Rescues and Adoption Blog
Puptopia Festival
Come to the Big Bear Puptopia Festival Saturday July 26 for a tail-wagging day of fun in Veterans Park. Enjoy the Pawground, relax in the
Paw-some events for the dog days of summer
With summer in full swing, pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California. Lucky dogs can join their people for incredible winery events, block parties, baseball
Keeping Tails Wagging: Caring, connecting, and celebrating with Napa Humane
Napa Humane has quietly become one of the most vital lifelines for animals and their people in Napa Valley. Through a mix of veterinary care,
DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!
With sunlight lingering longer and wildflowers breaking into bloom, now’s the perfect time to play outside. While you’re at it, why not make a positive
Napa Humane’s Pawsport: Fetch great deals and fun
Spring in Napa means lush hillsides, picture-perfect wildflowers and some of the best dog-friendly deals of the year. Napa Humane’s annual Pawsport event dishes up
Walk, run and play for Pasadena Humane
Pasadena Humane’s annual Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run is one of the nonprofit’s largest annual fundraisers, and it is especially significant
Our hearts are with Southern California: How you can help in this time of crisis
As we witness the devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping through Southern California, our hearts go out to all those affected – especially the families
2024 Go California Photo Contest winners
Hundreds of you entered DogTrekker’s 2024 Go California Photo Contest, and thousands voted for images of four-legged travel influencers enjoying lakes, beaches, parks and trails
Compassion Without Borders rescues 28 dogs in mission to Mexico
As the summer sun bakes California, the highways are dotted with camper vans bound for adventure. But for Moncho and Dr. Christi Camblor, founders of
Bark & Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane’s biggest annual adopt-a-thon and family-friendly street fair, Bark & Meow Around the Block returns on Saturday, September 7, 2024! This outdoor, free-to-attend event at 2700
Help Napa Humane create a year of paw-sitive moments
Napa Humane is dedicated to promoting the welfare of companion animals through protection, advocacy, education, and by example. You can contribute to their mission and
Bark in the Park
Grab your best friend and a leash and head to Bark in the Park Saturday, September 21 at William Street Park in downtown San Jose!
The joy of a ‘foster fail’ in dog rescue
The foster system: a lifeline for dogs In the world of dog rescue, the term "foster fail" is widely recognized and celebrated. Despite what the
How to pick the right rescue dog for your lifestyle
Walking into a shelter, the atmosphere is a mix of hopeful barks and the quiet shuffling of paws. You pass row after row of kennels,
Top therapy dog breeds: Discover the best canine companions for emotional support
Therapy dogs are more than just pets; they are trained companions that offer invaluable support to individuals dealing with various challenges. Whether it’s providing comfort
The East Bay SPCA Growl Meow & Wine silent auction is live
The East Bay SPCA Growl Meow & Wine silent auction is now open to the public! You can bid on hundreds of gifts and packages,
The East Bay SPCA now celebrating its 150th anniversary
Proud of its legacy of innovation and leadership since its founding in 1874, the East Bay SPCA has continuously evolved to address community needs and
Where to adopt a dog in Greater Palm Springs
If you're hanging out in the desert, and you want to share your experience with a rescue dog, here are our suggestions. Greater Palm Springs
Pleasant Hill recognizes two exciting anniversaries in 2024
The eastern side of the Bay is world-renowned for its dog-friendly outdoor recreation. It’s also home to amazing animal welfare organizations that have cared for
November: Adopt a senior dog
November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving homes. Senior pets are the last to be
Dogtrekker raised $75,000 during Saving Senior Dogs Week 2023!
Leave no dog behind. That’s the DogTrekker mission, and the principle that guides our work with California’s animal welfare organizations. A few of those organizations
Bark and Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane’s biggest annual adopt-a-thon and family-friendly event, Bark & Meow Around the Block, will return on Saturday, August 26, 2023!
Napa Humane Walk for Animals 2023
Come support Napa Humane at the 12th Annual Walk for Animals fundraising event at Yountville Community Park. This short stroll through town goes miles and
The essential guide to adopting a rescue dog in California
Rescuing a dog is a rewarding experience but also a significant commitment. Here's what you should do first and the questions you should ask to
Fireworks and Fido: the 4th of July’s impact on dogs
Despite the distress fireworks can cause, there are several strategies that can help keep dogs calm.
