Day Of The Dog Santa Monica

The day of the dog is coming to Santa Monica on Sept 9! This free and pet-friendly event will be the best day ever for your dog!

a small dog wearing sunglasses in front of a mural with wings painted on it.

There’s always something dog-centric going on in Oakland

Jack London Square, named for the California author who spent his boyhood on the Oakland waterfront before taking off for the Klondike (his relocated cabin is a local landmark), is Oakland’s vibrant social and historical nucleus, home to dozens of shops, restaurants, retail outlets and inviting lawns where many an event is held. It’s only fitting that a public space named for the author of “Call of the Wild” is dog-friendly, too!

Dog in Oakland

Furbaby Lovefest

Come ye, come all to the greatest and largest animal-friendly Carnival in the South Bay, benefiting animals in need of homes!

Graphic with the words 4th Annual Furbaby Lovefest, animals and a circus tent

Tri-Valley Chow-Down

Pleasanton, a community of 75,000, is the wealthiest middle-size city in the country according to the 2010 national census, and it’s as pleasant as its name suggests when it comes to the Fido factor. Unlike other communities that block off streets and ban canines at farmers’ markets and street fairs, Pleasanton welcomes patrons with four-legged companions at its 1st Wednesday Street Parties, held May through September and featuring more than 150 vendors each week. Come celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at the dedicated-to-dogs 1st Wednesday Street Party on August 5th and watch all the dogs in the neighborhood shake their stuff in the popular pooch parade down Main Street.

Dog waiting for chow at Tri-Valley Chow-Down

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

Lane Field Park Market & Live Music

A beautiful street food market located opposite the Bay in downtown San Diego. Showcasing 30+ of San Diego’s best street food & craft vendors.

people sitting on blankets under umbrellas on grass at park

San Diego Super Adoption

Join A Way Home For Dogs and other local rescues and shelters at the North Park Mini Park to meet dozens

person holds dog at event booth

Dogfest

DogFest is a celebration of dogs, families, community, and spring in San Francisco. It’s also a charitable event that raises funds for McKinley Elementary

corgi jumps through a hoop while crowd looks on

DogFest San Diego

DogFest stands as more than just a fundraiser; it is the signature event of Canine Companions, embodying an unwavering commitment

DogFest photo with people and dog

Puptopia Long Beach

The LBC will be full of wagging tails on Saturday, September 9th at beautiful Marina Green! Pups in Long Beach and nearby Los Angeles will be able to enjoy all the best dog festival in America has to offer at Puptopia Long Beach.

man with dog in front o giant fire hydrant

Bark Bash

The ultimutt dog-friendly event & the first of what we anticipate to be an annual festival, Bark Bash 2023 is an outdoor festival celebrating all things dog and all those that love them!

woman and dog outside on lawn with vendor booths

North Park Vegan Food Popup

Vegan Food Popup is a FREE event that showcases the best plant-based food in So Cal, featuring a rotating lineup of diverse vendors from San Diego, Orange County and LA.

vegan burgers

North Park Vegan Food Popup

Vegan Food Popup is a FREE event that showcases the best plant-based food in So Cal, featuring a rotating lineup of diverse vendors from San Diego, Orange County and LA.

vegan burgers

Hungry Dog Dash 2024

Whether you are a serious distance runner or a casual weekend warrior, the 12th annual Hungry Dog Dash 5K run/walk

dog and runners

Berkeley Humane Doggy Pride Parade

Join Berkeley Humane on Sunday, June 25th for a fun Pride Parade in West Berkeley! Dogs and their families are invited to come together and walk, wiggle, dance, and sashay around the block to celebrate love and raise funds for Berkeley Humane!

 

dog with pride flag

Fido Fest

The City of Santee presents the 8th annual Fido Fest on Saturday, February 17 at Town Center Community Park East

person petting a happy golden retriever dog.

Decker’s Dog-O-Ween

Get ready for Decker's Dog-O-Ween, a pawsome in-person event where dogs and their humans can celebrate Halloween together in San Diego.

chihuahua in witch costume

Pawliday Market

Get ready for a delightful experience at our Pawliday Market, where the magic of the season meets the joy of pet-friendly shopping!

ai image of 3 corgis at a Christmas market

Vista Vegan Food Popup

Vegan Food Popup is a FREE event that showcases the best plant-based food in So Cal, featuring a rotating lineup of diverse vendors from San Diego, Orange County and LA.

vegan burgers

Ruff Day Rescue Pawstoberfest

Pawstoberfest will offer various dog and family-friendly activities and festivities on 10/28/23 from 10 am-5 pm at Veteran’s Park in Brentwood.

