San Francisco Bay Area
The 9-county San Francisco Bay Area just may be the most dog-friendly region in the world. From the coastal counties of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma and San Mateo where you'll find beautiful beaches to the hip, urban vibe with lots of canine-accommodating amenities in Pleasant Hill and Concord, this is the place!
The Bay Area is also your gateway to the beautiful wine country featuring Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Wineries of Santa Clara County, the Livermore Valley, and the Suisun Valley Wineries, where everyone, two-legged and four, is welcome. If you are looking for a reasonably-priced place to stay while wine tasting, check out Vacaville.
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Tshaka the Dog has sniffed out the most comfortable, convenient, well-priced hotels at the center of everything in Pleasant Hill.
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Read more90 fun-filled years in the East Bay Regional Park District
Now celebrating its 90th anniversary, the impressive East Bay Regional Park District spans more than 125,000 acres in Alameda and
Read moreAn expert’s favorites for off-leash excitement
Our friend Tshaka Zulu, a travel-loving Dalmatian who absolutely loves Pleasant Hill, is always on the lookout for grassy
Read morePleasant Hill has gone to the dogs!
Pleasant Hill, California is one of the most centrally located and pet-friendly destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area, making it a great home base for pet parents who are...
Read moreHappy holidays and top destination stories of 2023, Part 1
As this year comes to a close, our greatest joy comes from expressing gratitude for the DogTrekker family. As we wish you this season's warmest greetings, we're also happy to...
Read moreTop destination stories of 2023
As this year comes to a close, our greatest joy comes from expressing gratitude for the DogTrekker family. Your engagement
Read morePleasant Hill: It’s a dog’s world
Pup-friendly Pleasant Hill puts Northern California’s best within easy reach. Hike scenic East Bay canyons with your furry friend. Hop over to San Francisco for family attractions and culture. Sample...
Read moreSpa comforts for pets and their people
All that hiking can sure make a dog dusty. Noni's Pet Grooming Boutique is ready to help. Tshaka loves the
Read moreThe dish on dog-friendly restaurants
Fuel up for the day’s adventures with a Starbucks puppacino, followed by the famous pupcakes at Batter ‘N Icing. Plan a
Read morePups love Pleasant Hill’s pedigreed hotels
Tshaka the Dog sniffed out the most comfortable, well-priced hotels at the center of everything in Pleasant Hill. Book a
Read moreSunset’s annual travel awards spotlight four-paw cities in California
DogTrekker team members are big fans of Sunset, the iconic publication that’s celebrating 125 years in 2023. The California-based magazine recently announced its Sunset Travel Awards, including several must-visit standouts...
Read moreConcord Taco Trail
Mmmmm tacos! Concord has long been home to deliciously authentic, family-owned taquerias and restaurants. The Concord Taco Trail has 40+ places offering specialty and signature tacos including al pastor, carnitas,...
Read moreOakland
Sunset calls Oakland “a diverse cultural hub in the heart of the Bay Area,” with art, culinary attractions and activities that promise fun for all ages.
Read moreDon’t miss Bark in the Park
Bark in the Park is back on September 16 at William Street Park in San Jose from 10am to 5pm. Bark is the Park is the largest dog festival in...
Read moreWas Calistoga really founded by a dog?
The charming Sam Brannan and Leonitus story In the early days of Calistoga, California, a man named Sam Brannan and his loyal Newfoundland dog, Leonitus, embarked on a journey to shape a...
Read moreBark & Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane’s biggest annual adopt-a-thon and family-friendly event, Bark & Meow Around the Block, will return on Saturday, August 26, 2023!
Read moreNapa Humane Walk for Animals 2023
Come support Napa Humane at the 12th Annual Walk for Animals fundraising event at Yountville Community Park. This short stroll through town goes miles and miles for Napa Valley’s companion...
Read moreWelcome to summer events!
Check out these events for a cause! If you missed California rescue/adoption events this spring, no worries, the summer season is just beginning. DogTrekker.com's event section is filled with adoptathons, fundraisers,...
Read moreNapa Humane Walk for Animals 2023
Come support Napa Humane at the 12th annual Walk for Animals fundraising event at Yountville Community Park! This short stroll through town goes miles and miles for Napa Valley’s companion animals....
Read morePawsport Yountville
Join Napa Humane for a dog-friendly wine tasting weekend benefitting its life-saving programs and services for Napa Valley companion animals. Pawsport Yountville perks are valid for the duration of the...
Read moreVacaville is exciting, affordable and friendly for dogs
DogTrekkers love exploring Northern California, and one regional destination stands out for its convenient location and four-paw experiences.
Read moreDog-friendly wineries near Vacaville
Suisun Valley, known as the “Petit Sirah Capital of the World,” offers a bunch of excellent dog-friendly wineries. Here are seven places to enjoy a glass of wine with your...
Read moreFamily Dog Rescue: A Sonoma haven for special dogs
Sonoma's Family Dog Rescue is no ordinary animal shelter. Nestled in the property that was once once the Aberglen Pet Resort, this establishment stands as a sanctuary specifically for dogs...
Read moreHotels with a pup-friendly pedigree
Oakland hotels extend a warm welcome to four-legged family members, whether you choose a trendsetting boutique property or stylish resort.
Read moreGet a taste of The Town
Diverse cultural and culinary traditions define Oakland. The Town also offers delicious, dog-friendly dining options.
Read morePup-friendly play by the bay
Oakland, affectionately known as “The Town,” stretches between the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland and Berkeley Hills.
Read moreOutline your dream Oakland adventure
The Oakland DogCation® from DogTrekker and Visit Oakland introduces best-in-show options across this dog-friendly Oakland in the East Bay.
Read moreSpecial events for you and your dog
DogTrekkers are a giving bunch as witnessed by their support for the adoption/rescue community through donations, volunteering, and attendance at
Read moreCelebrate National Puppy Day: Your guide to Puppy adoption
Happy National Puppy Day! Today is the perfect day to celebrate the love and joy that puppies bring to our lives. With so many homeless pups waiting for their forever...
Read moreConcord presents history, culture and accessibility for all
The city of Concord features all the elements of a memorable California getaway: think culinary treats, craft beer, cultural gems, rich heritage, and pretty parks in every direction. This dynamic community, just...
Read moreLodging for furry friends and their families
A new Concord hotel that debuted in the summer of 2023 features outstanding, dog-friendly service. The 86-room Hampton Inn is
Read moreCommitted to accessibility and awareness
Concord is an inclusive city that welcomes guests of all abilities. Families whose loved ones live with sensory challenges—someone on the autism spectrum or with a diagnosed sensory sensitivity, for...
Read moreEngage with Concord’s creative side
Concord's newest, most colorful attractions anchor the downtown corridor. Nine professional muralists participated in Creative Concord events, and they outfitted buildings
Read moreTake a walk through time
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Read moreCalifornia dreamin’ with your dog: The top 11 pet-friendly vacation destinations
Marin County Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Marin County is packed with dog-friendly parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Check out popular spots like Muir Beach,...
Read moreDog-approved adventures in California’s North Coast region
Our pups have discerning tastes: good sleeps, good eats and plenty of play. Just north of San Francisco, the ‘North of Ordinary’ counties of California – Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and...
Read moreNew home for Family Dog Rescue
Family Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving homeless dogs a second chance, has just announced its relocation from San Francisco to Sonoma, California.
Read moreTop dog-friendly beaches in California
California is a paradise for both humans and their furry friends. With its sunny beaches, scenic parks, and endless outdoor activities, this state is the perfect destination for a dog-friendly...
Read moreFive of California’s best dog-friendly wineries
If you love wine and dogs, visiting a winery can be a great way to spend a day. But not all wineries are dog-friendly, so it’s important to research ahead...
Read moreLooking for a cute new pup?
In Northern California, more than four dozen abused Chihuahuas have been rescued from a hoarder’s home. 50 dogs were rescued from “dirty conditions” in December at a man’s home in...
Read moreEast Bay Regional Park district urging public and their dogs not to enter closed parks
Most East Bay Regional Parks remain closed due to recent storms and conditions, including downed trees, falling branches, flooding and mudslides. Storm damage in parks can create potential safety hazards...
Read moreRainy day fun: 10 indoor activities for dog lovers in Sonoma County
Our top 10 recommendations for rainy-day dog activities in Sonoma County.
