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.
Winning wineries in Redding and Shasta Cascade
The Shasta Cascade region east of Redding is one of California's fastest-growing wine areas. From the volcanic-soil Manton Valley AVA to downtown Redding tasting rooms and Butte County vineyards, dog-friendly wineries are waiting to surprise you.
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Fun in Hell’s Kitchen
Reader Bruce shares a photo and story from his trip with dog Eva to Hell's Kitchen off Highway 4. DogTrekker loves hearing paw-tested stories from readers about their favorite dog-friendly places in California.
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Headed up Mendo County way?
Sheep Dung Properties offers dog-friendly cottage rentals in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley. Choose from ranch cottages on 500 acres outside Boonville or an in-town rental with a soaking tub, all fenced and dog-proofed for worry-free stays.
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Vet Buzz: Healing, health and happiness for your dog
The Assisi Loop is a safe, non-pharmaceutical device that uses pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to reduce inflammation and pain in dogs. It can help with arthritis, soft tissue injuries, anxiety, and neurological conditions right at home.
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Luxury Gold Country farm visit
Dog and Pony Ranch in Amador County offers a one-of-a-kind farm experience. Your pup can hike 60 acres, swim in a dog-friendly pond, and meet horses, llamas, and mini-donkeys at this property designed from the ground up for four-legged guests.
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Best Friends’ no kill Los Angeles 2019
Best Friends Animal Society's No Kill Los Angeles initiative has raised L.A.'s shelter save rate to over 93 percent through partnerships, spay-neuter programs, and a robust adoption network. Volunteers are always needed to help keep animals safe.
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End of summer coasting with your four-legged friend
After summer crowds thin out, California's Central Coast is ideal for a dog-friendly getaway. From Santa Cruz cottage rentals and KOA campgrounds to retro motels in Pacific Grove and cabin-style inns in Carmel, options abound for you and your pup.
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Say hello to summer on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore
Lake Tahoe's South Shore has dog-friendly cabins, cottages, and lodges for every budget. With a pet concierge service at the Hard Rock Hotel, off-leash beach time at Nevada Beach, and plenty of patio dining, summer here is made for dogs.
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Little bit of magic in El Dorado County
El Dorado County's Apple Hill region near Placerville comes alive in fall with more than 50 farms and a new Hard Cider Trail featuring six dog-friendly producers. Nearby cabins and glamping spots make it easy to stay the weekend.
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Orphan dog 2019
Orphan Dog in Lake County rescues dogs from local shelters and provides medical care and fostering until they find forever homes. Since 2004, they've saved over 4,500 dogs and run free spay-neuter clinics to keep animals out of shelters.
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Vet Buzz: Oh no\! My dog is limping\!
If your dog suddenly starts limping on a walk, stop and let her rest. Check paws for foxtails, cuts, or debris. Common causes range from soft tissue sprains to joint disease, so a vet visit is important for proper diagnosis.
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Lake County dog-friendly restaurants
Lake County's dog-friendly restaurant patios serve everything from cult-following barbecue at Danny's Roadside Kitchen to healthy bowls at Wholly Bowl in Lakeport. Enjoy lakeshore views, casual American fare, and European bistro breakfasts with your pup.
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Lake County dog-friendly campgrounds
Lake County has plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds for summer fun. Private resorts like The Narrows offer full hookups and waterfront access, while Clear Lake State Park has 149 drive-up sites with swimming and hiking nearby.
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Around Clear Lake we go
Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.
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Vet Buzz: Keeping the golden years golden
Dogs age much like humans, only faster. The top concerns for senior pups are obesity, arthritis, heart enlargement, cataracts, and hearing loss. Keeping your dog slim and active with regular vet checkups ensures comfortable golden years.
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Cool it on a Shasta Cascade houseboat
Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, is the state's houseboat capital. Dogs are welcome aboard, and with boats ranging from basic fishing models to floating luxury suites with hot tubs, it's a novel way to vacation with your pup.
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Bass Lake: A pet-friendly, Yosemite-area lure
Bass Lake near Yosemite has warm water, dog-friendly resorts, and vacation rentals surrounded by Sierra National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat, hike to a fire lookout, or relax at a nearby winery while your pup enjoys the mountain air.
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Clear your head at Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.
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