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.
Animals on Broadway
The Animal Rescue Foundation's Animals on Broadway fundraiser at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek features a pet walk, live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and pet adoptions. Proceeds support ARF's lifesaving programs for homeless Bay Area animals.
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Family Dog Rescue: A Sonoma haven for special dogs
Family Dog Rescue in Sonoma is a sanctuary for dogs with special needs, founded by cancer survivor Angela Padilla. The nonprofit provides medical care, behavioral training, and a personalized adoption process for dogs that other shelters often overlook.
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Bark in the Park
Bark in the Park in San Jose is the largest dog festival in the United States, drawing over 15,000 dog lovers. Enjoy costume contests, agility demos, vendors and more at William Street Park while supporting local pet organizations.
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Pawsport Yountville: Dog-friendly wine tasting weekend
Pawsport Yountville is a dog-friendly wine tasting weekend in Napa Valley benefiting Napa Humane. Visit six pup-welcoming tasting rooms and restaurants in charming Yountville, with exclusive tastings, goodie bags, and dog treats included in each ticket.
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Napa Humane Walk for Animals 2023
Napa Humane's 12th Annual Walk for Animals is a fun fundraising stroll through Yountville that goes miles for local companion animals. Register, walk, enjoy raffles and contests, and use code DOGTREKKER for $5 off your registration.
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Muttville, celebrating 15 years, 2007-2022!
San Francisco's Muttville Senior Dog Rescue celebrated 15 years and over 10,000 dogs rescued. Thanks to their success, shelters across the country now see people specifically asking to adopt senior dogs for the first time.
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The East Bay SPCA now celebrating its 150th anniversary
The East Bay SPCA celebrates 150 years of serving animals and communities in the Bay Area. From its first Oakland shelter in 1922 to affordable veterinary clinics today, the organization continues to lead in animal welfare.
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Help Napa Humane create a year of paw-sitive moments
Napa Humane's pet photo contest gives you the chance to feature your dog in their 2025 calendar while supporting low-cost spay and neuter services, vaccine clinics and microchipping in Napa County.
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Big Bear Lake: A cool canine retreat
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a cool mountain escape for dogs and their people. With 100 miles of hiking trails, lakeside parks, pet-friendly cabins and patio dining, it offers year-round outdoor fun.
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The story of Sid: A senior dog rescue (video)
Senior dog Sid was rescued from a shelter and entered Muttville's fospice program, where he spent his final year exploring, snuggling, and being loved. This touching video tells the story of his second chance at a good life.
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Cabins calling all canines
Big Bear's cozy cabins welcome dogs with open arms. From historic log cabins once used by film stars to fenced cottages under towering pines, these mountain rentals offer fireplaces, full kitchens and that quintessential cabin charm.
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Top 5 dog parks in California
California leads the nation in dog parks, and these five stand out. From the 23-acre Point Isabel on San Francisco Bay to Runyon Canyon with Hollywood sign views, here are our top off-leash picks.
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Top five dog-friendly hotels in California
From treat turn-down service to doggy room service, here's how to spot a truly dog-friendly hotel in California. Plus, the right questions to ask before booking and our top five picks for pup-welcoming stays.
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Why adopt an older dog?
Puppies get all the attention, but older dogs make wonderful companions. They're often already house-trained, calmer in new situations, and less expensive to care for. Adopting a senior dog saves a life and brings a loyal friend into yours.
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Walk, run and play for Pasadena Humane
Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk and Run returns to Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl on April 6. The annual fundraiser features a walk, doggie costume contest and vendor marketplace, with proceeds supporting animals impacted by the recent Eaton Fire.
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Napa Humane’s Pawsport: Fetch great deals and fun
Napa Humane's annual Pawsport offers more than $1,100 in perks for just $75 during March. Two-for-one wine tastings, restaurant discounts, and lodging deals make it a great value supporting Napa Humane's programs.
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Patios, playtime and pup-friendly businesses
Vacaville's dog-friendly culture shines through its renovated dog parks, pet-welcoming breweries and charming downtown shopping. Sip craft beers at The Brass Tap's yappy hour and browse pet boutiques like Sweet Pea's.
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Puptopia Festival: Big Bear’s free dog-friendly summer event
The Big Bear Puptopia Festival on July 26 is a free day of dog-friendly fun featuring a giant Pawground, stunt dog shows, agility courses, a grooming Spaw, and vendors selling gourmet treats.
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Little River Inn (choose from three exciting deals)
Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast is running three winter deals: a Hair Ball fundraiser package, the Cozy by the Coast discount through February, and a Whale of a Sale third-night-free offer in March.
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This season, we share gratitude (and getaways for you!)
This Thanksgiving, DogTrekker celebrates a year of readers supporting California rescues, fostering pets and protecting park access. As a thank-you, we're sharing winter lodging specials from Mendocino County's most pup-friendly properties, including Little River Inn and Stanford Inn.
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California’s housing crisis is overcrowding animal shelters
California's soaring rents and strict no-pet rental policies are forcing owners to surrender beloved dogs and cats. Shelters from Los Angeles to Oakland are overflowing as housing instability becomes the leading cause of pet relinquishment statewide.
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Santa Barbara County calls
Santa Barbara offers a stunning coastal escape for dogs and their people, with off-leash beaches like Arroyo Burro, dog-friendly wine tasting rooms, waterfront hotels and the open spaces of Douglas Family Preserve.
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Wag, Wine & Dine 2025
Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation hosts Wag, Wine and Dine on August 24 at the Meritage Resort in Napa. Enjoy wine from 20-plus wineries, gourmet bites, live music and a pooch pageant while supporting dogs in need of forever homes.
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Skylar and the long way home
Skylar was a young street dog and new mom when she landed in a high-kill shelter with time running out. A Bay Area rescuer pulled her with minutes to spare, and her story highlights the difference rescue makes.
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