Read moreConcord Visitor Center First Annual Perro Costume Parade
Join us for the Concord Visitor Center First Annual Perro (Dog) Costume Contest and Parade from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on Friday, October 28!
Read moreThe story of Sid: A senior dog rescue (video)
Senior dog Sid was rescued from a shelter and lucky enough to go into the fospice program through Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
Read moreWelcome to the all new DogTrekker.com!
For the past decade, millions of pet parents have trusted DogTrekker for California travel inspiration and pup culture updates. Technology is constantly changing, and we’ve been working like dogs to...
Read moreDog days of summer (video)
The adventures of our friends Lily and Chloe rafting on the Russian River.
Read moreJoin the DogTrekker Challenge!
At DogTrekker, we’re guided by one simple mission: Leave no dog behind. We support rescue and adoption animal welfare organizations – including Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary in Petaluma, which...
Read moreSanta Clara County’s pet-friendly wine trail
Every California winery association, it seems, has developed a wine road or trail to guide visitors to tasting discoveries they might otherwise have not known existed.
Read moreWoof it up in Vacaville
So…what do you and your pup know about dog-friendly Vacaville and its slice of Solano County? Maybe not much if all you’ve done is zoom past the exits on Interstate...
Read moreMuttville, celebrating 15 years, 2007-2022!
Happy birthday, Muttville family! We’re commemorating our first 15 years with as many milestones, surpassing 10,000 dogs rescued!
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Read moreDog-friendy Tuolumne County (video)
Welcome to Tuolumne County, California where you can experience iconic Yosemite explorations, authentic California Gold Country discoveries and unforgettable High Sierra outdoor adventures.
Read moreNapa Humane’s Annual Walk for Animals is back, live!
The 11th annual Walk for Animals event benefiting Napa Valley's companion animals is not only the community's largest pet-friendly event, it's also Napa Humane's biggest annual fundraiser.
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Read moreDogs take a bite out of the National Park Service
Beaches and trails that were formally open to dogs, both leashed and unleashed, have tightened those leashes by restricting or have even banned access.
Read moreWag your way through the Central Valley
Redwood forests and mountains might be more scenically impressive, but there’s a different kind of ambience to be had in California’s flatlands. And the dog-friendly excursion trains that operate here...
Read moreEat, drink and be hairy: dog-friendly restaurants and wineries in Gilroy, CA
Gilroy is fortunate to have many dog-friendly restaurants and wineries. No need to leave your dog behind to enjoy a tasty meal away from home—you can just wine and dine...
Read moreGo take a hike: dog-friendly trails and parks in Gilroy, CA
Plan a getaway to Gilroy, California and find plenty of dog-friendly parks and hiking trails to explore.
Read moreSit and stay: dog-friendly hotels and RV parks in Gilroy, CA
Whether you are planning to bring your dog along on a west coast road trip or a quick weekend getaway, you will find plenty of dog-friendly places to stay overnight...
Read moreProtect Marin County’s Parks & Open Spaces – yes on A
Measure A's quarter-cent sales tax supports parks, open space, and agricultural lands across Marin. T
Read moreVacaville is wine country with an affordable twist
Dreaming of a wine country getaway without the premium lodging prices of Napa Valley and Sonoma County? Here’s an insider’s tip for DogTrekkers: Base yourself in Vacaville. Close to both...
Read moreA hotel for every budget
Vacaville is a convenient wine country gateway that’s also a short drive from both San Francisco and Sacramento. You’ll find some of the most reasonably priced accommodations around. Vacaville hotels...
Read moreWhere to stay in Concord
The Concord Perro Trail guide spotlights five pup-friendly properties, all close and convenient to adventures in Concord and the surrounding area. (Please be sure to confirm any weight and breed...
Read moreWhere to hike in Concord
Concord has so many hikes that you’ll want to stay a few extra days to check them alll out!
Read moreWhere to eat in Concord
Concord has a dizzying number of dog-friendly restaurants —nearly four dozen and counting! You’ll find several in the Concord Perro Trail guide, including Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Eureka!, Five...
Read moreMaiya’s stay in Ruthie’s Cabin at Nick’s Cove
I wanted to share a pic of our Lab Maiya at Ruthie's Cabin at Nick's Cove.
Read moreWinter in Southern California
We’ve traveled all over California in the last 12 years with our pup Babu and now Gunda.
Read moreBucket-list cottages and cabin escapes
Whether you prefer a farm stay in Gold Country, a trek along Yosemite trails, or a Marin County coastal stroll, you'll always find great options.
Read moreWater view dog-friendly cottages and tables
Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages is a dog-friendly, boutique resort on Tomales Bay in Marin County.
Read moreWalk, wag and wine taste through Santa Cruz County history
DogTrekkers tell us they like to look through the destinations we cover through a historical lens, and Santa Cruz County has it all. From the impeccably restored 19th century Victorians to old...
Read morePlaytime with your pup in the East Bay’s big back yard
Yes, San Francisco traffic congestion can be a turnoff, but head to the East Bay and you’ll be amazed by all the open-to-the-public lands at your disposal – not to...
Read moreCan you Suisun? If you haven’t, go soon!
While Napa and Sonoma bask in California wine-country publicity, Solano County’s “Rustic Wine Country,” aka Suisun Valley, deserves a place on your dog-friendly bucket list, too. The “hidden” valley is...
Read moreConquer Concord with your pup
Looking for a new, not-faraway place to explore with your dog for a day or a weekend? Think Concord— and bring your appetite and your hiking shoes. You’ll need them...
Read morePutting paws to paths around Concord
Get tails a’waggin’ on trails at one of the East Bay Regional Parks District preserves serving Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The 73 preserves include between them 125,000 acres of...
Read moreFall for these dog-friendly waterfalls
Yes, we had a dry January, but the big storms in late December filled lakes and streams and created a hefty Sierra snowpack. The payoff: Waterfall season! Here are some...
Read moreSwimming at Novato’s O’Hair Park
Kacee testing the waters in O’Hair Park Novato. In her 17th year when she passed, she never missed a dunk in a swimming hole.
Read moreDog-friendly cottages and tables with a view
Take a national seashore, cross it with some intriguing history, add luxury cottages, an oyster bar and restaurant.
Read moreThe best dog-friendly cabins and cottages for your summer and fall trips
Yikes, can it be mid-summer already? As California opens up from its pandemic slumber, road trips are all the rage and travelers are on the move with their pups. The...
Read moreStay and Play in Concord
Concord is a convenient, one-tank trip from several Bay Area, Sonoma and Napa communities. Visit the new Concord Visitor Center for travel inspiration, hike scenic regional parks with your pup,...
Read moreTap into Adventure in Concord
Set in the shadow of magnificent Mount Diablo, dog-friendly Concord is an under-the-radar East Bay gem. Jazz musician Dave Brubeck was born here. The popular Iron Horse Regional Trail winds...
Read moreFavorite California campgrounds for dog lovers
New discoveries are nice, but so are places to which you and your four-legged buddy return time after time. Here are a few of our paw-tested California campgrounds for dogs.
Read moreThere are Many Ways to Camp
Let’s say you’re into roughing it a bit —tent camping, say, but your significant other doesn’t like to sleep on the ground and your four-legged companion would likewise be more...
Read moreCooper loved to Travel
In his ten years, this Lab/border collie/cattle dog mix traveled to seven states, but most of all he loved going anywhere DogTrekker recommended.
Read moreTime out (with oysters) by the sea
It’s oyster season! And it’s hard to imagine a more ideal place to enjoy a delectable dozen than at Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
Read moreDog daze of summer!
Use DogTrekker.com or the DogTrekker mobile app to finds beach websites, park phone numbers and directions.
Read moreRussian River adventures
Russian River Adventures offers dog-friendly canoe rentals on the most secluded section of the River, where dogs are welcome in the water.
Read moreProactively accessible Concord for you and your dog
Concord prides itself on being a proactively ADA-accessible city offering many ways for visitors with disabilities to experience and enjoy the region.
Read moreLeave no dog behind
One simple mission has always guided DogTrekker’s work: Leave no dog behind, whether you’re on vacation or at a shelter.
Read moreDog-friendly Sacramento: Two Rivers Run Through It
The American and Sacramento rivers converge at Discovery Park, just north of downtown Sacramento, and whichever way you trek along the 32-mile, multi-use Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail (also known as...
