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Dog stories

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.

German Shepherd at a reception counter, collar visible; young girl behind desk in warmly lit lobby, suggesting a dog-friendly venue.

The simple phone script that bypasses hotel pet restrictions.

How to convince a hotel your large dog is a good guest Proactive steps and...

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Golden retriever sitting in tall grass, looking at camera. Example of dog enjoying nature where exposure to ticks is possible.

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...

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Brown and white puppy on left, long-haired white and brown cat on right; center text: “Bark & Meow” adoption, Aug 23, Berkeley.

Bark and Meow Around the Block

Berkeley Humane’s annual Bark and Meow Around the Block returns Saturday, August 23, from 10...

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Corgi on floor, head tilted, licking plate with white-frosted vanilla cake. Softly blurred background.

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...

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Fluffy black dog attends Wag, Wine & Dine 2025.

Wag, Wine & Dine 2025

Mark your calendar for an afternoon of wagging tails, great wine, and good company. On...

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Two yellow Labradors sit on a dirt path by a biohazard sign in a Santa Clara dog park with trees, grass, and illness warning.

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...

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Six dogs, including German Shepherds and a black dog, stand together in a kennel near a chain-link fence, facing the camera.

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...

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Dog in collar sits by black fence with "no dogs" sign; grassy, tree-filled area beyond is not accessible for dogs.

Not every California town loves your dog

While California generally has a dog-friendly reputation, not every town rolls out the welcome mat...

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Three calm dogs sit upright in separate airplane seats, facing forward. The cabin and empty seats are visible in the background.

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...

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Microscopic view of elongated, ridged shapes with clustered, round spiky bumps on a dark blue background.

Leptospirosis: a growing threat to California’s dogs

California dog owners are hearing more about leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that has veterinarians sounding...

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Big Bear Visitors Center

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...

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Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway's Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Wagging tails and water play in Big Bear Lake

As the crowds thin, the air cools and the leaves turn, in the fall Big...

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Fall trails and starry skies in Big Bear Lake

Autumn in Big Bear Lake means crisp mountain air, golden aspens and trails ablaze with...

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Some doggone summer fun

These local indoor or shaded patio spots let you and your dog escape the heat...

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Cool treats for you & your pup

GOCAL has several gems that serve tasty options for humans and their canine companions alike.

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Planning a pet getaway? Airlines just changed the rules

Taking your dog on vacation used to be unusual, but these days, especially here in...

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

GO stroll, (Safely)

Avoid the midday heat and treat your pup to a relaxing morning or evening outing...

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Culinary gems for people and pups

This season, HarborView Bistro & Bar gives first-time guests and repeat visitors exciting new reasons...

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