Welcome to summer events!
Check out these events for a cause! If you missed California rescue/adoption events this spring, no worries, the summer season is just beginning. DogTrekker.com's event section
Napa Humane Walk for Animals 2023
Come support Napa Humane at the 12th annual Walk for Animals fundraising event at Yountville Community Park! This short stroll through town goes miles and miles
Pawsport Yountville
Join Napa Humane for a dog-friendly wine tasting weekend benefitting its life-saving programs and services for Napa Valley companion animals. Pawsport Yountville perks are valid
Family Dog Rescue: A Sonoma haven for special dogs
Sonoma's Family Dog Rescue is no ordinary animal shelter. Nestled in the property that was once once the Aberglen Pet Resort, this establishment stands as
Borrow a buddy at the Beachcomber Properties, Fort Bragg
The “Borrow a Buddy” program is a great partnership between the Beachcomber Motel, Surf & Sand Lodge and the Beach House Inn, all in Fort Bragg, and the Mendocino Coast
Special events for you and your dog
DogTrekkers are a giving bunch as witnessed by their support for the adoption/rescue community through donations, volunteering, and attendance at
Celebrate National Puppy Day: Your guide to puppy adoption
Happy National Puppy Day! Today is the perfect day to celebrate the love and joy that puppies bring to our lives. With so many homeless
New home for Family Dog Rescue
Family Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving homeless dogs a second chance, has just announced its relocation from San Francisco to Sonoma, California.
Looking for a cute new pup?
In Northern California, more than four dozen abused Chihuahuas have been rescued from a hoarder's home. 50 dogs were rescued from "dirty conditions" in December
Why adopt an older dog?
When most people think about adopting a dog, they automatically think of puppies. There’s good reason for that: puppies are adorable, and everyone loves them.
The story of Sid: A senior dog rescue (video)
Senior dog Sid was rescued from a shelter and lucky enough to go into the fospice program through Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
Join the DogTrekker challenge!
At DogTrekker, we’re guided by one simple mission: Leave no dog behind. We support rescue and adoption animal welfare organizations – including Lily’s Legacy Senior
Muttville, celebrating 15 years, 2007-2022!
Happy birthday, Muttville family! We’re commemorating our first 15 years with as many milestones, surpassing 10,000 dogs rescued!
Napa Humane’s annual Walk for Animals is back, live!
The 11th annual Walk for Animals event benefiting Napa Valley's companion animals is not only the community's largest pet-friendly event, it's also Napa Humane's biggest
A Milo update: We need your help to survive
We are still up and running, rescuing and adopting! Both our Sanctuary location and Milo Point Richmond are very busy (by appointment only) getting lots
Marin Humane cancels Woofstock, needs support
From: Nancy McKenney, CEO/President, Donate Here! Marin Humane has been hard at work for animals, and the people who love them, during this period. Our
Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue vets save Cali
From: Judy Kreger, Founder & CEO, Donate Here! Monterey Bay Lab Rescue is continuing to take in Labs and Lab mixes that need rescue, virus
Muttville set to rescue their 8,000th dog!