Read moreMeet Faraday, a hospice story from Lily’s Legacy
Meet Faraday. Rescued by two good samaritans from years wandering alone in the vineyards of central California, this lost soul with the gentle heart was taken to a local vet...
Read moreThe pros and cons of sleeping with your dog
There are many myths about letting your dog share your bed, as well as possible concerns and benefits.
Read moreConcord: Hike, Drink, Dine & Unwind
The Contra Costa County town of Concord calls itself a “Northern California Original,” and it’s easy to see why. With a booming craft brew scene, creative dining options and a...
Read moreDog-friendly EBMUD: What is it?
While many visitors to the Concord/East Bay are familiar with the expansive East Bay Regional Park District, the preserves managed by the East Bay Municipal Utility District are off-the-grid for...
Read morePick A dog-friendly trail, any trail
If all 1,250 miles of trails within the East Bay Regional Park District stretched in a straight line up and down the West Coast, they’d reach from San Diego to...
Read moreYosemite in winter: Doglicious!
Forget all those reports you read about hour-long traffic backups to get into Yosemite National Park in summer. In winter, this iconic slice of the American West is an un-crowded...
Read moreEast Bay park gets a new name
The East Bay Regional Park District is honoring one of its earliest champions of parks and open space by renaming Redwood Regional Park, located in Oakland, after Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt, whose contributions...
Read moreMacy’s Holiday Windows
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Read moreTri-Valley – Open Space and Wine Country for Your Dog
Three valleys and four small cities in the Tri-Valley (Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and Danville) comprise this triangle-shaped region set amid rolling hills and valleys 35 miles east of San Francisco....
Read moreEast Bay SPCA dog training classes
The East Bay SPCA has completely revamped their training classes to accommodate the modern needs of the urban or suburban dog while using the most effective, cutting-edge, scientifically supported learning theory...
Read moreGo Soon to Suisun!
When it comes to dog-friendly wineries, Suisun Valley wineries in Solano County are just a hop-skip away from Vacaville, San Francisco and Sacramento. This unpretentious “Rustic Wine Country” is one...
Read moreSee the Light (Or Spend A Dog-Friendly Night) at Point Arena
Just 15 miles north of Gualala, don’t miss the 115-foot-high Point Arena Lighthouse, perched on a narrow peninsula and dating to 1879 and rebuilt after tumbling in the 1906 San...
Read moreAirstreams, dog-friendly glamping and more
Vintage travel-trailers, “glamping” tents and luxury yurts are part of an outdoorsy trend that is spreading all up and down California.
Read moreVisit a close-in, dog-friendly campground
Even if you’re an urban dweller, you don’t have to go far to snag a spot in the woods (although you might have trouble with reservations).
Read moreFort Fun!
DogTrekker.com reader Karen N. sent in a few photos of her dogs at Fort Funston, San Francisco's off-leash dog haven. Karen writes, "In my opinion, the most beautiful place in...
Read moreContra Costa Humane Society
Contra Costa Humane Society is a small independent humane society formed in 1991 by the merger of two local animal welfare
Read morePleasant Surprises in Pleasant Hill
This East Bay community of 35,000 is surrounded by hills that perfectly reflect its name. But while some may view its location (23 miles east of San Francisco and 73...
Read moreBriones Regional Park, Pleasant Hill’s hidden gem
DogTrekker followers are continually astonished by the wealth of possibilities offered by the 64 parks in the East Bay Regional Park District,
Read moreHow to Choose Your Next Rescue Dog
By Jeannine Berger DVM, DACVB, DACAW, CAWA, Vice President of Rescue and Welfare, San Francisco SPCA When rescuing a dog, you can take two different paths. The big question to...
Read moreGet a taste (and a sip) of the dog-friendly delta
The San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta (often referred to as the California Delta) is a maze of navigable waterways winding from Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay.
Read moreWhy We Are Thankful!
Our team feels blessed to have spent another year following our mission of leaving no dog behind, whether in a shelter or when the family hits the road on vacation....
Read moreMacy’s Holiday Windows, San Francisco
Macy’s Holiday Windows, San Francisco - Now through Jan. 1 The flagship Macy’s store on Union Square is a must-do stop during the holidays. Its Holiday Windows displays, featuring adoptable animals from...
Read moreIlluminate SF Festival of Light, San Francisco
Illuminate SF Festival of Light, San Francisco - Now through New Year’s Day Experience San Francisco’s extraordinary light-art scene with 37 installations by 34 artists spread through 17 neighborhoods. Check online for...
Read moreBest dog-friendly hiking near Concord
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Read morePlay and Rest Your Head in Concord
When you Visit Concord, you’ll enjoy a warm, hospitable welcome from any of their dog-friendly hotels. From executive suites to economical accommodations, Concord offers a lodging option for you and...
Read moreWhere to chow down with your pup in Vacaville
When it’s mealtime in Vacaville, you’ll find many casual, dog-friendly options, from pizza and barbecue to Mexican, Italian and sandwich shops.
Read moreLittle Jo’s Yosemite adventure
It was one of those "Yahoo" moments that I found out the way to bring my little Jo to Yosemite. It was rewarding being in Yosemite with my fur baby overlooking...
Read moreTri-Valley: Trails to Treats
The Bay Area’s Tri-Valley region, just 45 minutes east of San Francisco, is a sunny paradise for hiking dogs and their people, rewarding both with lots of wide open spaces and scenic...
Read moreA Big Bark For Sebastopol’s Barlow
It’s easy, it’s pretty and hiking its 1.8-mile length will burn off just enough calories to allow you to splurge on a meal at The Barlow, a complex housing more...
Read moreA big bark for Sonoma’s Bart Park
Sonoma County is well endowed with public lands where you can spend quality time with your furry friend, but not so well known are the private preserves that welcome hikers...
Read moreHike-in breakfast with a view
If you live in the Bay Area, you owe it to yourself to experience this hike-in breakfast at least once. It’s only a 2-mile walk to West Point Inn on...
Read moreFurlong Gulch, Sonoma County
Furlong Gulch, Sonoma County. Furlong Gulch is one of several beaches you’ll come to as you travel along the 17 miles of beaches extending from the Vista Trail 4 miles north...
Read moreRocket Dog Rescue 2018
San Francisco's Rocket Dog Rescue is celebrating its 17th birthday, mostly doing what it does best—saving dogs who really, really need it. Since they opened their Urban Sanctuary and Adoption...
Read moreFort Funston, San Francisco
• Fort Funston, San Francisco. This stretch of rugged headlands just south of Ocean Beach in the southwest part of the city is not fenced, but it’s nirvana for off-leash...
Read moreMuir Beach, Marin County
• Muir Beach, Marin County. This is a Bay Area classic: A crescent of sand bordered by high bluffs to the north and south, with wetlands and a lagoon behind...
Read moreWho gets to be well?
Have you ever had to choose between your pet’s health and your own? This torturous decision is a reality for hundreds of Napa County residents who don’t have enough money...
Read moreStroller-friendly hikes for wheels, feet and paws
There are thousands of places to hike with kids and dogs in California, but if you’re new to an area,
Read moreTips for taking kids and dogs on a road trip
Headed out on a family road trip this summer? With dogs and children along, you’ll need to employ some strategy when it comes to spending a night on the road...
Read moreMake it a family affair in Marin
Marin County it’s been said, has a larger population of dogs than of children. Whether that’s urban legend or fact, residents are definitely known to dote on their four-legged family...
Read moreAll aboard a choo-choo train
The chug-chug and urgent whistle call of an approaching train is always exciting, especially when a vintage steam engine leads the charge. How can you hear it and see it...
Read moreDog-Friendly Campground Reservation Resources
• California State Parks rolled out a new reservation system, ReserveCalifornia, in August of last year, with new features still being phased in. Users who create a profile can reserve...
Read moreFamily Dog Rescue 2018
San Francisco's Family Dog Rescue's guiding philosophy is "We believe that when you adopt a dog, a family is created" — and they exist to help create and sustain those...
Read moreSpring rambles in the South Bay
South of San Francisco, you and your frisky pup have more velvety-green hills to wander in spring.
Read moreChasing cascades in the Bay Area
From easy family hikes to certified huffer-puffers, the hills and streams of the San Francisco Bay Area are at their voluptuous best in spring.