Pawstoberfest banner

East Bay SPCA 2016

Meet Robin Hood! This foxy little guy, currently enjoying the hospitality of the East Bay SPCA while he awaits his new home, got his name for his free spirit and his resemblance to the Disney cartoon character. Now he wants to join your merry band. He's a young Chihuahua mix, but a bit bigger; like a small terrier. At 2, he's old enough to know his own mind; he's smart and independent, fond of making his own decisions. But he's also willing to listen to you and go along, especially if treats are involved. Robin prefers an adult family with no other dogs. If you're looking for an engaging companion for your adventures, he's your guy.

Cute light brown dog at the East Bay SPCA

Eco all the way

An entire industry has grown up around dog products that claim to be environmental friendly. Google around, and you’ll find everything from the practical (biodegradable pick-up bags)

Dog playing with earth tennis ball

Jingle Bell PUP Crawl

One of our most popular events is BACK for 2023 – the 6th Annual Jingle Bell PUP Crawl! Join the Sacramento

6th Annual PUP crawl

Ivy Station Night Market

Kick off the new year at this monthly night market on the Ivy Station lawn in Culver City on the second

people shop at outdoor market

LRG BREW Art Show

Los Ruano Gallery is excited to showcase amazing artwork by local artists at Smog City Brewing Co. Join them for the 3 day LRG BREW Art Show of craft beers and talented artists.

LRG Brew

Pups in Paradise

Puppy Picnic Co. is pawtnering up with The Animal Pad to help you find a second chance at love at the Pups in Paradise Mixer!

Graphic that says Pups in Paradise

Go for a gusher with your dog

OK, COVID-19 cost us some waterfall viewing time during their March/April peak flows, but the many waterfalls within an easy drive of where you are staying in Redding are still flowing.

For a quick taste, visit Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir. It’s right off Interstate 5 via a short path, has a generous parking lot, a viewing platform for photo opps and a cave beneath the falls for sensory thrills (your dog may or may not want to go there, so be alert!)

Jack Russell terriier by waterfall in Redding

Humane Society of Tuolumne County

Meet Legs, a sweet, active young thing who's looking for someone to share a fun life with. Descended from border collies and Ibizan hounds, she has beauty (those ears!), brains, and a strong work ethic, so she needs good outlets for all that energy—and a fenced yard. Besides a human BFF, the friendly and affectionate Legs would probably love a dog buddy to play and hang out with.

Bark If You Like Houseboating

To look at beautiful, blue Shasta Lake is to want to be on it, and there’s no better way to soak up the scenery than on a houseboat. Seven marinas on California’s largest reservoir maintain fleets of houseboats for rent, and Shasta is considered the houseboating capital of the world.

Aqua Therapy

Vet Buzz from Erin Troy, DVM, CCRP,
Muller Veterinary Hospital, Walnut Creek, CA

Water is a great medium in which to exercise.  It is also a very successful way to help dogs that are in need of rehabilitation, conditioning or weight loss.  Aqua therapy is effective at increasing strength, improving the comfortable range of motion of joints, and enhancing muscular and cardiovascular endurance.  It also helps to minimize overall pain and discomfort in acute and chronically challenged patients.

Tails x Tidings

Tails x Tidings is brought to you by Pet Power Studio, Puppy Picnic Co., and Dogs of San Diego and promises a tail-wagging good time for both four-legged companions and their human pals.

Tails x Tidings Makers Market

Drifting About in the Delta

The San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta is a boater’s paradise that in places feels like anther world. But you don’t need a boat to explore this rich agricultural region marked with old-time lift bridges, small towns and miles of levees that in the id-1800s transformed a once trackless wetland into 55 agricultural islands that still produce food for Northern California (pears and wine grapes are the main crops). Numerous winery tasting rooms have cropped up over the past decade on both sides of the river, all of them dog-friendly.

Big yellow dog hanging out in the Delta

Amador County

Follow Highway 49 south through Amador County for yet another take on Gold Country. You’ll find lodging at historic, dog-friendly establishments like Hanford House in Sutter Creek, the Imperial Hotel in Amador City and the St. George Hotel in the historic hamlet of Volcano, as well as contemporary Days Inn and Best Western properties. You’ll want to make a weekend of it, as the No. 1 attractions, wine and food, demand lingering.