“I had no idea how we were going to do this,” says Sherri Franklin, founder and CEO of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. “I just knew
Meet Faraday, a hospice story from Lily’s Legacy
Meet Faraday. Rescued by two good samaritans from years wandering alone in the vineyards of central California, this lost soul with the gentle heart was
Peace of Mind dog rescue
Finding homes for senior dogs and advocating for senior dogs and senior people on the Central Coast is the mission of this rescue that holds
Grand-paws senior sanctuary
Grand-Paws mission is to rescue primarily large-breed, senior dogs who’ve been abandoned and let them live out their lives in the Acton sanctuary or in
Lionel’s Legacy senior dog rescue
This San Diego-based senior dog rescue is dedicated to saving one senior dog at a time and educating young minds to create a legacy of
Muttville senior dog rescue
Muttville founder Sheri Franklin was named a Top 10 CNN hero in 2016 for her efforts in changing the way people think about and treat
Macy’s holiday windows
If you're going to San Francisco this holiday season, don't miss the chance to check out Holiday Windows. It's a SF collaboration between the San
North Valley Animal Disaster Group 2019
In the last few weeks, as fires have raged across California, and all too many of us have had to leave our homes on short
Dog Samaritans at Westin Mission Hills
Since 1978, Animal Samaritans has been nurturing the human-animal connection in the Coachella Valley. Their network of community support has allowed the Samaritans to provide
New training classes at the East Bay SPCA
The East Bay SPCA has completely revamped their training classes to accommodate the modern needs of the urban or suburban dog while using the most
Norcal Poodle Rescue
Were you and yours part of the epic Poodle Day festivities in Carmel last week? People and poodles gathered from all over,and it was great
Helen Woodward Animal Center 2019
Meet Goose, a pretty 2-year-old Siberian husky mix who's currently residing with Helen Woodward Animal Center. A nice medium size at 42 pounds, she's a
Humane Society for inland Mendocino County
For almost 30 years now, the Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County has been providing a safe haven for the county's critters in distress, finding
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue 2019
Little Poco has had quite a lot to deal with lately. When this scruffy, sweet terrier mix was 6, his elderly owners surrendered him to
Butte Humane Society 2019
Here's Cruiser, a happy, playful Lab/pit mix guy who, like lots of other dogs, lost his home due to the Camp Fire. Luckily for him he
Santa Cruz SPCA new forever home
This just in from our friends at Santa Cruz SPCA -- they're building a new state-of-the-art facility, and construction's already under way. Meanwhile, Charlie Chaplin
Friends of the Animal Community 2019
Now 7 months old, Chester was pretty much still a puppy when his wild ways landed him in the shelter. Luckily for him, Friends of
Peace of Mind dog rescue
Cinnamon here is the poster girl for graceful aging. At 14, she's not only kept her looks and sweet disposition, her joie de vivre is
Contra Costa Humane Society
Contra Costa Humane Society is a small independent humane society formed in 1991 by the merger of two local animal welfare
Pets Without Partners 2019
Alvin, it appears, is a family dog. He loves people, adult and kid. He gets along with other dogs. He gets along with cats. But
How to choose your next rescue dog
By Jeannine Berger DVM, DACVB, DACAW, CAWA, Vice President of Rescue and Welfare, San Francisco SPCA When rescuing a dog, you can take two different
Family Dog Rescue 2019
"A dog can make a house a home," says SF's Family Dog Rescue, which has been helping families of all sorts and dogs of all
North Valley Animal Disaster Group
If you're feeling both helpless and grateful as rains finally douse the catastrophic Camp Fire, you're not alone. But there are a lot of heroes
Waggin’ trails Rescue Foundation 2018
Not long ago Phoebe (black) and Henry (blond) were tiny puppies, facing a bleak future in a rural California shelter with few resources and little
German shepherd rescue of Orange county
It's hard to believe now that Gia was once in mortal danger, but there she was, stuck in a high-kill shelter with no prospects. Luckily
Pets lifeline 2018
Wherever Chavo came from, he was much loved and knows how to be a good dog. That's the report from his foster parents at Pets
Jessica’s haven
Back in 2008, serendipity struck when Laura Cottingham and Laura Hislop took over a dog kennel in San Rafael—and Hislop's daughter Jessica, who had some
Haven humane society saving lives in carr fire
As fires rage through Northern California, Haven Humane Society is on the front lines, providing refuge to the animals of families fleeing the region as
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch 2018
Meet Bart, a large, easygoing senior guy who may be a bit past his crazy running-around stage but is enjoying excellent health in his golden
Rocket Dog rescue 2018