Read moreTime out for Tuolumne County (Yosemite north entrance)
The rugged country leading up to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat (North) entrance boasts a pioneer history as rough-hewn as the landscape itself. Tuolumne County towns along the Highway 120/49 corridors—Oakdale,...
Read moreYes, Your Dog Can Catch the Flu Too.
By Dr. Shannon Leggieri, DVM, MS of Claremont Veterinary Hospital, Oakland. Over the past three months, almost every other call we’ve received at our hospital has been regarding the “dog...
Read moreGinger by the Bay
Stacy D. shared this wonderful image with us of her sweet pup Ginger soaking up the sunshine at Crissy Field on a gorgeous San Francisco day.
Read moreNew Dog-friendly Hotels in California
DogTrekker.com would like to thank all DogTrekkers who contributed to our 2018 reader survey. You let us know that one of the topics you’d most like us to address this...
Read moreBaker Botts
From Chris Carr, Baker Botts, lead attorney in the fight to get the federal government to release documents under the Freedom of Information Act:
Read morePut paws to GGNRA paths in San Mateo County
People have walked their dogs, both on- and off-leash, for decades on the lands in San Mateo County that became part of the GGNRA after the National Park Service’s 1979...
Read moreSan Francisco County’s GGNRA bounty
In San Francisco, GGNRA lands wrap the shoreline almost all the way from Fort Mason in the north to Fort Funston in the south, with a few breaks along the...
Read moreMake it Marin for dog-friendly GGNRA trails/beaches
More than 12,000 acres of the GGNRA are concentrated in the Marin Headlands, a hilly peninsula just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.
Read moreGGNRA dog-walking saga: The backstory
With Bay Area populations growing and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) lands being ever more heavily used, the National Park Service (NPS) in 2001, under the guise that dogs...
Read moreIt’s a Great Winery Finder
Roger Coryell of Sonoma County tells us the DogTrekker mobile app is the best of any of the winery apps he’s used, dog-friendly or not. Wineries are broken down by...
Read moreIt’s a Wonderful Life For Bella
Just in time for the holidays, we received this heartfelt account from DogTrekker.com reader Alison P.: On October 4 I opened your email newsletter, Treat Your Dog to Autumn Adventure...
Read moreThe season of giving
DogTrekker operates on the principles set forth in its 4-Paw Promise: “To deliver local and accurate listings, provide engaging and actionable content and focus on social commitment to the communities...
Read moreTake Time to Coast
Mendocino County is mostly rural, and its extensive patchwork of public lands encompasses everything from national forests and state parks to dog-friendly preserves administered by the Bureau of Land Management....
Read moreSan Francisco SPCA 2017
Looking for a sweet, loving young dog? Meet Matt Cain. This one-year-old German shepherd mix boy loves to meet new people, eat delicious treats and get tons of affection. He is blind, but...
Read moreGo Boho on the Bohemian Highway
It’s just 10 miles long, but oh, what a sweet 10 miles. The Bohemian Highway, named for the artists and other alternative-lifestyle folks who settled the area after the 1906...
Read moreUrban rambles in Sonoma County
The town of Sonoma, with its historic plaza surrounded by high-end restaurants and shops, is the gateway to Sonoma Wine Country. But wineries aren’t the only places in this sprawling county...
Read moreSunny Tri-Valley Wineries Welcome Dogs
The Tri-Valley region, an hour east of San Francisco, is nothing if not full of surprises, especially when it comes to wine. Production is centered in the rolling Livermore Valley...
Read moreOff the beaten path in Marin
Visiting Marin County? Not even all the locals are hip to the hike-in pancake breakfasts-with-a-view served up at the West Point Inn 1,785 feet above the Pacific on the shoulder...
Read moreDog-friendly pumpkin patches in NorCal
What's Halloween without a visit to a pumpkin patch, especially if the pumpkin patch doubles as a seasonal family theme park?
Read moreUrban hikes to SF attractions
Whether you live in San Francisco or are just visiting, your legs are bound to get a workout given all those hills.
Read moreMake it a Meal Deal
Be sure to stash a few treats in your pocket so Spike won’t get jealous while the rest of you take your pick of food-truck fare and enjoy live music,...
Read moreLaurel Inn
Pamper Your Pet Package
Laurel Inn, San Francisco Pamper Your Pet Package Treat your dog to a relaxing San Francisco getaway with this hotel package! • Doggie welcome treat and toy • Complimentary access to...
Read moreFairmont San Francisco
Pampered Pooch Package
Fairmont San Francisco Pampered Pooch Package Having provided legendary service to travelers for more than a century, Fairmont San Francisco has unleashed an exclusive package for its four-legged guests. Make your visit...
Read moreWhat 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...
Read moreTri-Valley’s No-Whine Wineries
A laid-back atmosphere and dog-friendly vibe prevail at many Tri-Valley wineries where you can both make yourselves at home. Most establishments are located in the picturesque Livermore Valley, one of...
Read moreTri-Valley: Eat, Drink & Chill After the Hike
If you plan to put on your hiking shoes and head out to enjoy the East Bay Regional Parks mentioned in this issue, we have just the place to refresh,...
Read moreMore in Marin
Sure, there are many open-space tracts in Marin County where you and your dog can hike without being tied together. But there are more that offer big rewards in terms...
Read moreEast Bay Regional Park District
The Bay Area wouldn’t be what it is without its tawny, oak-studded hills, and we have the East Bay Regional Parks District to thank for keeping many of them accessible...
Read moreUrban rambles in San Francisco
An abundance of open space available to canines makes the City by the Bay especially enticing to four-legged visitors with humans on the other end of the leash.
Read moreMarin County Open Space
Marin County has long been a leader in land conservation, and the public has been a beneficiary of its valiant efforts.
Read moreGolden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue 2017
Meet Bandit. He's 12. Or maybe 13. But you'd never know it. He's remarkably healthy, happy, playful, and good-natured, with no health issues other than slightly creaky hips. He loves...
Read moreFun For Dogs and the Humans Who Follow
8. Bark (& Meow) Around the Block, Berkeley: August 19. Don't miss Berkeley Humane’s adopt-a-thon and street fair featuring 100-plus animals available for adoption from more than Bay Area rescues,...
Read moreExceptions to California state park rules
Most California State Parks restrict canine companions to campgrounds, day-use picnic areas and paved roads, but we’ve found a trio that allow four-paw venturing on dirt trails.
Read moreSF SPCA veterinary hospitals are the bestest
SF SPCA has the second largest animal care facility in North America: SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital - Mission Campus.
Read moreLeptospirosis and Your Dog
By Dr. Shannon Leggieri, DVM of Claremont Veterinary Hospital, Oakland. As water levels rise across the Bay Area this winter, so has the number of documented canine leptospirosis cases. This...
Read moreCataract Falls: A California classic
Despite its strenuous nature, the 2.5-mile round trip to Cataract Falls on the north slope of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County is definitely not the road less traveled.
Read moreSan Francisco SPCA Pop-Up
Kitten cuddles? Check. Puppy kisses? Check. Cuteness overload? Check, check, check! Don’t miss all the cuteness at the San Francisco SPCA Pop-Up at Two Embarcadero Center.
Read morePyrPaw Rescue
Some months ago, Bear was facing death before his life had really started, through no fault of his own. At 2 1/2, the happy, healthy Great Pyrenees dog became a...
Read morePuppy Love in Portland
Yes, it’s a long drive from California (650 miles and 10 hours minimum from San Francisco), but Portland-with-pup is worth the time-and-money investment. “Portlandia” (also nicknamed PDX, after its airport...
Read moreWhite wine on a winter’s day
Mendocino County’s wineries produce many reds, of course, but crisp viogniers and other whites are also specialties of the region, even on a winter's day.
Read moreSee the Lights
Holiday parades and light displays are part and parcel of the American holiday experience, with cities and towns large and small getting into the illuminated holiday spirit. Here are three...
Read moreTime for ‘Leche-Vitrines’
That’s French for “window licking,” an expression that in English equates to “window shopping.” But the French term translates (almost) literally when it comes to Macy’s Holiday Windows displays in...
Read moreRocket Dog Rescue 2016
Things looked grim for young Chance. An energetic young German shepherd, he'd managed to get hit by a car, shattering his left front leg in the process. Fortunately for him,...
