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.
German Shepherd rescue of Orange County
Gia, a stunning five-year-old German shepherd, was pulled from a high-kill shelter by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. She is bright, aware, and loyal, and GSROC is looking for just the right person to give her a forever home.
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DogTrekker raised $75,000 during Saving Senior Dogs Week 2023!
DogTrekker partnered with Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary to raise $75,000 during the fifth annual Saving Senior Dogs Week. Ten California rescues and others nationwide benefited from donations that help the most vulnerable older dogs find loving homes.
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Just a few rooms left for Pup Palooza!
Little River Inn hosts Pup Palooza, a lively spring celebration benefiting the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Dog painting, wine tasting, training workshops, and costume contests fill the day, and lodging packages make it easy to stay the full weekend.
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Personal access to best-in-show instructors
Wild Blue Dogs fall camp at Lake Tahoe features an all-star lineup of certified trainers and top dog professionals, including a national agility champion and certified behavior consultants who bring hands-on expertise to every activity.
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2024 Go California Photo Contest winners
Hundreds of entries poured in for DogTrekker's 2024 Go California Photo Contest, and thousands voted for their favorites. Meet the winning pups, including two Pomeranians waving from Glacier Point and a sidecar-riding dog cruising through Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Peninsula dog rescues: Where second chances begin
Peninsula dog rescues are giving dogs second chances through shelters and foster-based groups across San Mateo County. From the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA to small foster networks, these organizations invest in rehabilitation and thoughtful matching for lasting adoptions.
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November: Adopt a senior dog
November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a time to help older dogs find loving homes. Senior pets face the highest risk of euthanasia in shelters, yet they bring a lifetime of devotion, loyalty, and gentle companionship to the…
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Remembering Maya: DogTrekker’s beloved director of barketing
The DogTrekker team says goodbye to Maya, a rescue pup from Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue who became the heart of our journey as Director of Barketing. Her nine years of warmth and wagging reminded us that every pawprint tells…
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Borrow a buddy at the Beachcomber Properties, Fort Bragg
The Borrow a Buddy program at Fort Bragg's Beachcomber Hotel Group lets guests without dogs spend time with adoptable pups from the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Take a deserving shelter dog to a local beach, winery, or state park for…
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Bark and Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane's Bark and Meow Around the Block street fair returns August 23 at 2700 Ninth Street in Berkeley. Hundreds of adoptable dogs from more than two dozen Bay Area shelters will be on hand, alongside live music, food trucks…
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Happy New Year from DogTrekker!
DogTrekker kicks off 2026 with a look ahead at the coastal walks, mountain trails, and welcoming patios waiting for you and your dog across California. More hotels, trails, and restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for pups than ever…
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Dog-friendly dining on a riverfront patio
Noyo Harbor Inn's HarborView Bistro and Bar in Fort Bragg serves fresh seafood and California wines on a riverfront patio where dogs are welcome. Watch fishing boats drift by over brunch, happy hour, or a locally sourced dinner with sunset…
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New home for Family Dog Rescue
Family Dog Rescue has moved from San Francisco to Sonoma, expanding its mission to give homeless dogs a second chance. The nonprofit welcomes dogs of all kinds and uses a personalized adoption process to match each pet with the right…
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Must-attend events this summer and fall
California summers are packed with dog-friendly celebrations, from Sacramento River Cats Wet Nose Wednesdays and the Puptopia Festival in Big Bear to the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in San Diego and brewery fundraisers across the Bay Area. Here are our top…
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Cooper loved to travel
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…
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You’ll fall for this season’s dog-friendly events
Fall in California brings a wave of dog-friendly events, from the Pismo Beach Corgi Getaway and Berkeley Humane's adopt-a-thon to DogFest Northwest in Oakland, Bark in the Park in San Jose, and Halloween costume contests in Big Bear Village.
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Welcome to spring – and the 2024 event season!
Spring kicks off a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and SF Giants Dog Days at Oracle Park to adoption fundraisers, costume contests, and brewery tasting tours. Here are our top picks through…
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Five critical things to know about dogs and wildfires
California wildfire season poses serious risks to dogs, from poor air quality to emergency evacuations. Here are five critical steps to protect your pup, including limiting outdoor time, creating safe indoor spaces and preparing a go-bag. Let's talk about dogs…
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Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: Why your dog will thank you
Lake Tahoe is a dream for dogs and their people, with pristine beaches, mountain trails and pet-friendly lodging from South Lake to quieter spots like Tahoma. Here's how to plan the perfect Tahoe trip with your pup.
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Special events for you and your dog
Spring event season is here, and California's dog-loving community has plenty to look forward to. From the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash to DogFest in San Francisco, these fundraisers and adoption events bring people and pups together for a great cause.
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Welcome to summer events!
Summer is packed with dog-friendly events across California, from Bark at the Park in San Francisco to the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in San Diego. Browse adoptathons, fundraisers, costume contests, and more happening through the fall.
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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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Paw-some events for the dog days of summer
Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.
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Camp Layman, a doggie delight in the High Sierra
Camp Layman near Graeagle offers rustic 1920s cabins just a short walk from swimming and fishing in the Feather River. Dogs get their own blankets, and the quiet Sierra setting is perfect for hiking and trail sniffing.
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