San Francisco's Rocket Dog Rescue is celebrating its 17th birthday, mostly doing what it does best—saving dogs who really, really need it. Since they opened
Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue 2018
If you're seeking a calm, easygoing companion for your road trips who's also happy to just hang out with you around the house, look no
California labradors, retrievers and more rescue
Strolling on the beach. Chilling on the couch. Mai Tai is definitely up for both those things and can't wait to meet you to discuss
Helen Woodward Animal Center 2018
Looking for the perfect companion for your outdoor fun? Look no further than this smiley guy. At 5 years old and 60-ish pounds, Wilson here
Animal Rescue Foundation 2018
Meet Lisbeth Salander, Nordic heroine, who's just emerging from puppyhood and anxious to find her lifelong family. Preferably one who's interested in getting out and
Family Dog Rescue 2018
San Francisco's Family Dog Rescue's guiding philosophy is "We believe that when you adopt a dog, a family is created" — and they exist to
Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue 2018
Maya, DogTrekker's Director of Barketing™, says: "It's been a busy year for me since last spring, what with all the new responsibilities I've taken on
Dogwood Animal Rescue
In 2015, some dedicated animal lovers and veteran rescuers looked around at the state of things in Sonoma County and thought, what can we do
Napa Humane 2018
Our friends at Napa Humane have found themselves extra busy in recent months, as the fires of fall swept across the region last October, causing
Deaf dogs rock
It all started with Nitro, a little white boxer pup with one blue eye. Extremely cute, the skinny little stray was a great favorite with
Lily’s Legacy 2017
Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary reports that, thanks to the kind generosity of lots of volunteers and supporters, 2017 has been a great year for
Humane Society Silicon Valley 2017
It's official: Humane Society Silicon Valley is a model shelter. So says the Koret Shelter Medicine Program of the University of California at Davis, which
Leave no paws behind 2017
The call came in to Leave No Paws Behind — a young husky, barely a year old, had landed in a high-kill Southern California shelter
San francisco SPCA 2017
Looking for a sweet, loving young dog? Meet Matt Cain. This one-year-old German shepherd mix boy loves to meet new people, eat delicious treats and
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch 2017
When Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch says it doesn't give up on the dogs it takes in, the commitment is real. Take the story of Annie,
High Sierra Animal Rescue
If you seek a companion for your High Sierra adventures, look no further than Jack, seen here enjoying an outing to the Feather River with
Orphan dog rescue
Mike and Karen Schaver had long dreamed of buying a big ranch to provide a safe haven and lots of TLC for homeless dogs (and
Helen Woodward Animal Center 2017
Meet Jacket! This big, happy-go-lucky Lab-shepherd mix is still a puppy at heart—he's not quite 2. The world is pretty new and exciting for him,
Humane society of Tuolumne County 2017
Peter and Mary here got a bad start in life. Luckily for them, they landed at the Humane Society of Tuolumne County when they were
Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue 2017
Meet Bandit. He's 12. Or maybe 13. But you'd never know it. He's remarkably healthy, happy, playful, and good-natured, with no health issues other than
SPCA for Monterey County 2017
The SPCA for Monterey County got the call: Three tiny puppies, about two weeks old, trapped under a classroom in Salinas. No mom in sight.
Bay area german shepherd rescue 2017
Meet the lovely Rex, the perfect companion for your DogTreks and family outings. He's a big, happy guy, who gets along great with people, dogs…and
Waggin’ trails 2017
Landing in a shelter is rarely a good thing if you're a dog. If you're in an overcrowded California rural shelter with no resources and
Muttville senior dog rescue 2017
Last year marked some milestones (like 912 senior dogs saved in 2016!) and accolades for Muttville, as founder Sherri Franklin was named a Top 10
Napa Humane 2017
Since we last checked in with Napa Humane, they've been working hard for the critters of Napa Valley. Besides working with local shelters and rescues
Pyrpaw Rescue
Some months ago, Bear was facing death before his life had really started, through no fault of his own. At 2 1/2, the happy, healthy
Rocket Dog Rescue 2016
Things looked grim for young Chance. An energetic young German shepherd, he'd managed to get hit by a car, shattering his left front leg in
The tiny pitbull
A few years ago, in the wake of harrowing treatments for a life-threatening cancer, North Bay resident Christine Del Ponte started volunteering with dogs in
Pets Lifeline 2016
Meet Sean and Connery. Wandering homeless through the streets of Sonoma County earlier this year, these two Chihuahua-mix BFFs were in rough shape. A skin
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue 2016
