DogTrekkers are a giving bunch as witnessed by their support for the adoption/rescue community through donations, volunteering and attendance at adoptathons and other special events during the year.

Spring is here and it is time to start planning for event season 2023. These dog-centric gatherings are a great way to meet fellow dog lovers, support local rescue organizations and give your pup some quality socialization time. Many of the events below include vendor booths, demos, contests and adoption opportunities — so even if you’re not looking to add another dog to the family, there’s plenty to see and do.

Make plans to attend the following events; and to find even more events near you, click on the View Near Me button on DogTrekker.com’s event pages.

• Saturday, April 22: Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash, William Land Park, Sacramento. This long-running event combines a dog-friendly fun run with vendor booths, food trucks and costume contests. It’s a festive morning out and a solid excuse to let your dog show off.

• Saturday, April 22: DogFest, Duboce Park, San Francisco. A neighborhood celebration of all things dog, with activities, treats and good energy in one of SF’s favorite dog-park neighborhoods.

• Saturday, April 29: Woofstock Chico, Chico. Live music, dog contests, rescue group booths and a laid-back vibe make this North State event a fun day trip for you and your pup.

• Sunday, May 7: ARF’s Animals on Broadway, Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. Tony DogTrekker’s ARF benefits from this popular East Bay gathering featuring adoptable animals, pet-related vendors and family-friendly fun.

• Sunday – Sunday, May 28 – June 3: Wild Blue Dog Summer Camp, South Lake Tahoe. A full week of dog-and-owner activities at Lake Tahoe, benefiting canine cancer research. Swimming, paddle-boarding, hiking and more — all in a securely fenced lakeside setting.

• Saturday, June 3: Berkeley Humane Pints For Paws, Berkeley. Craft beer, live music and a great cause — proceeds support Berkeley Humane’s programs. Dogs are welcome, naturally.

• Saturday, July 15: High Sierra Animal Rescue Pints for Pups, The Brewing Lair, Blairsden. A mountain-town fundraiser with craft brews and good company, supporting animal rescue in the northern Sierra.

• Saturday, September 16: Bark in the Park 25^th Anniversary, William Street Park, San Jose. One of the largest dog festivals in the Bay Area, celebrating a quarter century with contests, demos, vendors and a whole lot of tail wagging.

A few tips for event day: bring water and a portable bowl for your dog, keep your pup on a short leash in crowded areas and give them breaks in a quiet spot if the stimulation gets to be too much. Most events have shaded rest areas, but it’s always smart to bring your own shade or a cooling mat during warmer months. Check each event’s website closer to the date for any schedule changes or updates.