Read moreFall Trekking in the SLO Lane
San Luis Obispo County encompasses just about everything California is known for, from mountains to ocean to wine country to laid-back vibe. Luis Obispo County encompasses just about everything California is...
Read moreHideaways by the Sea
There’s nothing like the non-stop sigh of the sea to instill a meditative state of mind. And in Sonoma County, there are dozens of places where you and your pup...
Read moreHiking hills and Headlands
Every good bird deserves watching at Bodega Bay, and the 1.2-mile Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail is a great venue for walking your dog while sharpening your identification skills.
Read moreSonoma County trippin’
When’s the last time you explored these Sonoma County gems with your four-legged friend?
Read moreVine and Dine In Sonoma
Sonoma County is one of California’s largest and most diverse regions—and one that can seem very close or very far away, depending on your time, destination and inclinations. For a...
Read moreTake a walk on the wave side
DogTrekkers who live inland know they’re never far from Sweatshirt Land. So when the mercury climbs, those in the know leash up their pups and head for the coast, making...
Read moreGo with the rivers’ flow
Your dog may not be able to paddle her own canoe, but you’ll have a blast paddling for her with an assist from an outfitter who knows how to help...
Read moreOff-leash beaches for chasing waves
For water-loving canines, nothing beats fetching a bright yellow tennis ball from the surf and romping full speed ahead on a sandy beach. But while there’s plenty of sand to...
Read moreCamping, Sunset Style
Like many of us who read Sunset, you are most likely inspired and somewhat intimidated by those oh-so-perfect homes, gardens and recipes showcased on the magazine’s glossy pages and online....
Read moreNo Tent or RV? No Problem…
Don’t run out to buy a tent if you don’t know that you’ll enjoy camping and take it up as a regular pastime. Novices who don’t own a full kit...
Read morePreparing Your Dog for a New Baby
By Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB, San Francisco SPCA A new baby in your home is an exciting, yet challenging time for everyone, including your dog. The time to prepare your...
Read moreImpact: San Francisco County
If the National Park Service’s proposed dog rule goes through, it will constitute the largest single reduction in recreational access for people in the history of the Golden Gate National...
Read moreDiesel & Oliver’s seaside adventure
Diesel and Oliver's parents, Ashley and Chris P. were the lucky winners of our Nick's Cove 2015 DogCation. The whole family got to enjoy a wonderful seaside adventure along Tomales...
Read moreTuolumne County (North/Big Oak Flat) Entrance
There is plenty to see as you and your four-legged companion wander through rugged Tuolumne County toward the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Read moreFamily Dog Rescue
Not so long ago, the soulful Felipe was trying to survive on the streets of Tijuana. His quick wits and friendly personality served him well, but by the time he...
Read moreLots 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...
Read moreFour falls on one outing!
In the wake of a good spring drenching, the Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop Trail near Morgan Hill in the South Bay’s Santa Cruz Mountains rewards with easy footing and sights...
Read moreSplash-happy in Marin
Cataract Falls in Marin County is probably the best-known waterfall in the Bay Area, and for good reason.
Read moreFamily-friendly Fairway Falls
There’s no need to work up a sweat on a waterfall hike, especially if the hike is a family-friendly, one-mile round trip to Fairway Falls, a seasonal gusher in Ignacio Valley Open...
Read moreSan Francisco Dreamin’
Charlie at Cavallo Point Lodge Once the Super Bowl is over, San Francisco can breathe deeply again (and hotel rates revert to normal, too). For true romantics who like to...
Read moreSoak Up Some History
Carmel Fountain of Woof One of the best ways to get acquainted with a destination is on a walking tour, but it’s not every destination that welcomes four-legged tour members.
Read moreHowl-I-Day Winery Party
Photo Credit: Brian Brooks (CC) If a visit to Sonoma Wine Country is on your December agenda, time your trip to take part in the Dec. 11 Ugly Sweater Howl-I-Day Party...
Read more29th Annual Macy’s Holiday Windows
Photo courtesy: SF SPCA If you live in the Bay Area or plan a holiday-season trip to the City by the Bay, be sure to stop by the flagship Macy’s...
Read moreDog-friendly hiking around Vacaville
An attraction of pastoral and historic interest easily accessible from Vacaville is Rush Ranch Open Space a 2,070-acre open space now administered by the Solano Land Trust.
Read moreVacaville, gateway to the wine country
Photo Credit: Liz Anderson Ready for some wine tasting? The verdant Suisun Valley, about 20 minutes from downtown Vacaville, is home to numerous wineries that welcome canine guests in their...
Read moreLeash Reactivity 101
Photo Credit: Sangudo (CC) By Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB, Veterinarian & Behavior Specialist, San Francisco SPCA. Leash reactivity is a very common problem and can happen to any dog guardian –...
Read moreButte County Getaway With Humphrey
Bidwell Park Just an hour north of Sacramento, Butte County is a great place for an outdoorsy getaway with your canine companion. The surprises start in the county seat of...
Read moreDog-friendly Tri-Valley Region Trails
The Bay Area’s Tri-Valley region, just 45 minutes east of San Francisco, is a sunny paradise for hiking dogs and their people, rewarding both with lots of wide open spaces...
Read morePut these hiking havens on your radar
Regional park districts in the Bay Area and beyond offer myriad venues for hiking with your dog. Check out the possibilities and put paws to path this fall!
Read moreSonoma County Regional Parks with your pup
Sonoma County’s diverse network of regional parks is laced by more than 140 miles of trails leading to beaches, mountains, forests, lakes and meadows.
Read moreJohn Muir’s Legacy in Contra Costa County
Axel hiking Acalanes Ridge. Photo Credit: Karen Booth, JMLT staff Be grateful for the folks behind the John Muir Land Trust—and consider donating to the Saving Contra Costa campaign if...
Read moreCalistoga With Your Pup
Photo credit: eLjeProks (CC) Famous for its hot springs and namesake bottled water, dog-friendly Calistoga is a relaxing but lively destination at the north end of the Napa Valley, also reached by a...
Read moreExploring Napa’s ‘Ghost Wineries’
Photo credit: lizzie1326 (CC) Visit Napa Valley midweek or in fall/winter, and you’ll have an experience much different than on high-season weekends. And there’s no shortage of wineries that welcome...
Read moreDogTrekkers go Santa Cruzin’
Santa Cruz County, located on California's Central Coast, 65 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles north of Monterey, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, famous Beach Boardwalk amusement...
Read moreGreen Inspiration at Cornerstone Sonoma
Kayla gets the cold shoulder from Cornerstone dog Anyone who loves gardens will be hearing a lot very soon about Sunset magazine making Cornerstone Sonoma, a garden and retail complex...
Read moreCuddle Up With Your Pup
Photo Credit: smerikal (CC) Sonoma County has plenty of gorgeous scenery to share with your best friend, and plenty of places to make base camp if you’re able to spend...
Read moreStretch Your Legs In Sonoma County
Photo Credit: Mike Lewinski (CC) Like to scope out new horizons from a two- and four-legged point of view? The Sonoma County coast, the Sonoma Valley and the Russian River region...
Read moreMake a Splash on the Sonoma Shore
There’s something about fresh ocean air that makes a day at the coast restorative as well as memorable. Every good bird deserves watching at Bodega Bay, an hour and a...
Read moreRussian River with Rover
Photo courtesy: Russian River Adventures Among our favorite DogTrekker activities is paddling a languidly flowing, 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River around the dog-friendly, wine-centric town of Healdsburg in Sonoma...
Read moreRide the Tilden Railway with Rufus
Kids (and dogs) of all ages visiting Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley are drawn like magnets to the Tilden/Redwood Valley Railway, a miniature train that has been looping around the...
Read moreWag Your Way Through Western Railway Museum
From the late 1800s into the early 1940s, dozens of Northern California communities were connected by electric “interurban” railroads. The biggest player was the Sacramento Northern, whose trunk line stretched...
Read moreDay By The Bay in Benicia
It’s almost always sweater weather in this snug little community on the Carquinez Strait. And Benicia’s friendly residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere just a hop, skip and jump from San...
Read moreRiver running with Rover
Lakes are great and beaches are peachy, but there’s something special about splashing in a river. DogTrekker.com has explored quite a few with our furry best friends and want to...
