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.

Rocket Dog rescue 2018

Rocket Dog Rescue has saved 10,000 animals over 17 years, pulling dogs from dire situations across the Bay Area. Their Urban Sanctuary in East Oakland serves as a trusted resource and a lifeline for dogs in need.

Raw food diet: Good or bad?

Raw food diets for dogs come with real risks, from bacterial contamination with Salmonella and Listeria to nutritional deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus. Before switching your dog's diet, talk to your vet and look for AAFCO-approved products.

Rosie’s dog beach

Rosie Dog Beach in Long Beach is the only legally off-leash beach in Los Angeles County, open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For leashed beach walks, the Malibu coast offers scenic alternatives at Leo Carrillo State Park.

Carmel City Beach, Monterey County

Carmel City Beach is perhaps the best-known off-leash dog beach in the country, a powdery mile-long strand within walking distance of Carmel-by-the-Sea's shops and restaurants. Nearby, Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach offers dramatic sea stacks and pink sand.

Fort Funston, San Francisco

Fort Funston in southwest San Francisco is off-leash heaven for dogs, buzzing with canine activity even on foggy days. Trails lead down to a wild, wave-swept beach that rejuvenates human spirits and sends tails into overdrive.

Muir Beach, Marin County

Muir Beach in Marin County is a sandy crescent bordered by bluffs where dogs under voice control can romp off-leash. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with miles of trails and views of the bridge.

Noyo Beach, Mendocino County

Off-leash beaches are rare on the Mendocino Coast, but Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg lets your pup run free on dark sand right in town. Larger Seaside Beach six miles north is another option.

Image from What to do if your dog runs off while traveling on DogTrekker

What to do if your dog runs off traveling

A lost dog while traveling is every pet owner's nightmare. Preparation is key: carry a collar with your cell number, microchip your dog, bring a full-body photo and know how to quickly contact local shelters and animal control.

Be tempted by Tenaya

Tenaya Lodge sits just outside Yosemite's south entrance and rolls out the red carpet for dogs and families alike. On-site activities range from climbing walls to horseback riding, and the pet package includes a Fido-friendly room with treats and toys.

Pet lover. Asian family on the car. Mom and Child are playing paper plane on a van with a beautiful view. Travel to Mount Fuji in Nagoya Prefecture and see Mount Fuji in Japan. — Adobe Images

Road trip tips for kids and dogs

Planning a family road trip with kids and dogs takes strategy, especially when booking hotels. Here's how to find truly dog-friendly lodging, from boutique brands like Kimpton to budget-friendly chains, plus what to ask before you reserve. Headed out on…

Stroller-friendly hikes for wheels, feet and paws

California offers plenty of paved, stroller-friendly trails where dogs are welcome too. From Lake Tahoe's Lam Watah Trail to San Francisco's Crissy Field and the historic Independence Trail near Nevada City, these paths work for wheels, feet and paws alike.

Water safety guidelines

Before heading to the pool, beach, or lake with your pup, brush up on water safety. Not all dogs can swim, and even strong swimmers face risks from waves, rip currents, and pool exits. These tips help keep everyone safe.

Hop on a houseboat with your pup

A houseboat vacation means water, sun and quality time with your dog. Trinity Lake and Lake Don Pedro both offer dog-friendly houseboat rentals through Suntex Marinas, with fishing boats and pontoons available too. Here's what you need to know.

California labradors, retrievers and more rescue

San Diego-based California Labradors, Retrievers and More Rescue saves dogs who need it most, including injured, senior, and mixed-breed pups. Meet Mai Tai, a three-legged boxer with perfect manners ready for her new family.

Russian River runners

Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly SOAR canoe from Healdsburg, stopping to swim and play at sandy beaches along a leisurely nine-mile stretch. Afterward, the town's restaurants, brewpubs and dog-friendly tasting rooms are all within easy reach.

Tips on traveling with a senior dog

Older dogs can be sensitive to changes in routine, so traveling with a senior pup requires extra planning. From packing familiar items and medications to keeping vet records handy, these tips help your companion stay comfortable.

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder

Wild Blue Dog Camp at Lake Tahoe is a week-long summer camp for you and your dog. Activities range from agility and nose work to kayaking and beach yoga on a sandy 33-acre lakefront property.

Dog-friendly campground reservation resources

Booking a dog-friendly campsite in California takes some know-how. This roundup of reservation resources covers state parks, national forests, utility-company campgrounds and private sites, plus a must-have guidebook that details options across the entire state.

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Dog stories

Dog stories near me..

Dog stories

Dog stories

Dog stories