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.

The Fido friendly Yosemite vacation

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite welcomes dogs with pet-friendly rooms, standalone Explorer Cabins with bunk beds for families, house-made doggie treats, a pampered pet package, and even dog massages at their Ascent Spa. It is the ultimate four-legged retreat.

Winter woes and wags

Cold weather doesn't mean your dog's exercise routine has to stall. An SF SPCA behavior expert shares tips for rainy-day walks, indoor fetch, and mental enrichment like frozen Kongs and snuffle mats to keep your pup happy all winter.

NorSled: Northern California’s husky and Nordic breed rescue

NorSled rescues huskies, malamutes, and other Nordic breeds that end up in shelters after overwhelming unprepared owners. Thanks to generous vets and donors, dogs like Canyon, a young husky hit by a truck, get life-saving surgery and loving forever homes.

Yosemite in winter: Doglicious!

Winter is the best time to visit Yosemite with your dog, when crowds thin and the scenery is stunning. Dogs can walk paved trails to Lower Yosemite Fall and Bridalveil Fall, and gateway town Groveland has charming dog-friendly hotels.

At Tahoe: Plowed trails for tails

Lake Tahoe maintains a network of plowed winter trails perfect for walking your dog without skis or snowshoes. The Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and paths in Incline Village are all great options.

SNO-Park with your pup

Skip the parking headaches at Lake Tahoe by picking up a Sno-Park permit for just five dollars a day. These plowed winter lots provide access to sledding hills, cross-country ski trails, and snowshoe routes, and all are dog-friendly.

What it’s all about, Ralphie?

Wild Blue funds canine cancer research and provides treatment grants to dog owners who can't afford care. Their week-long dog camps at Lake Tahoe raise money while giving you and your pup an unforgettable vacation for a meaningful cause.

East Bay park gets a new name

Oakland's beloved Redwood Regional Park has been renamed after Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt, the only woman on the East Bay Regional Park District's first board of directors. She championed acquiring the parkland that now welcomes 1.4 million visitors a year.

Just beach it, beach it, beach it

San Diego's beaches are a paradise for dogs. Ocean Beach allows off-leash romping around the clock, Fiesta Island offers 1.5 miles of waterfront freedom, and Coronado and Del Mar provide seasonal off-leash access on gorgeous sandy stretches.

Put paws on pillows in San Diego

San Diego offers countless dog-friendly hotels, from no-fee Kimpton properties in the Gaslamp Quarter to boutique spots like Hotel Republic with its Thursday Yappy Hour. Budget-friendly chains welcome pets too, making it easy to find a place for every wallet.

Hop on over to a dog-friendly craft brewery

San Diego proudly calls itself the Craft Beer Capital of America, and almost all of its brewpubs welcome dogs. Societe Brewing, Bagby Beer in Oceanside, and Mission Brewery near Petco Park are great places to start.

Cove Oasis loop, La Quinta

The Cove Oasis Loop in La Quinta is an easy 1.8-mile gravel path at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Best enjoyed in the early morning, this flat trail is perfect for a relaxed walk with your leashed dog.

Dog Samaritans at Westin Mission Hills

The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage partners with Animal Samaritans to host adoptable dogs near the front desk. Guests get to walk and snuggle adoption candidates, and so far 143 dogs have found forever homes through the program.

Why does my dog eat grass?

Nearly 80 percent of dogs eat grass, and most don't vomit afterward, so the upset-stomach myth doesn't hold up. An SF SPCA veterinarian explains that grass-eating can signal stress, sensory curiosity, or GI issues, but is usually perfectly normal.

Saving Senior Dogs Week

Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary has declared the last week of October as Saving Senior Dogs Week. This national campaign raises awareness for homeless senior dogs and funds for the fewer than 40 rescues dedicated to saving them.

Desert hiking safety tips

Desert hiking with your dog requires extra precaution. Bring at least two liters of water, avoid midday heat, watch for rattlesnakes and cacti, protect paws from hot sand, and always monitor your pup's energy levels for signs of overheating.

Homestead Trail (the cross hike), Palm Desert

The Homestead Trail in Palm Desert climbs 689 feet up Shadow Mountain to a giant illuminated cross with stunning views below. Start at Homme Adams Park, where dogs can run off-leash across 27 acres of open space. The dog-friendly Homestead…

Tri-Valley: open space and wine country for your dog

The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco combines dog-friendly wine country, craft beer trails, and tens of thousands of acres of open space where dogs can roam off-leash. Pleasanton Ridge, Dublin Hills, and Del Valle Regional Park are standout picks.

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Dog stories

Dog stories near me..

Dog stories

Dog stories

Dog stories