Read moreMaddie’s Pet Adoption Days 2015
Happy 2014 adopters. Photo: Maddie's Fund Good news for homeless pets around the Bay: It's the return of Maddie's Pet Adoption Days! Named in honor of the little miniature schnauzer who brought joy...
Read moreWind Up and Wine Down in Oakland
Jack London Square Summer days are great for long, lingering meals on the tail end of an outing with your pet. Lake Merritt, the large tidal lagoon in the center...
Read morePAWS Rescue (Paws Are Wonderful Support)
Founded at the height of San Francisco's AIDS epidemic when food-bank volunteers banded together to provide support for their clients with pets, Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)is still going strong —...
Read moreYou Call This Camping? We Say Four Paws Up
Go in style. Camping doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping on the ground or getting up close and personal with dirt. These privately operated spots have tons of amenities for you and...
Read moreThe Value of Crate Training
Tobi enjoying her crate. (CC) Laura Harris By Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB, DACAW, CAWA, San Francisco SPCA Some dog owners believe crate training is cruel and dogs should not be...
Read moreSan Francisco SPCA 2015
Meet Marco. As part of its lifesaving work, the San Francisco SPCA provides a safe, caring haven for many dogs who'd otherwise fall through the cracks because of age, breed,...
Read moreSit. Stay. Dog-friendly vacation rentals
With all of the great hikes and fun places to play in the city by the bay, why not book a vacation rental as your base of operations?
Read moreSit, stay and snore in dog-friendly San Francisco
If there’s a more dog-friendly city than San Francisco when it comes to lodging, we don’t know about it. The City by the Bay boasts dozens of hotels, motels and...
Read moreRocket Dog Rescue 2015
Oliver Here's Oliver, who's just over three months old. He's currently having a fine old time in his foster home and playing with the resident dog while he waits for...
Read moreChasing Waves on Ocean Beach With Your Dog
Traveling in Style at Ocean Beach. (CC) torbakhopper If your dog has a reliable recall and can be trusted not to jump on people, bring her to Ocean Beach, a...
Read moreWaterfront 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...
Read morePlaces to Play in Golden Gate Park With Your Dog
Golden Gate Park is to San Francisco what Central Park is to New York, but oh-so-much better, at least in our dog-centric opinion.
Read moreTravelling with Pepper Lukes
Pepper Lukes all Smiles at Cuvier DogTrekker, Anna Lisa, sent us photos of her lovely seven year old shih tzu poodle, Pepper Lukes. Pepper travels everywhere with her family, is very...
Read moreDog-friendly Tri-Valley Trails
The Bay Area’s Tri-Valley region, just 30 minutes east of San Francisco, is a sunny paradise for hiking dogs and their people. With lots of wide open spaces and scenic vistas,...
Read moreSan Francisco is for Dog Lovers
Addie headed for fun at Fort Funston. Photo by Heather. If there’s a more dog-friendly big city than San Francisco, we at DogTrekker.com certainly don’t know about it. An abundance...
Read moreIntroducing Dogs and Cats
By Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB, DACAW, CAWA San Francisco SPCA Let’s say you are traveling with your dog to visit some friends and you find out they have a cat....
Read moreDog-friendly Wineries in Livermore Valley
Retzlaff Vineyard, Livermore Here at DogTrekker.com, we’ve made dog-friendly wineries easier to find through a new, interactive map on our California Wine Country landing page. Clicking on the map of...
Read moreDog-friendly Wineries in Napa Valley
QQ in Napa Here at DogTrekker.com, we’ve made dog-friendly wineries easier to find through a new, interactive map on our California Wine Country landing page. Clicking on the map of...
Read moreDog-friendly wineries in Sonoma County
Here at DogTrekker.com, we’ve made dog-friendly wineries easier to find through a new, interactive map on our California Wine Country landing page. Clicking on the map of the county or...
Read moreYearning for Yolo
You can’t know what you’re missing if you don’t pull off the highway, and for DogTrekkers speeding through Yolo County on Interstate 80, there are myriad reasons to put on...
Read moreCalistoga On a Leash
A welcoming destination with a rich history, the charming town of Calistoga caps the far north end of the Napa alley like a cork in a bottle. Recently named one...
Read moreDog-friendly Wineries: Just a Click Away
Here at DogTrekker.com, we’ve made dog-friendly wineries easier to find through a new, interactive map on our California Wine Country landing page. Clicking on the map of the county or...
Read moreDog-walk Apps
Sunset walk at Point Pinole. Photo by Hilary. Walking is as good for you as it is for your dog, and with Walk For A Dog, a new fundraising app...
Read moreStrut Your Mutt 2014
Fun for all at Strut Your Mutt. On August 23, head for Treasure Island in San Francisco. Once you get there, join the happy throngs converging on the Great Lawn for the...
Read moreSeparation Anxiety
Don't leave me all by myself. By Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB, San Francisco SPCA Separation anxiety is a serious and heart-breaking disorder. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety experience the...
Read moreBet on Bodega Bay
Follow the Pacific coast through Sonoma County and you’ll find plenty of gorgeous scenery to share with your best friend. Bodega Bay makes an ideal hub for discovering the region’s...
Read moreScenic Sebastopol
Hanging out at the Sebastopol Apple Fair.(CC) e.t. This West Sonoma County hub is fast becoming a DogTrekker favorite, particularly since the advent of The Barlow, a dog- and family-friendly...
Read moreKOA Welcomes DogTrekkers
Camping in California is surging in popularity with DogTrekkers, in part because privately owned campgrounds such as the award-winning San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA have diversified to offer not just RV camping, but...
Read moreA-Glamping We Will Go
What’s glamping? It’s one of those made-up fusion words meant to convey the idea of “glamorous” camping, a concept adopted from African safari tradition and catching on in California and...
Read moreRV Resorts: Not Just for RVs Anymore
Petaluma KOA Photo courtesy Daniel Trumm (CC) KOA (Kampgrounds of America) has been a leader for decades in expanding its amenities to attract a broad demographic of vacationers. Most of...
Read moreOn The Way to Yosemite: North Entrance
Cabo in Groveland. Photo: Doug Pieper Why hurry to Yosemite National Park when the journey can be as rewarding as the destination? The Yosemite Region encompasses four gateway counties, each...
Read moreEast Bay getaways with your dog
Cassie at Mission Creek Preserve. Photo: Sean Ness (CC) What would the East Bay be without its regional parks—all 65 of them? The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) marks...
Read morePica: When Your Dog Eats Weird Stuff
Tye licking his lips. Photo: Sue B. (CC) By Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB, San Francisco SPCA From socks to rocks to marijuana, owners and veterinarians have seen their fair share...
Read moreOn the road to Yosemite
Why hurry to Yosemite National Park when the journey can be as rewarding as the destination? The Yosemite Region encompasses four gateway counties, each with its own unique set of...
Read moreRussian River Adventures
Have a dog who loves water? Why not let her serve as first mate in a dog-friendly canoe? Russian River Adventures, Sonoma County's premiere dog-passionate eco-adventure outfitter, welcomes four-paw passengers...
Read moreDogTrekker’s best river adventures
Among our favorite go-to spots is the languidly flowing stretch of the Russian River around Healdsburg. Russian River Adventures rents dog-friendly inflatable canoes for full-day trips where you can enjoy...
Read moreEnjoy These GGNRA Beaches While You Can
Dog running on Muir Beach: Photo by Carolyn (CC) For dog lovers, few sights bring more joy than watching man’s best friend run free and unfettered on a beach. In...
Read moreMistral About the City
Mistral Visits Corona Heights, San Francisco Kala Sherman-Presser and her nine year old black lab Mistral have this urban waves and wilderness thing pretty well figured out as these photos...
Read moreClearly Clear Lake
There it sits, a big blue puddle on the map about 75 miles due north of Santa Rosa. When’s the last time you and your furry sidekick visited Clear Lake,...
Read moreSunday in Sonoma Wine Country
The old proverb 'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie' doesn't apply at family and dog-friendly Larson Family Winery, located in the heart of of the Carneros region of Sonoma. Both Bubba and...
Read moreSee the Sea
Otto at Tilden Park, Berkeley. Photo: Carol Kolb DeWilde (CC) In our last newsletter, Spring Delights in the East Bay, we profiled some favorite hikes in the green, rolling hills...
