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.
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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.
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more