Paw Press Blog
Welcome to Paw Press, DogTrekker.com’s update on what’s happening in the dog world. We cover doggie events that we attend; provide updates on where we’ve been; inform you of new, dog-passionate lodging packages; and keep current with dog advocates’ on-going battles to maintain and grow access to dog-friendly areas.
Dog-friendly Mendocino County is magic in spring
Mendocino County's spring sweet spot: wildflowers on the bluffs, quieter trails and patios, and dog-welcoming lodging from intimate inns to coastal resorts. Our guide to Mendocino hotels, dining, breweries, Stone Ranch and Mendocino Grove, plus the top 10 dog-friendly activities…
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Wild Blue Dogs camp at Tahoe? You lucky dog!
Wild Blue Dogs' fall camp in South Lake Tahoe, September 13-19, pairs bonding activities like agility, nose work and kayaking with certified trainers. All proceeds support canine cancer research, and you'll enjoy quiet Tahoe beaches and great weather all week.
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Make Noyo Harbor Inn your ulti-mutt fall getaway
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg pairs Mendocino Coast beauty with genuine dog-friendly hospitality. Leashed dogs join guests at HarborView Bistro, and the inn's grounds and nearby coastal trails make it easy to keep your pup happy all weekend.
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Award-winning California hotels that welcome four-legged guests
From Palm Springs resorts to Bay Area landmarks, California's best dog-friendly hotels earned major accolades in 2024. Here are award-winning properties that treat your pup like a VIP guest. California is home to some of the finest dog-friendly hotels in…
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Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
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Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal
DogTrekker's new SoCal Portal showcases Southern California's best dog-friendly places to stay, play, hike, dine, and splash, from laid-back beach towns to high-desert escapes. Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts—Southern California is a dog lover's dream. DogTrekker.com's brand-new SoCal Portal pulls…
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Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season
California's splash season means it's time to hit the water with your dog. From Russian River paddling trips to Mendocino coast kayaking, these DogTrekker-tested favorites offer seaside coves, freshwater lakes and rivers for every water-loving pup.
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Plan your perfect Sacramento daycation
Sacramento is a dog-travel powerhouse with 32 miles of river parkway trails, farm-to-fork dining on spacious patios and craft breweries that welcome pups. These one-day itineraries pair top dog-friendly hotels with the best the capital city has to offer.
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DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!
DogTrekker's spring and summer 2025 event guide highlights pup-friendly fundraisers across California. From Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk to the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and Woofstock Chico, your participation supports rescue efforts that change animal lives.
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Hit reset in the sunny Shasta Cascade region
The Shasta Cascade region spans eight Northern California counties filled with mountains, forests, rivers and high desert. For dog lovers, it means room to roam, small-town hospitality, swimming holes and long trails with dramatic volcanic scenery around every bend.
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Plan a summer reset in the Shasta Cascade region
Northern California's Shasta Cascade region spans eight counties packed with national and state parks, trails, lakes and pet-friendly towns. From Mount Shasta's peaks to Burney Falls, spring brings wildflowers and ideal conditions for exploring with your dog.
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Aragon: the Great Dane who survived three rattlesnake bites
A curious Great Dane named Aragon survived three rattlesnake bites in just eight months. His owner shares how quick veterinary care and pet insurance helped them through each frightening encounter at their California home.
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Fetch special rates for Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp
Wild Blue Dogs, a nonprofit fighting canine cancer, hosts a week-long fall camp on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. The all-inclusive event features private beach access, hiking, education sessions, and plenty of fun for dogs and their people.
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Dogs take on the National Park Service
Dog access to California's parks and beaches has come under increasing pressure in recent years. The fight over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area showed what's at stake. Here's how responsible dog owners can protect outdoor access for all.
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Wild Blue Dogs summer camp early-bird ends March 15
Wild Blue Dogs Camp at Lake Tahoe runs weeklong sessions packed with dog training, agility, kayaking, and beach time. The nonprofit raises funds for canine cancer treatment, making every visit count for a good cause.
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Where to stay and play in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake shines in autumn with golden leaves, warm days and cooler evenings under starry skies. Lower lodging rates and fewer crowds mean more room for your dog to play at this mountain getaway.
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Winter pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is a wonderful winter destination for dogs and their people. Leashed pups can enjoy paved trails past iconic landmarks, snowy forest hikes, and cozy pet-friendly lodging at spots like Tenaya Lodge and AutoCamp Yosemite.
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Keeping tails wagging with Napa Humane
Napa Humane supports pets and their families through spay/neuter clinics, dog training classes, behavior hotlines and safety-net programs. Their summer calendar features community mixers, Dine & Donate nights and a pet photo calendar contest.
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Winter offers at Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg offers two winter specials through March 2026, including a weeknight rate starting at two hundred thirty-nine dollars and a third-night-free deal. Set along the Noyo River with dog-friendly rooms and a welcoming outdoor patio…
Read morePawsh on the mountain: a dog day at Chaminade
Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz hosts Pawsh Retreat on August 24, featuring dog pools, pet massages, agility games, a canine fashion show and adoptable pups. Admission is free with a suggested donation benefiting the Santa Cruz SPCA.
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Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa: pet-friendly adventures
Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa County deliver two trips in one: snow-dusted scenery and quiet roads give way to roaring waterfalls and fresh green foothills. Either season is perfect for exploring with your dog by your side.
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Spring pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County brings swelling rivers, wildflowers, and fresh scents that delight dogs on paved paths where leashed pets are welcome. See Bridalveil Fall at peak flow, explore Sierra National Forest trails, and discover dog-friendly towns beyond the…
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Big Bear Lake warms up: events for 2026
Big Bear Lake kicks off 2026 with the Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics on April 18, followed by the third annual Puptopia Festival on July 25. Expect agility courses, costume contests, and a full day of tail-wagging fun at…
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Share your thoughts and feed a shelter dog
Take the 2024 DogTrekker Reader Survey and help shape future travel stories. Your feedback supports our ongoing work with dog rescue organizations across California, and every response helps us continue covering dogs who need forever homes.
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