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.

Is your dog overweight? How to assess and act

Is your dog carrying extra weight? Veterinarians use a 1-to-9 body condition scale to assess your pet's health. Dr. Angela Gaeto of Helen Woodward Animal Center shares tips on exercise and diet to help your pup slim down.

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Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue

Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue pulls Labs from overcrowded shelters across California and places about 125 dogs per year into loving homes. All-volunteer fosters provide one-on-one care, and families anywhere in California can adopt.

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From wine to bristlecone pines

A dog-friendly road trip through the High Sierra follows the Golden Chain Highway through Gold Country, crosses Yosemite via Tioga Pass and heads south on Highway 395 past Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop.

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Roam among giants

Most giant sequoia groves sit inside national parks where dogs aren't welcome on trails. But Nelder Grove near Oakhurst and Converse Basin Grove in the Sequoia National Forest offer dog-friendly paths among these massive, awe-inspiring trees.

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Swooning for wildflowers

Carson Pass on Highway 88 near Lake Tahoe erupts with spectacular wildflowers in early July. Hike the dog-friendly Pacific Crest Trail to Frog Lake and Lake Winnemucca through head-high lupins, paintbrush and mountain daisies at over 8,600 feet elevation.

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Have dog, will travel to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County is a dog lover's playground. Walk the coastal path along West Cliff Drive, let your pup run off-leash at Mitchell's Cove Beach, hike through redwoods at Henry Cowell, or ride a steam train at Roaring Camp.

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Preparing your dog for camping: vaccines and tick prevention

Before hitting the trail with your dog, make sure vaccinations for leptospirosis and Lyme disease are current and flea and tick prevention is in place. A vet shares essential camping prep tips for keeping your pup safe.

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Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation

Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation pulls about 50 dogs each month from overcrowded and underfunded California shelters, providing vet care and foster homes before transporting them to rescue partners where loving families are waiting to adopt.

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What to pack for your pup

Packing for a camping trip with your dog means thinking beyond the basics. Cable tie-outs keep your pup safe at the campsite, a portable kennel prevents nighttime wandering and a first-aid kit handles away-from-home emergencies.

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Rules and regs regarding Rover

Dogs are welcome at most California campgrounds, but trail and beach access varies widely by land manager. National forests and BLM lands tend to offer more freedom, while state and national parks often restrict dogs to campgrounds and paved surfaces.

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Top paw-tested campgrounds

From MacKerricher State Park on the Mendocino coast to Pfeiffer Big Sur in the redwoods and Pismo State Beach on the Central Coast, these paw-tested California campgrounds keep dogs and their people coming back year after year.

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No tent or rv? no problem…

No tent? No problem. From dog-friendly KOA cabins near Petaluma and Watsonville to Casini Ranch on the Russian River, these soft-camping options let you and your pup enjoy the outdoors without a full gear kit.

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Canine cancer: Diagnosis, treatment and holistic options

A veterinary oncologist explains how cancer develops in dogs, from diagnosis through surgery, chemotherapy and holistic options like acupuncture and herbal supplements. Integrating conventional and complementary treatments often produces the best outcomes for pets.

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Tails of gray

Tails of Gray in Clayton rescues senior dogs from shelters and gives them medical care and love while they wait for new families. These gentle, calm companions are often overlooked, but they make wonderfully grateful additions to any home.

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Inland bounty in Monterey County

Beyond Carmel's famous off-leash beach, Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley offers miles of off-leash trails, swimming holes in the Carmel River and dog-friendly water fountains. Hikes range from a flat 1.4-mile loop to a strenuous ridge climb.

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Tiptoe through the tulips in Davis

The UC Davis Arboretum offers a peaceful, dog-friendly stroll through 100 acres of botanical gardens along Putah Creek. With plantings from around the globe and plenty of benches, it's a perfect spring outing for you and your leashed pup.

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A fine find in gold country

The South Yuba River in Nevada County is a gem for dog-friendly hiking. The Hoyt Trail leads to a historic river crossing with sandy beaches, emerald pools, and granite perches perfect for a cooling dip.

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Dog-friendly spring hiking in the Shasta Cascade

May is prime hiking season around Redding, California's self-proclaimed Trail Capital. The Mule Mountain Pass Trail climbs through wildflower meadows into Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, one of the rare NPS sites where dogs can roam dirt trails.

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