It's been an eventful year so far for the good folks at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. In July, Muttville founder and executive director Sherri Franklin
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch
Once, handsome Gunner had his own happy home and loving family. Then came the Napa earthquake, and he lost both. In foster care, this happy
Lily’s Legacy
When her owners split up, Deli lost her home. Luckily, she landed at Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary in Petaluma, where her people-loving ways and
East Bay SPCA
Meet Robin Hood! This foxy little guy, currently enjoying the hospitality of the East Bay SPCA while he awaits his new home, got his name
Home Society Silicon Valley
Meet the lovely Cheechoo, as fine a canine companion as ever was. When he landed at Humane Society Silicon Valley a few months back, this
Peninsula Home Society and SPCA
Coco is a happy, healthy girl in search of her forever home. In January, when she first landed at Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, it
Monterey bay labrador retriever rescue
Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue got its start four years ago when some longtime Lab rescue volunteers noticed that while a number of Lab groups
Waggin’ trails rescue foundation
Location, location, location. If you're a shelter dog, it can make the difference between life and death. Especially in overcrowded, underfunded shelters in remote areas,
Tails of gray
These days, senior dogs often end up homeless through no fault of their own and don't fare well when they land in overcrowded, stressful shelters
Marley’s mutts
Back in 2008, Zach Skow was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, the result of lifelong alcohol abuse. And it was the prospect of rescuing dogs—specifically,
Animal samaritans
Meet Fritz. This 8-year-old schnauzer landed in animal control, and his people never came and got him. Luckily for Fritz, the good folks at Animal
Humane society of Tuolumne County
When Abbott here was 4 months old, he ingested a corncob, which quickly got stuck in his intestines. Despite his obvious distress, his human family
Family dog rescue
Not so long ago, the soulful Felipe was trying to survive on the streets of Tijuana. His quick wits and friendly personality served him well,
Bay area german shepherd rescue 2016
Every day a family in the Bay Area contacts Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue to get help rehoming their German Shepherd Dog. Perhaps surprisingly, BAGSR
Second chance german shepherd rescue
Falco. Photo Credit: Second Chance German Shepherd Rescue Pulled in the nick of time from a high-kill shelter in Fresno, young Falco had barely arrived
Golden gate labrador retriever rescue
Recently, the good folks at Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue noticed that a growing number of the dogs who needed them came with health issues
East Bay SPCA 2015
Things have been pretty lively over at the East Bay SPCA lately. Especially since the Oaktown Pup video, featuring EBSPCA dogs, people, and even Oakland
Senior dogs with a lot of living to do
They may be getting up in years, but senior dogs still want to have fun. Getting out and about with their beloved folks is a
Mendocino coast humane society 2013
Since we last checked in with the good folks at Mendocino Coast Humane Society, who have been pitching in since 2001 to help the county's
Sequoia humane society
Tux is one of many cute dogs who have found a safe place to land at the Sequoia Humane Society in Eureka while waiting for
“voluntourism” opportunities at milo
The Milo Foundation's Sanctuary in Mendocino County—283 acres of woods, meadows, creeks and hills—is home at any moment to hundreds of critters, most of them
Contra costa humane society
Founded in 1991, Contra Costa Humane Society (CCHS) works to improve and save the lives of animals in the county through a variety of successful
Bones animal rescue
BONES (Better Options for NEglected Strays) in Covelo was started by a dedicated group of volunteers in rural Mendocino County who realized that between the
Butte humane society
Since 1911, Chico's Butte Humane Society, one of the county's oldest nonprofit agencies, has been coming to the aid of animals in need, helping the
Humane society for inland Mendocino county
At its shelter in Redwood Valley, the Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County offers a safe haven for dogs and cats who find themselves in
Great dane rescue of northern California
Great Dane Rescue of Northern California stands ready to act as a safety net for these lovable giants, whether it's a matter of landing in
Lily’s legacy
When Alice Mayn, a longtime foster for NorCal Golden Retriever Rescue, got word that a 12-year-old golden in ill health had been picked up wandering
Golden gate labrador retriever rescue
There's a reason Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America. You probably have met many representatives of this gentle, intelligent, family-loving breed,
Golden state greyhound adoption
Golden State Greyhound Adoption places retired racing greyhounds in adoptive homes in the San Francisco Bay Area, the greater Sacramento area and beyond.