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.

Marley’s Mutts: Tehachapi dog rescue with a prison program

Marley's Mutts in Tehachapi rescues the dogs others pass over, from giant mastiffs to mangled mutts. Their prison training program pairs inmates with shelter dogs, teaching both new skills while preparing the animals for loving forever homes.

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Preparing your dog for a new baby

Expecting a baby? Start preparing your dog now. A veterinary behaviorist from the San Francisco SPCA shares tips on establishing new routines, setting boundaries with baby gates and helping your pup adjust calmly before and after the baby arrives.

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Dog-friendly spas, boutiques and yappy hours in Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs rolls out the red carpet for dogs with pup massages at Barkingham Palace, chic accessories at Cold Nose Warm Heart boutique, scenic garden hangs at The Corridor and charitable yappy hours at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas.

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Recognizing and treating pain in our pets

Dogs instinctively hide their pain, so watch for subtle changes like withdrawal, reluctance to be petted or excessive licking. Dr. Angela Gaeto explains how vets diagnose discomfort and treat it with medications, supplements and acupuncture.

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5 best dog-friendly restaurant patios in Greater Palm Springs

Finding a dog-friendly restaurant patio in Greater Palm Springs is easy since nearly every spot welcomes four-legged guests. Top picks include Jake's, Spencer's under twinkling ficus trees, Pinzimini's canine menu and Cheeky's famous bacon flight brunch. When it comes to…

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5 best dog-friendly luxury hotels in Greater Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs takes dog-friendly lodging seriously. From in-room massages at La Quinta Resort to pastry-chef treats at Parker Palm Springs, these five luxury hotels pamper pups in style. Greater Palm Springs is all about staying in style—and why should…

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Animal Samaritans: Coachella Valley’s largest pet rescue

Animal Samaritans has served the Coachella Valley since 1978, growing from bake-sale beginnings into the desert's largest animal welfare organization. With no-kill shelters, full-service vet clinics and a pet therapy program, they rescue hundreds of animals each year.

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New park for ranger

Ranger at Yosemite National Park. Photo Credit: Lisa Hernandez Ranger, a handsome nine-month old chocolate Labrador, camped for the first time in Yosemite. Ranger's people let us know that he had a great time frolicking in the river and going…

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Impact: Marin County

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area's dog management plan would slash trail access for leashed dogs in Marin County from 24 miles to just 8 and funnel all off-leash play onto a single remote stretch of sand.

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Impact: San Francisco County

The proposed GGNRA dog rule would ban dogs from most of Ocean Beach, much of Fort Funston, and all of East Beach at Crissy Field. The Park Service budgeted .6 million to enforce the restrictions.

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Diesel & Oliver’s seaside adventure

DogCation winners Ashley and Chris took Diesel and Oliver to Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay, where their cabin overlooked the water and the staff treated their dogs like family. Day trips included Kehoe Beach and swimming at Millerton Point.

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Join the mighty mutt march!

Dog lovers rallied at Crissy Field for the Mighty Mutt March to protest proposed restrictions on dog walking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The march aimed to protect access to Fort Funston, Ocean Beach and Muir Beach.

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Vet buzz: Nail trimming tips

Overgrown nails can cause infections, painful tears and even arthritic changes in your dog's toes. A veterinarian explains how to pick the right trimmers, identify the quick on light and dark nails and build a regular trimming routine at home.

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Humane Society of Tuolumne County

The Humane Society of Tuolumne County saved Abbott, a young Dane mix who needed two surgeries after swallowing a corncob. This no-kill shelter in Jamestown also provides low-cost spay and neuter services and humane education for the community.

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Madera county (south/wawona) entrance

The Highway 41 corridor through Madera County leads to Yosemite's south entrance, passing dog-friendly gems like Queen's Inn with its adjacent winery in Oakhurst, the quirky town of Coarsegold, Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp and recreation-rich Bass Lake.

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Tuolumne County (north/Big Oak Flat) entrance

The Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite runs through rugged Tuolumne County, where dog-friendly lodging, dining and hikes line the route. Stop in historic Coulterville at the Hotel Jeffery or take the scenic John Muir Highway through Gold Country.

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Mariposa County (west/Arch Rock) entrance

Mariposa County's Highway 140 corridor to Yosemite's west entrance offers dog-friendly wineries, charming cafes and a range of lodging from the rustic Yosemite Bug resort to riverside rooms at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal.

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Beach bliss at South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about. Kiva Beach offers a long sandy stretch, Regan Memorial Beach allows off-leash play, and a hidden section of Nevada Beach is a locals' favorite for fetching sticks.

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