Dog sitting on the grass in Amador County

What’s Cookin’ In Calaveras County

Any time’s a good time to head up Highway 4 to the hip and happening town of Murphys, but if you can be there in October, so much the better. That’s when the annual Grape Stomp Competition and Gold Rush Street Fair fills downtown streets with vendor booths and lots of people with bewildered dogs on the other end of the leash. It’s probably the first time Duke and Daisy (and maybe you?) have witnessed a bunch of people stomping around in wine barrels, so go figure!

Dog looking for dinner in Calaveras County

Walnut Creek Oktoberfest

It’s time to clink glasses and lift your spirits with Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit — a toast to cheers and good times — in honor of the

people with dogs at Oktoberfest in Walnut Creek.

Lots to Wag About in Tri-Valley

For those who live in San Francisco, Sacramento and most points in between, the Tri-Valley region, with its rolling topography and semi-rural character, offers a refreshing change of venue for weekend explorers traveling with their dogs.

Dog and person walking in the Tri-Valley

Wag Tails for Oakland!

Yes, Oakland is a vibrant urban place to visit, but it’s not all about dog-friendly ale and wine trails, waterfront dining and hotels (more about that below). As dog-centric locals know, one of the pleasures of living here is proximity to many open-space preserves where you can flee the big-city hustle-bustle and revel with your pup in the shade of redwoods or atop grassy ridges with panoramic views.

Wag Tails for Oakland poster

Go Big at Big Bear

It’s a bit off the radar for Northern California residents, but if SoCal calls, consider soaking up a change of scenery at Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino county. Yes, there’s a major ski mountain there, but you and your pup will also find many dog-friendly diversions, including outdoor dining and trails where you can hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe and otherwise play in a winter wonderland.

Beautiful red dog at Big Bear

Calaveras County

Calaveras County became known in 1800s for its rich gold deposits—and for a certain jumping frog memorialized in a short story by Mark Twain. Today, it’s a destination for Gold Rush tourists, campers, skiers, hikers and adventure seekers, many of whom wouldn’t think of heading into “them ‘thar hills” without their dogs. Angel’s Camp on Highway 49 and Murphys ?on nearby Highway 4 are the principal destinations in these parts.

Dog on blanket in Calaveras County7

ARF 2017

Meet Brad Pitt. Like his namesake, this 2-year-old pit bull mix is strong, handsome, and fond of outdoor adventures. He's also very happy to sit there soaking up the TLC from his people when it's time to relax.

Brad had a run of bad luck before landing at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek. After landing in a city shelter, he was receiving heartworm treatment when the shelter caught fire, adding smoke inhalation to the poor guy's medical woes. But his stay at ARF has helped him put all that behind him, and he's now breathing easy, heartworm free, and ready to enjoy a bright future with his own family.

Sitting black dog with person kneeling to pet

Big reds and good times in Amador County

Amador County, best known for its robust zinfandels and barberas, celebrates big reds with its annual Barbera Festival, an outdoor sip-and-stroll event set this year for Sept. 16 at Terra d’Oro/Montevina Winery in the foothill town of Plymouth. More than 80 wineries from all over the state will be pouring, while top restaurants will offer samples of their fare. Artists, musicians and vendors will of course be on hand, too. If you can guarantee your dog will be a good dog in a crowded situation, bring her along (but be sure to keep her leashed, provide water and—you know the drill—pick up after her immediately should the need arise).

Big red dog at a winery in Amador County

SSPCA’s Doggy Dash Moves to June 27th

The Sacramento SPCA will host the 27th Annual Doggy Dash on Saturday, June 27, 2020 from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Doggy Dash is California’s largest 2k/5k dog walk and festival to benefit shelter animals.

An estimated 5,000 animal lovers gather in the community for this special event each year, with and without their canine companions – to raise funds for animals at the Sacramento SPCA and enjoy pet-friendly vendors, demonstrations, contests, food trucks, beer garden, local entertainment and more!

