewarding being in Yosemite with my fur baby overlooking Half Dome.
Read more