Read moreGreat Kibble to Bark About
Beast of the Bay Winner! The results of the 6th Annual Bay Woof "Beast of the Bay" awards are in, and DogTrekker.com finished as top dog in two of the...
Read moreRambling Around Oakland
Dog-loving residents of Oakland have it all: tons of bars and restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating; an overall welcoming attitude toward canines; and a wealth of open-space trails, many of...
Read moreNip into Napa
Sadie, wine tasting in the Napa Valley. Ah, wintertime in the Napa Valley. The crowds are gone and region’s many delights are yours for the taking. This is the season...
Read moreSave Our Access to GGNRA Lands
Rohn at Crissy Field As DogTrekker.com first reported in an editorial last September, the then recently revised 1,900 page plan did little to improve the outlook for dog owners who have...
Read moreBonus Trekking Resources
Over the past year, our hiking pages and listings have become the most visited of all activities on DogTrekker.com. In addition to the terrific hikes presented in this newsletter, we...
Read moreLeash Reactivity
By Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB Veterinarian & Behavior Specialist, San Francisco SPCA Pulling on a leash is a common problem that can occur with any dog. Don't be embarrassed. It...
Read moreStep Up to a Summit in San Francisco
Dog hiking Mount Davidson - Sharon Hahn Darlin (CC) Everyone who comes to San Francisco catches a glimpse of the deep green hill topped by a 103-foot-cross that serves as...
Read moreFour Paw Salute to Our Sponsors
As we begin adding new Southern California regions in 2014, it’s important to give a shout-out to all of the destinations who partnered with us in 2013. These Paw-of-Approval destinations...
Read moreSo nice at San Anselmo’s Sorich Park
Kayla has put the paws to the path in thousands of miles of California trails, and last weekend she sniffed out a great one at the San Anselmo Sorich Ranch...
Read moreWag Hotels
When pet parents are away, the pups can play. We DogTrekkers love to travel with our four-legged friends; that’s what we’re all about. But there are times when we have...
Read morePacified in Pacifica
Sprawled along the six miles of coastline just over the hills from San Francisco International Airport, the once working-class community of Pacifica has morphed into a haven for well heeled...
Read moreHoliday Cheer and Dog Rescue
Varsha With the holidays coming up, all of us at DogTrekker salute the life-saving work of dog rescues, and heartily recommend that you join us in adding your favorite rescue...
Read moreSipping in Sonoma
The largest county in the Bay area is also the most diverse from a DogTrekker’s point of view. From downtown tasting rooms to Russian River wineries with sweeping views, our...
Read moreDog-friendly Wine Itineraries
Since the launch of DogTrekker.com, interest in dog-friendly wineries has soared, making them the most sought-after attractions on DogTrekker.com. In an effort to provide you and your four-legged friends with the...
Read moreJust Tri It
Dog at Concannon Winery The Tri-Valley region is sometimes wrongly dismissed by those who don’t live there as a drive-by destination on the way to somewhere else. That’s their loss...
Read moreDogTrekker is on the Road
Ella - Photo by Dave Kendrick The Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon 2013, held last weekend at the Marin Center, was a fabulous success. DogTrekker.com was on hand both...
Read moreRuffin’ It In Style
Camellia Inn When it comes time to spend the night, Sonoma County has more options than a Dalmatian has spots. Autumn offers great rates at dog-friendly properties in hip and...
Read moreRun Spot Run
Dog on a bike in Petaluma. The town of Sonoma might be the gateway to Sonoma Wine Country, but wineries aren’t the only places in this sprawling county to visit with...
Read moreSniff Around Downtown Sonoma
Stylin Dog in Downtown Sonoma Sonoma State Historic Park, which are clustered along Spain Street on the north side of the plaza. You and Spot are free to walk the...
Read moreEditorial: GGNRA Aims to Tighten Leashes
DogTrekker Editorial Rohn at Crissy Field We have received many questions from readers about the recently revised and released dog management plan for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). We think...
Read moreMake a splash in Marin
Marin County is spring-loaded with dog-friendly places, but we at DogTrekker have some tail-wagger favorites. Beautiful Muir Beach permits dogs under voice control off-leash.
Read moreOf Cottages and Vines
When in wine country with your pooch, it’s ever so nice to retreat to the deck of your own private cabin for an evening repast. At the dog-welcoming Creekside Inn...
Read moreDog-friendly KOA
Camping in California is surging in popularity with DogTrekkers, in part because privately owned campgrounds such as the award-winning San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA have diversified to offer not just RV camping, but...
Read moreLeave No Paws Behind
Later this year, we'll be expanding our DogTrekker coverage to include Southern California. In the course of getting ready for this exciting development, we came across a rescue whose work...
Read morePawsitively Perfect
We’re not claiming to be personally familiar with every campground in Northern California, but our experiences at these dog-friendly sites have been pawsitive enough to keep us coming back. Whether...
Read moreRollin’ on a river with your dog
How many times have you skipped an otherwise great activity because Spot couldn’t come along? Thanks to a handful of savvy Northern California outfitters, you don’t have to invest in...
Read morePaws on Pillows
Maximo, Hotel Rex Ambassador When it comes to dog-friendly hotels in the City by the Bay, two trustworthy brands and many individual stars stand out. Joie de Vivre, largest operator...
Read morePark It in San Francisco
What’s the biggest park in San Francisco after Golden Gate Park (1,017 acres)? We were stumped, too, until our staffers stumbled upon John McLaren Park, a hidden gem in south San...
Read moreExploring the Urban Forest
Most visitors to San Francisco never make it to the upper reaches of the Presidio, a 1,500-acre former U.S. Army base transferred to the national park system in 1996. And...
Read moreSplash Down
The America’s Cup sailing showdown comes to San Francisco this summer and fall, and there’s no reason you and your four-legged friend can’t share the excitement sure to be generated...
Read moreMaddie’s Pet Adoption Days
Yolo It's that time of year again... Yes, coming up June 1-2 are Maddie's Pet Adoption Days, in which the foundation created in memory of the Duffields' beloved miniature schnauzer...
Read moreDogTrekker Welcomes the Tri-Valley
Just over the hills from the San Francisco Bay Area lies a verdant region known for its mild climate, award-winning wines, historic town centers and dog-friendly attitudes. Agriculture still...
Read moreTo the Hills, Spot
Here we are again, just coming off the rainy season. With Jake bouncing off the walls, it's time to head for the hills.
Read moreSan Francisco Aid For Animals 2013
Since we last checked in with San Francisco Aid for Animals, the fledgling group has been building a strong foundation for its lifesaving work. As we reported then, hard economic...
Read moreA Toast to Spring
Pups at Lambert Bridge So many wineries are dog-friendly these days that it’s rare to visit one without spotting a least a couple of canines wagging their tails while their...
Read moreExploring Marin County with your dog
You’ve seen the views a million times in photographs, but if you haven’t soaked them up yourself, what are you waiting for? The Marin Headlands, that hilly peninsula on the...
Read morePaws For a Night
Marin is loaded with pet-friendly lodging, but why not follow the “green” theme for which the county is known and choose a property that verifiably adheres to sustainable practices?
Read moreWoof it up in Wine-Country luxury
If you truly want to impress your Valentine, and your dog, look no farther than Carneros Inn, a bucolic, luxury retreat surrounded by vineyards in the wine-growing region at the...
Read moreExploring the Tri-Valley
Head just east of San Francisco Bay Hills and you will find yourself in the dog–friendly Tri-Valley. This region, which takes its name from the adjacent Amador, Livermore and San...
Read moreView To Swoon For
Residents of the Bay Area know they have it good when it comes to open space, but relatively few venture into Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, a 208-acre oasis tucked behind the...
Read moreShoreline Rambling
Sometimes the urge to breathe deeply of a sea breeze comes on as strong as an appetite at lunchtime. Fortunately, the East Bay Regional Parks District offers multiple ways to...
Read moreDogTrekkers Four-Paw Salute To Our Sponsors
A recap of 2012 wouldn't be complete without a four-paw salute to the supporting sponsors of DogTrekker.com. All of these destinations have partnered with us this year, helping to fund important...
Read moreRescue Recap 2012
Our friends in the shelter and rescue community have been doing some great things over the last year, so we wanted to share a few highlights (and invite you to...
