Dog Stories
Dog Stories!
Our DogTrekker writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we’re your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust DogTrekker to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.
Oreo’s Law: What California’s new disaster pet‑rescue bill does
California dog owners may want to pay attention to “Oreo’s Law” — a measure aimed at preventing one of the …
Skylar and the long way home
Skylar weighs about fifty pounds, give or take the wiggle factor. She’s the kind of dog who can mime a …
2025 award-winning dog-friendly hotels
Ready to sniff out 2026’s best adventures? Our loyal pack of discerning DogTrekkers wants the inside scoop on where to …
Exceptional experiences in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park, with its million-year-old granite monoliths, demands superlatives. Year after year, our readers crown it a favorite destination, …
WeHo rolls out the ruff-ruff red carpet
In a city known for rolling out the red carpet, West Hollywood takes that welcome a step further—extending it to …
A haven for hounds in Huntington
Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach isn’t just accommodating—it sets the gold standard for traveling with furry friends. The …
Boutique digs in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake earned serious bragging rights in 2025: USA Today crowned it the #1 10Best Lake in the U.S ...
A dog’s guide to autumn: 5 fall day trips in Northern California
Cooler days, colorful leaves and tail-wagging road trips Autumn in Northern California is made for dogs. The air cools down, ...
Plan your perfect Sacramento daycation
For best-in-show fun, it’s hard to top California’s sunny capital city. Sacramento is a pup-culture powerhouse with trails, wineries, breweries ...
Secret mountain hikes with dogs in California
Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it before I do. She thumps ...
California’s best coastal dog-friendly towns
From Mendocino to Oceanside, these seaside communities roll out water bowls, patios and walkable streets for four-legged travelers. The bell ...
Best Southern California doggie swim spots
From surf-ready shore break to calm lakes, Southern California is packed with places where dogs can cool off. Here are ...
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg has two compelling offers
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg has two Winter 2025-2026 compelling offers ...
The Beachcomber Properties
Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) winter promotion at all three properties: Beachcomber Motel, Beach House Inn and Surf & Sand Lodge ...
Stanford Inn Resort & Farm
Dynamic pricing always provides substantial seasonal savings. Also, enjoy the DogTrekker Special, available in early 2026 at the Stanford Inn ...
This season, we share gratitude (and getaways for you!)
Team DogTrekker has lots to be thankful for. This year, loyal readers like you supported the work of California shelter ...
Little River Inn (choose from three exciting deals)
Little River Inn (choose from three exciting winter 2025 deals) ...
Rainy-day fun to keep your dog sane (and you smiling)
Rainy days are part of life in California, especially in the North Coast, Sierra foothills and Bay Area. For many ...
The best ultra dog-friendly hotels in Southern California
Traveling with a dog in Southern California isn’t just possible—it’s easy, fun and, at a growing number of hotels, downright ...
Putah Canyon Campground: Dog-friendly camping on Lake Berryessa
Waterfront campsites and mellow lakeshore exploring Putah Canyon Campground on Lake Berryessa’s quieter west side offers a low-key, scenic base ...
Yucaipa Regional Park: A dog-friendly lake day in the Inland Empire
Wide-open lawns and easy lakeside walking Yucaipa Regional Park is one of the most relaxed, welcoming outdoor spaces for dogs ...
Calaveras Big Trees State Park: Visiting giant sequoias with your dog
A peaceful, dog-friendly introduction to giant trees Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers a rare combination: the chance to stand ...
Hidden Falls Regional Park: Best dog-friendly hikes in Placer County
A scenic foothill park built for easy dog adventures Hidden Falls Regional Park feels like it was made for exploring ...
The best dog-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe
Here are some of the best dog-friendly places including hotels and lodges to stay around Lake Tahoe, whether you’re drawn ...
Year-round sunshine in Greater Palm Springs
Bathed in year-round sunshine, Greater Palm Springs offers endless opportunities for you and your pup to explore, play, and unwind ...
Paw-some road trips from Sacramento
Sacramento’s big backyard offers more adventures like chasing waterfalls in Placer County, tracing old mining trails near the American River, ...
Sacramento DIY tasting tours with an artsy twist
With a thriving craft beer scene and easy access to top wine producers, Sacramento is a tasting tour hotspot ...
The ulti-mutt in farm-fresh dining in Sacramento
Sacramento’s status as “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital” comes from its proximity to more than 1.5 million acres of farmland that support ...
On the go in pup-centric Sacramento
DogTrekker readers love Sacramento’s parks and multi-use trails. The 32-mile American River Parkway might be the best known, and it’s ...
As Big Bear Lake warms up in 2026, the events begin
Lights, camera, wag! This March, Big Bear Lake takes center stage with the debut of the reimagined Big Bear Film ...
Autumn-Friendly Things to Do with Your Pets in Yosemite Mariposa County
The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled autumn vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as ...
Escape your ordinary in Greater Palm Springs
In Greater Palm Springs, every day is an invitation to adventure for you and your dog. With scenic hiking trails, ...
