Life with dogs Blog
More wet ways to play
Stand-up paddleboarding with your dog is catching on across California. From SUP PUPS clinics at Lake Tahoe to Dog-Paddle Saturdays in San Rafael, there are plenty of ways for you and your pup to ride a board together.
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At Tahoe: The ultimate doggie meetup
Camp Winnaribbun turns a 33-acre Tahoe property into doggie paradise each summer, with off-leash beach play, dock diving, agility training, nose work, and daily hikes. Evening campfires and shared meals give owners a chance to swap stories and training tips.
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Lake Tahoe: Winter fun with your dog
Winter in North Lake Tahoe brings fewer crowds, deep snow, and a landscape made for long walks with your dog. From Truckee's gritty main street to Kings Beach's quiet shoreline and Tahoe City's groomed Nordic trails, each community offers its…
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Discover dog-friendly Oakland: A canine paradise
Oakland is one of the Bay Area's most dog-welcoming cities, with 73 regional parks, off-leash trails in the hills, sunny weather when San Francisco is socked in with fog, and walkable neighborhoods like Rockridge and Temescal lined with dog-friendly patios…
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DogTrekker® 15th anniversary
DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind --…
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At Tahoe: Plowed trails for tails
Lake Tahoe maintains a network of plowed winter trails perfect for walking your dog without skis or snowshoes. The Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and paths in Incline Village are all great options.
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California’s new dog-friendly rules will blow your mind
California's dog-friendly travel scene expanded dramatically in 2025, with new CDC travel regulations, luxury hotel pet packages in Napa and San Diego, expanded airport relief areas, and tech tools that simplify planning trips with your pup. California's reputation as a…
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5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures
Five insider tips for smoother California road trips with your dog, including pet-friendly rest stops with fenced play areas, hidden beaches away from crowds, no-fee hotel chains, dog-welcome ferries and trains, and local visitor centers with canine-specific recommendations.
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Dog Samaritans at Westin Mission Hills
The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage partners with Animal Samaritans to host adoptable dogs near the front desk. Guests get to walk and snuggle adoption candidates, and so far 143 dogs have found forever homes through the program.
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Top dog-friendly breweries
Greater Palm Springs is home to dog-welcoming breweries where you can sip craft beer with your pup beside you. La Quinta Brewing Co., Coachella Valley Brewing, and Babe's Bar-B-Que all offer outdoor seating with mountain views. Raise a glass (and…
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Escape your ordinary in Greater Palm Springs
In Greater Palm Springs, every day is an invitation to adventure for you and your dog, with scenic hiking trails, sun-drenched patios, and a variety of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. In Greater Palm Springs, every day is an invitation…
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Three amazing dog-friendly road trips in California
Three dog-friendly California road trips worth taking: Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes through the Eastern Sierra, Jenner to Leggett along the coast, and Redding to Mount Shasta through volcanic country. Each route features pet-friendly stops and stunning scenery.
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Marin County’s best-kept secret that locals will deny exists
There are no signs to Bolinas — the locals keep taking them down. But if you find the turnoff from Highway 1, you'll discover off-leash beaches, secret waterfall hikes, and one of Marin's most dog-friendly towns.
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Support animal welfare organizations in California
This holiday season, support California's dog rescue and adoption organizations. From Napa Humane to Rocket Dog Rescue, here are our favorite groups working to give every pup a loving home.
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Exceptional experiences in Yosemite
Yosemite's gateway towns are welcoming a wave of new glamping and adventure hotels. From canvas tents in Mariposa to safari-style camps in Groveland, these fresh lodging options put you close to the park with dog-friendly rooms and outdoor experiences.
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Put these hiking havens on your radar
Bay Area regional park districts offer incredible hiking with your dog. East Bay Regional Parks has 1,200 miles of trails, Marin County Parks manages 34 preserves, and Monterey County welcomes off-leash dogs at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley.
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Dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma County
Sonoma County's wine country pairs world-class vintages with a warm welcome for dogs. From the canine-celebrating Mutt Lynch Winery to Kunde Family's guided dog hikes through the vineyards, tasting has never been more fun.
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A weekend for romance
Plan a romantic, dog-friendly Valentine's weekend along the California coast. Pacific Grove's Andril Fireplace Cottages, Bodega Bay's rugged shoreline, and Mendocino's Stanford Inn all offer fireplaces, ocean views, and warm welcomes for your four-legged companion.
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Let’s go coasting: Pacifica to Carmel
Highway 1 between Pacifica and Carmel packs 122 miles of dog-friendly beaches, coastal trails, and charming towns. Walk the Devil's Slide Trail, lunch seaside in Santa Cruz, and let your pup run off-leash on Carmel Beach before exploring the village.
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Eco all the way
From hemp collars and recycled-fill dog beds to coconut-based shampoos and durable Orbee-Tuff toys, eco-friendly dog products let you green up your pup's gear without sacrificing quality. A few smart swaps can make your DogTrekking adventures kinder to the planet.
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Service dog etiquette for pets and people
Good manners around service dogs matter for pets and people alike. A guide dog handler shares advice on when to ask permission, how to approach and why controlling your own dog around working animals is so important.
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Scenic coasting in Monterey County
Monterey County's coastline offers dog-friendly beaches from Monterey State Beach to wild Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. The crown jewel is Carmel Beach, where dogs run off-leash on white sand in one of America's most dog-welcoming communities.
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Home Society Silicon Valley
Cheechoo, an 8-year-old pit bull mix at Humane Society Silicon Valley, overcame a tough flea allergy and graduated from obedience training with flying colors. This belly-rub-loving gentleman with excellent leash manners is ready for his forever home.
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Cataract Falls: A California classic
The hike to Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais is a Marin County classic, with nine cascades tumbling along a wooded ravine. The 2.5-mile round trip is strenuous but hugely popular with dogs and their people, especially after winter rains.
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