2 people and black dog for Doggy Dash

Max’s 4th Annual Howl-o-ween

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation 4th Annual Howl-o-Ween is back at new location, the outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel-by-the-Sea! If you love to show how

Waterfront Dog-friendly Delights in Mission Bay

Hanging out in Mission Bay. (CC) Bhautik Joshi
One of the fastest changing parts of the city is Mission Bay, a South-of-Market shoreline neighborhood in the midst of a redevelopment boom. Start this three-mile jaunt at AT&T Park, crossing McCovey Cove on Third Street to reach China Basin Park, a thin strip of green space facing the home of the World Champion San Francisco Giants. On game days, the park is crowded with fans and the energy level can get frenetic, but at other times, you and your four-legged sidekick can explore the Giants History Walk or simply cuddle on a bench and enjoy the spring sunshine and the views.

What Goes On At A Dog Show?

The Woofstock Cluster, one of the biggest outdoor dog shows in the country,  is coming up June 7-10. It's a great chance to familiarize yourself with more than 100 breeds of dogs, but if it's your first show, you might not have any understanding of what exactly is going on in the ring. Here's a guide, courtesy of the Northern California Brittany Club. More information for beginners is available from the American Kennel Club.

Giacomo and Gelsomina’s mountain paradise

Although Mount Laguna is about 50 miles from central San Diego, the spectacular scenery and climate are well worth the drive. This 6,000-foot altitude alpine area is an evergreen tree mountain paradise, nothing like the desert climate of San Diego. Expect significantly cooler temperatures. It actually receives snow in the winter.

Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever stands on log in forest

What and Where is Tri-Valley?

Three valleys and four cities make up the Tri-Valley region, which away from urban areas is characterized by rolling hills studded with gnarly oaks and sprawling vineyards. It’s less than an hour from San Francisco or Sacramento, straddling the line between Alameda and Contra Costa counties on the “sunny side” of the bay. Dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, wineries and craft breweries abound as you explore the three valleys—Livermore, Amador and San Ramon—from which the region takes its name.

Dog on patio at  winery in the Tri-Valley

The Tiny Pitbull

A few years ago, in the wake of harrowing treatments for a life-threatening cancer, North Bay resident Christine Del Ponte started volunteering with dogs in nearby shelters. "After all of my treatments, I was left feeling very depressed," she recalls. "I was looking for something to help me work my way out of that dark space, and I found dogs."

She was soon drawn to those who stood little chance of getting out alive—the shy ones, the terrified ones, the ones with medical issues, the ones who couldn't tolerate the shelter environment—and determined to help them change their fate, or, as she says, "make overlooked dogs appealing."

Black and white dog and black pitbull

Pick a park and take a walk

Sacramento, California’s “City of Trees,” takes great pride in its shady parks. William Land Park, just south of downtown, is its largest urban oasis. The 166-acre preserve is home to a zoo, a golf course, an amusement park, duck ponds, picnic grounds and miles of canine-friendly walking paths. Among many other events, it hosts the annual Doggy Dash and Bark in the Park Festival (April 27 this year) to benefit the Sacramento SPCA.

Nighttime view of Tower bridge

L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run

L.A. Chinatown Firecracker is one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S. with its upcoming Lunar New Year run, walk, cycling and dog walk events held over the w

people and dogs at Firecracker L.A. PAW'er Dog Walk_Courtesy of Firecracker L.A.

Bark at the Park

Get ready for the most pawsome event of the year! The Guardsmen proudly presents “Bark at the Park,” an unforgettable experience that combines canine charm, tail-wagging excitement, and a whole lot of fun.

A couple of dogs sitting on top of a lush green field with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them.

Kayla’s Life-Saving Contribution

Two years after the launch of DogTrekker.com, Kayla got very sick, or at least we thought she did. Still a healthy, nine-year-old Lab with boundless energy, she became quiet, lethargic and not really that interested in food. She followed Roxanne around the house, whining constantly. Tests were done to rule out many potential issues, including cancer. The results were negative but still troubling, since her symptoms were not getting better.

Kayla and Roxanne go for a ride
A few nights prior to heading off to UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in Davis for yet another round of evaluations, we were in bed when, at around 4 a.m., Kayla jumped up, put her head near Roxanne’s left arm and began pawing her breast area. Roxanne, who’d had a mammogram just a few months before, decided to check the breast closest to Kayla. She found a small lump.

Kayla, Roxanne and friend

Ventura – Even More Ways to Help

It feels almost impossible to overstate the amount of love and support the community continues to receive from near and far. In Ventura, businesses, friends and neighbors are all working together to ensure everybody is taken care of and that no one feels alone. Thomas Fire: The best ways to help lists ideas and below are even more. Thank you for everything you're doing to keep #VenturaStrong.

Thank You Firefighters sign in Ventura

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