4-Day Dog-Friendly Autumn Itinerary
Yosemite Mariposa County is a premier travel destination for all adventurers, no matter how many legs they have. You and ...
Stanford Inn: Green, gorgeous and welcoming for 45 years
Magical Mendocino County turns up the charm each fall, when shifting light and kaleidoscopic colors grace the coastline. Now celebrating ...
Four-legged fun: A dog-friendly itinerary
Hit the trails, stroll through vibrant midcentury neighborhoods, and soak up the sun in Greater Palm Springs. Plan your next ...
Enjoy dog-friendly dining
From hearty brunches to savory dinners—and even treats for your buddy—these dog-friendly restaurants in Greater Palm Springs turn every meal ...
Paws for a pint: Explore dog-friendly breweries
Pups, pints, and great vibes. These Greater Palm Springs breweries are perfect for savoring every sip while hanging with your ...
Dog-friendly fall fun in Greater Palm Springs
This fall, Greater Palm Springs is the perfect playground for you and your four-legged travel buddy! Explore dog-friendly breweries and ...
Four-paw fun, from harvest into the holidays
Clear skies, crisp air and dazzling scenery make fall on California's North Coast especially memorable. Lush gardens and groves set ...
A dreamy setting for romantic retreats
Couples choose the Stanford Inn by the Sea for life’s biggest moments. Some get married in the gardens. Some stay ...
Mindful hospitality with a pet-centric pedigree
In an era where screens, QR codes and contactless check-ins are increasingly common, the Stanford Inn team practices more mindful ...
Paws-itively impressive green practices
In August 2025, the Stanford Inn was named one of the country’s top 10 eco-friendly hotels in the USA Today ...
Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California Portal
Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts, Southern California is a dog lover’s dream. DogTrekker.com’s brand-new SoCal Portal pulls it all together, showcasing the ...
DogTrekker® 15th Anniversary
DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind – whether at home, while traveling, or ...
GOCAL Goes Pet Friendly
Pack your go bags for GOCAL! From wide-open parks and scenic trails to welcoming patios and pup-approved dining, the GOCAL ...
Maya
This week, the DogTrekker® team says goodbye to Maya, a rescue pup who came to us from Monterey Bay Labrador ...
Make Noyo Harbor Inn your ulti-mutt fall getaway
In the weeks ahead, the golden days of fall will slowly replace peak summer sunshine. Catch the transition on California’s ...
Huntington Beach: Surf City, sunsets & sandy paws
Huntington Beach is pure coastal joy for dogs and their people. Dog Beach is a SoCal legend ...
Bishop: Small town, big backyard
Bishop, the “Small Town with a Big Backyard,” is a high-desert hub with unbeatable access to the Eastern Sierra ...
Big Bear Lake: Mountain playtime for you and your pup
Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just a couple of hours from many SoCal cities. ...
Greater Palm Springs: Oasis for paws & people
Greater Palm Springs blends dog-friendly spirit with vibrant desert beauty making it a prime pick for sunshine escapes ...
Win a Mendocino County coastal DogCation®
The DogCation® is the most widely anticipated and engaging promotion in the history of DogTrekker. We celebrate fall in Mendocino ...
A Guide to Pet-Friendly Autumn Lodging in Yosemite Mariposa County
Traveling through Yosemite in autumn can be the experience of a lifetime; sharing the experience with your favorite furry companion ...
Dog-friendly summer fun in GOCAL
Summer is in full swing, and if you’re like most dog lovers, you’re probably looking for ways to enjoy the ...
Bark in the Park
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bark in ...
The simple phone script that bypasses hotel pet restrictions.
How to convince a hotel your large dog is a good guest Proactive steps and a ‘canine resume’ can help ...
Deadly hitchhikers: The tick-borne diseases that could cripple your dog
Ticks might be tiny, but they pack a dangerous bite. When dogs wander through tall grasses, brush, or wooded areas, ...
Bark and Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane’s annual Bark and Meow Around the Block returns Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ...
Many dog owners miss signs their pets are overweight
Survey shows most owners misjudge their dog’s weight, putting pets at risk for serious health problems Many dog owners don’t ...
Wag, Wine & Dine 2025
Mark your calendar for an afternoon of wagging tails, great wine, and good company. On Sunday, August 24, from 1 ...
Dog park mystery: Illness and one death shut down Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara
Dog park mystery: Illness and one death shut down Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara A normally happy corner of ...
California’s housing crisis is overcrowding animal shelters
California’s housing crunch isn’t just affecting people—it’s taking a heavy toll on pets, too. With rents climbing and vacancy rates ...
Not every California town loves your dog
While California generally has a dog-friendly reputation, not every town rolls out the welcome mat for Fido ...
Hop on, paws up: JSX makes dog travel easy for California adventurers
Traveling with a dog in California used to mean long road trips or wrestling with complicated airline rules. JSX, a ...
Leptospirosis: A growing threat to California’s dogs
California dog owners are hearing more about leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that has veterinarians sounding the alarm. In the San ...