Read moreWednesday Woofable: A Toy For Every Dog
Everyone deserves a present on Christmas morning, especially shelter dogs! For today’s Wednesday Woofable we are letting you pick the present. You see, there is an awesome toy drive happening,...
Read morePets Unlimited 2012
Meet little Rocky, 10 pounds of cuteness in search of a forever home. Found wandering the streets of Fremont, he was taken to safety by the good folks at Pets...
Read moreMarin County Parks
Forty years ago, as residents watched subdivisions creep up hillsides and across ridges, local leaders started a heroic movement to preserve natural lands; a movement that resulted in the creation...
Read moreSee the Sea
It was half a century ago, in 1962, that Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco was created to preserve a magnificent stretch of coastline and the farmlands abutting...
Read moreBridge for All Seasons
Cavallo Point For 75 years, the Golden Gate Bridge has been the symbol of San Francisco — and one that never grows less beautiful with the passing of time. It's...
Read moreBluegrass and Dog Rescue
Back in the day, Emmylou Harris was rarely known to tour without her canine travel companion, the poodle mix Bonaparte. Then, when Bonaparte passed on, the singer decided to honor...
Read moreSamuel P. Taylor State Park
This lush redwood retreat 15 miles west of San Rafael has dog-friendly picnic areas, campgrounds with showers and the five-mile Cross Marin Trail, shared with cyclists, that visitors with leashed...
Read moreRun The River With Your Dog
Dog and his people on the Russian River Do you have a dog that loves the water? Why not let your pooch splash and swim as the first mate in...
Read moreMaking the World a Doggier Place
Dog culture is entrenched in some Northern California companies. Most famously, Zynga, the San Francisco-based social network game-development company named for founder Mark Pincus’ American bulldog, welcomes employee dogs in the...
Read moreBreeder, Shelter, or Rescue?
Whether you get your dog from a rescue, a shelter, or a breeder, you want that person's primary motivation to be the dog's well-being, not your cash. Trust your instincts....
Read moreMaddie’s Adoptathon 2012 Hotspots
With 65 participating groups in 80 locations (OK, some of them are cats...), there's a lot of territory to cover in Maddie's Adoptathon. Note that if you're looking for a German...
Read moreSan Francisco SPCA Takes on Puppy Mills
Locally, the San Francisco SPCA started noticing that a high percentage of people who brought their dog to the SPCA's veterinary and spay/neuter clinics said they'd bought the dogs from...
Read moreBay Area Meetups 2012
Some dog Meetups focus on a particular interest or breed, while some of the larger ones offer quite a range, from rescue to picnics to elegant evenings out. Some are...
Read moreSleep green
Northern California leads the nation in the number of hotels—more than a dozen to date certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program....
Read moreDallying in Davis
The drive east on Interstate 80 from the San Francisco Bay Area to points beyond can hardly be described asscenic, but you don’t have to go far off the road...
Read moreKayla Takes on Blithedale Summit
One of Kayla's favorite things to do is explore the many, many hikes within the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD). It is one of the few truly dog-friendly places...
Read moreNothing stingy about Stinson
The hang-gliders, surfers and beach-goers might first catch your eye, but it’s the “no dogs” signs you need to watch when visiting Stinson Beach in West Marin.
Read moreWalk Blithely
If you wake up on a clear day itching for a hike that provides challenge, historical context and views, put paws to the path on a 6.6-mile trek along the...
Read moreContra Costa Humane Society
Founded in 1991, Contra Costa Humane Society (CCHS) works to improve and save the lives of animals in the county through a variety of successful programs, from low-cost spay-neuter assistance...
Read moreA weekend for romance
If we had Valentine's weekend off, a significant other to share it with and the bling to do it right, we’d steer our sweetie—and the furry family member we wouldn’t...
Read moreSurf and Woof
Our suggestion for a February outing with your Valentine and canine sidekick is Point Reyes National Seashore.
Read moreOn being a good hotel guest
Too often, rules are in place because the human/canine parties who visited before caused trouble or annoyance to management or other guests.
Read moreNo fee for Fido
Kimpton and Joie de Vivre, the leading boutique hotel players in Northern California, are also leaders of the pack when it comes to dog-friendly policies.
Read morePaws to the path around Lake Tahoe
Most hiking trails around Lake Tahoe—and there are hundreds—can be enjoyed in the company of your dog. For a short hike with liquid rewards, pack a picnic
Read moreWho let the ocean in?
About 120 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1, the Whale Watch Inn in southern Mendocino County is a close-to-nature haven with ocean views from all 18 rooms.
Read moreMeanwhile, back at the ranch
Sea Ranch was “eco-friendly” before Earth Day was even invented, and today as in its 1960s infancy, the low-key, architecturally distinct community attracts a clientele with “back to the land”...
Read morePet Friendly Santa Rosa
Welcome to Santa Rosa, where everything comes together: wine country and farm country, redwood forests and rivers, lakes and ocean. Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa is a...
Read moreGreat Dane Rescue of Northern California
Great Dane Rescue of Northern California stands ready to act as a safety net for these lovable giants, whether it's a matter of landing in a shelter, developing medical issues...
Read moreRegional Parks tightening leash?
From Point Isabel to Lake Del Valle, Black Diamond Mines to Sunol Regional Wilderness, Point Pinole to Mission Peak, the East Bay Regional Parks
Read moreShop talk
Shopping with a dog can be problematic—unless, of course, you're shopping for the dog. A best bet for yourself and for Fido is the merrily lit, boutique-lined stretch of Union...
Read moreSit. Stay. Lie down.
Canine-friendly hotels abound in San Francisco, but those in the Kimpton chain rate especially high with experienced DogTrekkers.
Read moreLily’s Legacy
When Alice Mayn, a longtime foster for NorCal Golden Retriever Rescue, got word that a 12-year-old golden in ill health had been picked up wandering the streets of Santa Rosa,...
Read moreBark for Bocce
Gold Rush entrepreneur Sam Brannan founded Calistoga with the intent of harnessing its hot springs and making it the "Saratoga of California." In one of California history's most oft-quoted slips...
Read moreBADRAP
Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls (BADRAP) has been working for over a decade to help the bully breeds when they landed, as they all too often did, in shelters,...
Read morePaws for a park
For such a large county, Sonoma has relatively few chunks of open space that dogs can explore with their people. But Hood Mountain, Sugar Loaf Ridge, and Tolay Lake are...
Read moreCuddle up in Monte Rio
This Sonoma County village on the Russian River has been welcoming San Francisco vacationers for more than a century and serves up sophistication along with big doses of rural charm.
Read moreWho let the dogs in?
Sonoma County vintners are increasingly courting the dogtrekker demographic special dog-centric events for four–legged friends and the people on the other end of their leashes.
Read moreJust say aawww….
Mother Nature gave most dogs a nice warm coat. They don’t “need” sweaters, thank you very much.
Read moreGolden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue
There's a reason Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America. You probably have met many representatives of this gentle, intelligent, family-loving breed, or even or been loved...
Read moreSan Francisco haunts
Remember Heidi? Her family members did, and commemorated their beloved collie's life with a headstone at the Presidio Pet Cemetery.
Read moreHalf it your way
It's hard to know what to do first in Half Moon Bay: Explore miles and miles of pristine beaches, scarf up some seafood at a seaside café,
Read moreAll paws on deck
If you and your canine pal are visiting, you owe it to yourself not to miss this internationally known, 23-acre place for off-leash doggie fun.
Read moreRussian with Rover
With the crowds gone and only a few weeks left before the rainy season sets in, the romantic Russian River region beckons.
Read moreGolden State Greyhound Adoption
Golden State Greyhound Adoption places retired racing greyhounds in adoptive homes in the San Francisco Bay Area, the greater Sacramento area and beyond.
Read moreRomp ‘n’ roll at Point Reyes
Both you and your four-legged friend will be panting to go when you spy Limantour Beach, a two-mile, wave-washed spit of sand
Read moreBark for Benicia
Yelp, we thought that seeing this Solano County town in the No. 4 slot on the Dog Fancy list would elicit yowls of surprise. Yet behind all those happily wagging...
Read moreExplore Concord with free doggie visitor’s guide
“Dogs Welcome Here!” isn’t just a tagline in Concord. Pups are central to the community’s fabric, and you’ll see that in the way hotels, restaurants, breweries, bars and parks put out...
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