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.
Shelter in the Tahoe snow
Tahoe in winter calls for snowy adventures by day and cozy cabin retreats at night. Cedar Glen Lodge, Tahoma Meadows, and Sorensen's Resort all welcome dogs and offer quick access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
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In GPS, five pet-friendly hotels are raising the bar
Five Greater Palm Springs hotels go above and beyond for dogs, from The Saguaro's no-fee policy for pets of any size to La Quinta Resort's PAWS program and Westin Mission Hills' on-site adoption partnership with a local shelter.
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5 best dog-friendly luxury hotels in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs takes dog-friendly lodging seriously. From in-room massages at La Quinta Resort to pastry-chef treats at Parker Palm Springs, these five luxury hotels pamper pups in style. Greater Palm Springs is all about staying in style—and why should…
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Animal Samaritans: Coachella Valley’s largest pet rescue
Animal Samaritans has served the Coachella Valley since 1978, growing from bake-sale beginnings into the desert's largest animal welfare organization. With no-kill shelters, full-service vet clinics and a pet therapy program, they rescue hundreds of animals each year.
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Dog Samaritans at Westin Mission Hills
The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage partners with Animal Samaritans to host adoptable dogs near the front desk. Guests get to walk and snuggle adoption candidates, and so far 143 dogs have found forever homes through the program.
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Where to adopt a dog in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs shelters like the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms make it easy to adopt a rescue dog. Both offer thorough matching processes and full medical care with each adoption. If you're hanging out…
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How to find a lost dog: Essential tips
If your dog goes missing, act fast. Search your neighborhood, post on social media and local lost-pet groups, contact shelters, and leave familiar-scented items outside your home. These essential tips can help bring your pup back safely.
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Support animal welfare organizations in California
This holiday season, support California's dog rescue and adoption organizations. From Napa Humane to Rocket Dog Rescue, here are our favorite groups working to give every pup a loving home.
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Join the DogTrekker challenge!
DogTrekker launched a challenge benefiting Saving Senior Dogs Week, donating $1,000 to help rescue organizations that focus on older dogs. Senior pups are the least likely to be adopted and most at risk in shelters, making this cause especially important.
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Family dog rescue
Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco saves dogs of all sizes, breeds and backgrounds, carefully matching each one with the right forever family. They also run spay and neuter clinics in the Central Valley to reduce homeless populations.
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Join the mighty mutt march!
Dog lovers rallied at Crissy Field for the Mighty Mutt March to protest proposed restrictions on dog walking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The march aimed to protect access to Fort Funston, Ocean Beach and Muir Beach.
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Preparing your dog for a new baby
Expecting a baby? Start preparing your dog now. A veterinary behaviorist from the San Francisco SPCA shares tips on establishing new routines, setting boundaries with baby gates and helping your pup adjust calmly before and after the baby arrives.
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Tails of gray
Tails of Gray in Clayton rescues senior dogs from shelters and gives them medical care and love while they wait for new families. These gentle, calm companions are often overlooked, but they make wonderfully grateful additions to any home.
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Pet-passionate Stanford Inn
The Stanford Inn By the Sea in Mendocino has welcomed pets for decades, greeting dogs with treats and food bowls. Next door, Catch-A-Canoe rents outrigger canoes where up to four dogs can ride while you paddle Big River.
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No tent or rv? no problem…
No tent? No problem. From dog-friendly KOA cabins near Petaluma and Watsonville to Casini Ranch on the Russian River, these soft-camping options let you and your pup enjoy the outdoors without a full gear kit.
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Dog-friendly Stanford Inn, Mendocino
Mendocino's Stanford Inn by the Sea has welcomed dogs for decades, greeting them with treats, food bowls, and furniture covers. Next door, Catch A Canoe rents stable canoes for exploring the Big River with your pup.
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Bike or hike to the beach
The Bob Jones Bike Trail in Avila Beach is a 2.5-mile paved path from Highway 101 to the ocean, passing apple orchards and a golf course. At trail's end, off-leash Olde Port Beach rewards you and your dog.
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Dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma County
Sonoma County's wine country pairs world-class vintages with a warm welcome for dogs. From the canine-celebrating Mutt Lynch Winery to Kunde Family's guided dog hikes through the vineyards, tasting has never been more fun.
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Beaching it in South SLO County
SLO County's south coast stretches from Pismo Beach to Avila, offering dog-friendly sand, oceanfront dining, and scenic trails. Pismo's Dinosaur Caves Park has blufftop views, while Avila's Olde Port Beach lets dogs play off-leash in the surf beside evening bonfires.
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The Stanford Inn – authentically eco-minded
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino has practiced sustainability since the 1980s, with organic gardens, vegan dining at Ravens Restaurant, biodiesel trucks, and green cleaning. Dogs are welcome at this eco-minded resort overlooking Mendocino Bay.
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BADRAP: Oakland’s pit bull rescue and advocacy group
BADRAP, the Oakland-based pit bull rescue and advocacy group, has spent over two decades helping bully breeds land in loving homes. Known nationally for saving Michael Vick's dogs, they also offer free training classes.
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How Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary began
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary grew from one woman's bond with a 12-year-old golden retriever found wandering in Santa Rosa. Founded in 2009, the rescue gives large-breed senior dogs loving homes or lifetime care.
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Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF): Adoptable dogs in Walnut Creek
Meet Milky Way, an energetic young kelpie mix waiting for his forever home at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek. ARF also offers Camp ARF summer sessions where kids can interact with animals.
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Home Society Silicon Valley
Cheechoo, an 8-year-old pit bull mix at Humane Society Silicon Valley, overcame a tough flea allergy and graduated from obedience training with flying colors. This belly-rub-loving gentleman with excellent leash manners is ready for his forever home.
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