Big Bear Lake pet-friendly lodging for every travel tribe
If you’re traveling with the whole pack, planning a romantic retreat or looking for an eco-conscious escape, Big Bear Lake ...
Wagging tails and water play in Big Bear Lake
As the crowds thin, the air cools and the leaves turn, in the fall Big Bear Lake becomes a tranquil ...
Fall trails and starry skies in Big Bear Lake
Autumn in Big Bear Lake means crisp mountain air, golden aspens and trails ablaze with fall color—making it the perfect ...
Some doggone summer fun
These local indoor or shaded patio spots let you and your dog escape the heat without missing out on fun ...
Cool treats for you & your pup
GOCAL has several gems that serve tasty options for humans and their canine companions alike ...
Planning a pet getaway? Airlines just changed the rules
Taking your dog on vacation used to be unusual, but these days, especially here in pet-loving California, it's practically routine ...
GO stroll, (Safely)
Avoid the midday heat and treat your pup to a relaxing morning or evening outing at one of these GoCal ...
Culinary gems for people and pups
This season, HarborView Bistro & Bar gives first-time guests and repeat visitors exciting new reasons to make a reservation including ...
Comfy rooms with fetching design features
Rooted in the region’s logging and fishing industries, Noyo Harbor Inn is an Arts and Crafts treasure framed by trees, ...
Five ways to explore the California coast
The vast North Coast doubles as the Noyo Harbor Inn’s big, beautiful backyard. There’s magnificent scenery around every corner here ...
Dog-friendly dining on a riverfront patio
In Northern California, late summer means sun-soaked skies and warm evenings ideal for outdoor dining, and Noyo Harbor Inn’s HarborView ...
Pawsh on the mountain: A dog day out at Chaminade Resort
Chaminade Resort & Spa is rolling out the red carpet for Pawsh Retreat, a tail-wagging good time on Sunday, August ...
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs
Ticks might be tiny, but they pack a dangerous bite. When dogs wander through tall grasses, brush, or wooded areas, ...
Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season
Summer is in full swing, which means it's time to hit the water. During California's sun-drenched splash season, water dogs ...
Guide to the best dog parks in Southern California
Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles Southern California is a canine playground like no other—a sun-soaked region where city sidewalks quickly ...
These 7 California beaches let your dog run completely free
California's premier off-leash dog beaches: The complete field guide After three decades of exploring every beach, trail and hidden cove ...
Bark to school: 7 essential puppy training tips for new dog owners
Bringing home a puppy can turn your house upside down—but in the best possible way. The first year is more ...
Eight dog‑friendly stays between Mendocino and the Oregon border
The redwood belt between Mendocino and the Oregon line stays cool when the Central Valley bakes. It also offers a ...
8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California to beat the heat
When Southern California’s valleys start to bake under the late-summer sun, savvy dog lovers head for higher ground or cooler ...
Capitol Corridor’s pet-friendly rail program marks successful first year
When the Capitol Corridor launched its “Pets Onboard” rail service a year ago, many Northern California commuters didn’t even know ...
California’s new dog-friendly rules will blow your mind
California’s reputation as a paradise for travelers and their canine companions has only strengthened in 2025, as dog-friendly tourism expands ...
Puptopia Festival
Come to the Big Bear Puptopia Festival Saturday July 26 for a tail-wagging day of fun in Veterans Park. Enjoy ...
Warning: Your dog may never want to leave these Sonoma County restaurants
If you’ve got a dog—and I hope you do—you already know that dining out with your furry companion can make ...
Leash up and dive in: A dog lover’s guide to California’s state parks and lakes
If your four-legged friend perks up at the mention of trails, lakes and scenic adventures, California’s state parks are calling ...
California’s best dog-friendly sports bars to cheer on your team
From the mountains to the coast to the south, California has no shortage of sports bars that don’t just tolerate ...
Traveling with pets in California? Beware the hidden costs of ‘pet-friendly’ hotels
If you’ve ever traveled through California with your beloved dog, you know the treachery hiding behind two seemingly innocent words: ...
Paw-some events for the dog days of summer
With summer in full swing, pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California. Lucky dogs can join their people for incredible ...
California’s top tail-wagging destinations: Adventure awaits
Traveling with my dog has always transformed ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures. California, with its wealth of scenic beauty and ...
5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures
California offers countless opportunities for adventures with your canine companion, but knowing a few insider tips can elevate your travel ...
California hotels that don’t just tolerate dogs—they adore them
If you’ve traveled with a dog, you know there’s a big difference between hotels that merely tolerate pets and those ...
Watch your pups around poison oak
As responsible dog owners, we go to great lengths to keep our furry companions safe. One often overlooked threat is ...
A checklist for taking your dog to work
More workplaces in California are adopting pet-friendly policies, allowing employees to bring their dogs to the office. While it can ...
Are those darned people going to take us to Mars?
Inquiring dogs want to know: are we next in line for cosmic glory, stardust biscuits and zero-gravity squeaky toys—is this ...
Is my dog too fat?
Understanding healthy dog weight Obesity is one of the most common health problems in pets today, affecting more than 50% ...