Rescues and adoption Blog
Since we entered the ring in 2011, the DogTrekker founders have dedicated revenue, editorial and promotional support to California shelters, rescue organizations and animal welfare groups. It’s all part of our Leave No Dog Behind mission, which puts pets first—whether we’re helping our readers to plan unforgettable DogCations or building a better world for our furry friends and rescue partners.
How to start right with a rescue dog adoption
The early days of a rescue adoption shape everything that follows. From dog-proofing your home to understanding the 3-3-3 adjustment rule, here's how to set up a new rescue dog for a smooth, confident transition into your family.
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Nervous about your dog on a train? Start small
Not sure how your dog will handle a train ride? The miniature steam train at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley makes a great test run. The park itself offers swimming, hiking, and a botanical garden across more than 2,000 acres.
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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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East Bay SPCA Growl Meow & Wine auction live
The East Bay SPCA's Growl Meow and Wine silent auction features hundreds of packages, from hotel stays to sustainable dog gear. All proceeds support the organization's mission of keeping pets and people together.
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Top therapy dog breeds for emotional support
From golden retrievers and Labradors to gentle Cavalier King Charles spaniels, certain breeds are natural fits for therapy work. Learn which dogs make the best emotional support companions and why.
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The health benefits of having dogs in your life
Owning a dog brings real health benefits, from lower blood pressure and better weight management to reduced stress and stronger social connections. Dog owners are four times more likely to meet weekly exercise goals.
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Where to adopt a dog in the Bay Area
The Bay Area has dozens of rescue groups across San Francisco, the East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, North Bay, and Wine Country. We round up the shelters, breed-specific rescues, and senior dog sanctuaries ready to match you with your next…
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How to help Southern California in this crisis
As wildfires devastate Southern California, the DogTrekker team shares ways to support displaced families and their pets. Donate to organizations like Pasadena Humane, SPCA LA and Best Friends Animal Society. As we witness the devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping…
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Golden State Greyhound Adoption
Golden State Greyhound Adoption places retired racing greyhounds in Bay Area and Sacramento homes. These sweet, gentle dogs adapt well to home life after their track careers end, and volunteers foster each one until the right permanent family comes along.
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Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue
Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue finds homes for Labs in need across the Bay Area and Sacramento region. Whether a dog was surrendered or abandoned, the all-volunteer group carefully matches each Lab with the right forever family.
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Great Dane rescue of Northern California
Great Dane Rescue of Northern California serves as a safety net for these lovable giants, taking in dogs from shelters and owners facing hardship. Volunteers across the region match each dog with the right forever home.
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Butte Humane Society
Chico's Butte Humane Society has helped lost and abandoned animals since 1911 through adoptions, foster care, public education, and a low-cost spay-neuter clinic. The staff goes out of its way to match dogs with adopters.
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Pet-friendly Monterey wine country
Monterey Wine Country spreads across three dog-friendly wine trails near Carmel Valley. Family-owned tasting rooms along Carmel Valley Road, the River Road bench, and the Monterey Bay coastline welcome four-legged visitors with open arms and outdoor seating.
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Bones Animal Rescue
BONES pet rescue in rural Covelo takes in dogs, cats, and farm animals that might otherwise have nowhere to go. The volunteer-driven organization runs an effective spay-neuter program and provides lifelong sanctuary for senior and special-needs animals.
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Contra Costa Humane Society
Contra Costa Humane Society runs programs from low-cost spay-neuter assistance to AniMeals, which provides pet food to 450 families so they can keep their animals. CCHS also fosters shelter dogs and matches pets needing new homes with prospective adopters.
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“Voluntourism” opportunities at Milo
The Milo Foundation's 283-acre sanctuary in Mendocino County welcomes volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, and help with chores. Families can arrange day or overnight visits, camp on-site, and bring their own well-behaved dogs to explore off-leash trails.
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Sequoia Humane Society
The Sequoia Humane Society in Eureka is a no-kill shelter that keeps dogs and cats as long as needed to find forever homes. They also offer spay and neuter assistance, microchipping, and the Tailwaggers Thrift Shop.
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Mendocino Coast Humane Society 2013
The Mendocino Coast Humane Society continues its community-driven mission to help homeless pets. From the innovative Kitty Kottage that reduced cat returns to plans for a 1.5-acre dog play area, volunteers and donors keep making life better for shelter animals.
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Second Chance German Shepherd Rescue
Second Chance German Shepherd Rescue saved young Falco from a high-kill shelter and fixed his painful jaw condition. This all-volunteer group, founded by over 60 breed rescue veterans, pulls German Shepherds from danger and prepares them for loving forever homes.
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Humane Society of Tuolumne County
The Humane Society of Tuolumne County saved Abbott, a young Dane mix who needed two surgeries after swallowing a corncob. This no-kill shelter in Jamestown also provides low-cost spay and neuter services and humane education for the community.
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Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation
Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation pulls about 50 dogs each month from overcrowded and underfunded California shelters, providing vet care and foster homes before transporting them to rescue partners where loving families are waiting to adopt.
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Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue
Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue pulls Labs from overcrowded shelters across California and places about 125 dogs per year into loving homes. All-volunteer fosters provide one-on-one care, and families anywhere in California can adopt.
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Bay Area German Shepherd rescue 2017
Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue takes a fresh approach to rehoming by letting owners keep their dogs while BAGSR finds the right match. The result is faster adoptions, fewer returns and smoother transitions for dogs like the lovable Rex.
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Haven Humane Society saving lives in Carr Fire
When the Carr Fire tore through Northern California, Haven Humane Society sheltered over 700 displaced animals while community support poured in. Volunteers, supplies and partner rescues all rallied to help pets and families affected by the disaster.
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