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.
Disaster preparedness for pets
September is National Preparedness Month, and your pets need a disaster plan too. From evacuation kits with food, water and medical records to arranging safe shelter, here is how to keep your furry family members protected.
Read more
Winter woes and wags
Cold weather doesn't mean your dog's exercise routine has to stall. An SF SPCA behavior expert shares tips for rainy-day walks, indoor fetch, and mental enrichment like frozen Kongs and snuffle mats to keep your pup happy all winter.
Read more
Friends of the Animal Community 2019
Chester, a young Catahoula mix, went from running the streets to training with inmates through Friends of the Animal Community's PUPP program in Tuolumne County. After 12 weeks of intensive work, he'll graduate with his Canine Good Citizen certificate.
Read more
NorSled: Northern California’s husky and Nordic breed rescue
NorSled rescues huskies, malamutes, and other Nordic breeds that end up in shelters after overwhelming unprepared owners. Thanks to generous vets and donors, dogs like Canyon, a young husky hit by a truck, get life-saving surgery and loving forever homes.
Read more
Santa Cruz SPCA new forever home
The Santa Cruz SPCA opened a modern facility in 2020 with spacious animal habitats, indoor and outdoor play areas, and rooms for community programs. The shelter also offers pet food assistance, youth education, and training resources for new pet owners.
Read more
Every dog has its day in Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg's Beachcomber group includes three dog-friendly hotels near the ocean, each with special pet amenities. The Beachcomber Motel offers fenced pet suites with ocean views, while guests without dogs can borrow an adoptable pup from the local shelter.
Read more
Meet Faraday, a hospice story from Lily’s Legacy
Faraday, a gentle soul rescued after years wandering California vineyards, was diagnosed with heart disease and given six months to live. Taken in by Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary, he has thrived in hospice care and gained an international following.
Read more
Muttville set to rescue their 8,000th dog!
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue finds homes for over 1,000 senior dogs each year. When the stay-at-home order hit, they placed all 86 shelter dogs into foster homes within 48 hours and adapted their adoption process to keep saving lives remotely.
Read more
Vet Buzz: Dog first aid kit
Before hitting the trail with your dog, pack a first aid kit with sterile water, bandage wrap, gauze, scissors, antibiotic ointment, diphenhydramine, and a muzzle. Training a reliable recall command is another essential safety measure for outdoor adventures.
Read more
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue 2019
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue in the East Bay pulled scruffy terrier mix Poco from the shelter, nursed him back to health, and fixed his painful teeth. This sweet, gentle fellow gets along with everyone and is ready for a loving home.
Read more
How we know dogs can feel our emotional stress
Research shows dogs are highly attuned to their owners emotions and can mirror long-term stress levels. When you are calm and relaxed, your dog feels safer too. A deep breath before greeting your pup can make a real difference.
Read more
Vet Buzz: Oh no\! My dog is limping\!
If your dog suddenly starts limping on a walk, stop and let her rest. Check paws for foxtails, cuts, or debris. Common causes range from soft tissue sprains to joint disease, so a vet visit is important for proper diagnosis.
Read more
Orphan dog 2019
Orphan Dog in Lake County rescues dogs from local shelters and provides medical care and fostering until they find forever homes. Since 2004, they've saved over 4,500 dogs and run free spay-neuter clinics to keep animals out of shelters.
Read more
How you can help us reach new readers
DogTrekker has supported California shelters and rescue organizations since 2011, and every new newsletter subscriber helps us reach more dog lovers. Share our free newsletter with your pup-loving friends to boost visibility for dog-friendly businesses across the state.
Read more
The pros and cons of sleeping with your dog
Should your dog share your bed? An SF SPCA behavior expert debunks the dominance myth, weighs legitimate safety concerns, and explains how co-sleeping can strengthen your bond and even improve your rest.
Read more
Best Friends’ no kill Los Angeles 2019
Best Friends Animal Society's No Kill Los Angeles initiative has raised L.A.'s shelter save rate to over 93 percent through partnerships, spay-neuter programs, and a robust adoption network. Volunteers are always needed to help keep animals safe.
Read more
Marin Humane cancels Woofstock, needs support
Marin Humane has moved many programs online and seen a 40 percent increase in requests for free pet food and veterinary help. With the cancellation of their Woofstock fundraiser, they need donations now more than ever to keep serving animals.
Read more
Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue vets save Cali
When sweet Cali, an eight-year-old Lab, arrived at Monterey Bay Lab Rescue with badly infected ovaries, emergency surgery saved her life. Now happily adopted, she spends her days gardening and going to the beach with her new mom.
Read more
A Milo update: We need your help to survive
The Milo Foundation continues rescuing and adopting animals from its Mendocino Sanctuary and Point Richmond locations. Adoptions and fostering are booming, but the organization is struggling financially and needs donations to keep its doors open.
Read more
Brews and views in Humboldt County
Humboldt County pairs towering redwoods, wild beaches, and craft breweries into one great dog-friendly destination. Hike old-growth forest, explore Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove, and wind down with brews at Gyppo Ale Mill.
Read more
Celebrate National Puppy Day: Your guide to puppy adoption
National Puppy Day is the perfect time to consider adopting a new furry family member. Shelters and rescue organizations across California, from Sonoma County to San Diego, have puppies and dogs waiting for loving homes.
Read more
The joy of a ‘foster fail’ in dog rescue
In dog rescue, a "foster fail" is actually a win. It happens when a foster family falls so deeply in love with their temporary pup that they adopt for good, turning a short-term arrangement into a lifelong bond.
Read more
Ten terrific dog-friendly wineries in California
California wine country is full of wineries that welcome dogs. From Hall Wines in Napa Valley and Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga to Mutt Lynch Winery in Windsor, here are ten great spots to sip with your pup.
Read more
The difference between emotional support animals and service animals
Emotional support animals and service animals have very different legal protections. California's AB 468 law cracks down on fraudulent ESA letters, and understanding the distinction matters for dog owners navigating housing, travel, and public access rights.
Read more